Leisure Sector Update: Freshers’ Week: Keep your licence intact

Welcome to the Harrison Drury Leisure Sector Newsletter. Your regular update on legal developments across the leisure, hospitality and tourism sector. Our aim is to keep you informed, prepared and ahead of the curve with insights tailored to support you and your business.

Freshers’ Week: Keep your licence intact

Freshers’ Week is just around the corner, bringing busy venues, new customers and plenty of inventive promotions. This can bring benefits but also challenges.

Check the operating schedule and every condition attached to the licence, particularly those covering:

• Permitted hours and licensable areas;
• Door supervisors and security arrangements;
• Incident and refusals logs;
• CCTV;
• Dispersal, noise and outdoor areas;
• Capacity limits; and
• Any requirements specific to student nights or promoted events.

Also remember the mandatory conditions, including:

• No irresponsible promotions, including drinking games or offers that create a significant risk of undermining the licensing objectives;
• No “dentist’s chair”, alcohol must not be poured directly into a customer’s mouth;
• Free water must be available on request where reasonably available;
• Age verification must be applied. Ensure staff understand Challenge 25 and know which forms of identification are acceptable; and
• Smaller measures must be available and customers must be made aware of them.

We have a team of solicitors across a range of legal disciplines all with significant experience in supporting businesses in the leisure sector. Meet our leisure sector team to see how our team can help support you. If you wish to subscribe to our leisure newsletter, please do so here.

Samantha Faud