Comment and view an alcohol or entertainment licence application
You can view or comment on applications for premises that have applied for an alcohol or entertainment licence.
You can also view existing granted licences.
There is a separate process to report a premises that already holds a premises licence.
Before you begin
You can comment on new applications and changes to existing licences, but objections must relate to one or more of the licensing act objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- to protect children from harm
Generally, anyone can comment on a licence application which is referred to as 'making a representation' under the Licensing Act 2003. Representations can be made both in support and in opposition to an application.
Only specific authorities can comment on applications to vary the designated premises supervisor named on the licence.
Making an anonymous representation
You can not usually make representations anonymously. This is because we need to understand how the person making the representation is likely to be affected if the licence application is granted.
For more information, view the ‘Representations and your personal details’ dropdown section below.
Representations that we'll reject
We'll reject representations if they are deemed repetitive, trivial, or submitted only to cause annoyance.
We must also reject representations based on matters other than the 4 licensing objectives. For example, we are not able to consider representations based on planning matters, moral objections and commercial demand or need.
It is an offence for anyone to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. If convicted, the offence is subject to a maximum fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
Privacy
Read our Privacy Notice to see how we collect and use your personal information.
Submit your comment online through the public register.
If you're unable to access the online form you can submit a representation by email to the Licensing Team.
Your representation must include:
- your name, address, and personal contact details
- the name and address of the licensed premises
- your explanation of the likely effect that the grant or variation of the licence would have on at least one of the 4 licensing objectives
If possible, also include:
- any supporting evidence you have (for example, a diary of incidents)
- your suggestions of how you’d like the situation to be resolved
Submitting before the deadline
Representations must be submitted to us by the legal deadline, which is within 28 days of the application being made (14 days for minor variations).
You can check the deadline:
- on our public register
- in the notices displayed at the premises
- in the notices of a local newspaper
Representations can not usually be made anonymously. This is because we need to understand how the person making the representation is likely to be affected if the licence application is granted.
A copy of your representation, including your name, street or road name and full grounds for objection as submitted will be sent to the applicant for consideration.
It is important that an applicant is given the opportunity to respond to a representation. For example, an applicant may believe that the identity or location of a person making a representation indicates that it has been made for reasons other than those relating to the licensing objectives.
We will not usually disclose your other personal contact details or specific address to the applicant (such as house name or number) unless it is absolutely necessary. For example, we may disclose your exact address if it is directly relevant to the grounds for your objection such as a shared party wall.
If you have a genuine concern about any of your personal details being disclosed to the applicant, for example because of fears of intimidation or reprisal, you are advised to contact the Licensing Team for advice before making your representation.
If you are unsure about making a representation, you may wish to contact the relevant responsible authority or a representative to see if they are willing to make a representation on your behalf. A representative may include a legal representative, a friend, a local ward or parish councillor, or MP. In these circumstances you would still be expected to be identified for the reasons given, unless there were genuine concerns about your personal safety.
Providing we are satisfied that your representation is relevant, we'll invite you to attend a hearing within 28 days. If you do not wish to attend, we will just rely on your written comment instead.
If we are unable to accept your representation for any reason, we will contact you and explain why.
All representations we receive will be included in a report to the Licensing Sub-Committee. Your name and, the location of where you live but not the house number, unless absolutely necessary, will be disclosed to Members of the Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee. No other contact details will be disclosed.
An online version of the report will be published on the Council’s website. To ensure that the process is transparent and democratic and in accordance with legal requirements your name (but no other contact details), and full representation, will be included in the report. With this in mind you may wish to review your representation prior to submission to ensure you are happy for its content, including any reference to your personal details (eg references to your children or family members who reside with you), to be shared publicly online.
The report will be published online and will be available to the public to view up to 5 days prior to the hearing and will remain posted on the website after the hearing with the minutes of the hearing.
All hearings take place in public either by being broadcast online, or exceptionally hearings may also be held in person and open to the public to attend. This means that if you attend and/or speak at a hearing this fact will usually be in the public domain unless exceptional circumstances apply (eg fear of intimidation or reprisal). Recordings and minutes of the hearings are publicly available on the Council’s website.
The recording will be maintained on the website for a period of 12 months.
Should you have concerns about an application, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with the applicant, if you feel comfortable to do so. You may wish to ask a Council Licensing Officer to assist you with this. If you are able to reach an agreement with the applicant, you may avoid the need for a hearing to take place.
You are entitled to withdraw your representation in writing at any stage, up to 24 hours before the hearing, or in person at the hearing.
We will write to you after the hearing to confirm the decision. If you’ve made a valid representation and you're unhappy about the outcome of a hearing, you'll have a chance to appeal the decision.
A copy of your original representation will be kept in accordance with the Council’s data retention schedule. See our Privacy Notice to see how we collect and use your personal information
Please note that minor variation applications are decided by Council officers and do not involve a hearing.
Current reviews of premises licences
Notice of Review - The Bricklayers Arms PH, 19 Walton Terrace, Aylesbury, HP21 7QY (PDF, 214 KB)
Notice of Review - Nera, 98 Easton Street, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 1LT (DOC, 73 KB)
View the public register for Buckinghamshire Council
Our public register covers:
- all current licences issued by Buckinghamshire Council
- any pending licence applications
Other ways of viewing
You can also view applications for a licence in:
- public notices, which will be displayed at (or near) any premises applying for the licence
- local newspapers
Help viewing or commenting
If you need any help finding venue applications or making a comment, contact the alcohol and entertainment licensing team.