alcohol & entertainment

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Licensing Act 2003 saw the biggest reform in licensing law for 40 years.  It has impacted on around 190,000 businesses; non-profit making clubs; charity, community and voluntary groups, and almost the entire population of England and Wales who live in the vicinity of, or visit licensed premises.

The new streamlined system has introduced a more proportionate regulation for businesses, and over time should deliver financial and administrative savings for the retail, hospitality, entertainment and leisure industries.

DCMS has put in place a number of key mechanisms for monitoring the Licensing Act 2003.  These include:

•  A High Level Ministers and Senior Officials Group to monitor implementation and review the impact of the Act;
• An Independent Fees Review Panel to ensure the fees are set at the right level for local government and licensees;
• A review of the Guidance to licensing authorities and police on the discharge of their functions under the Act;
• A sample group of 10 scrutiny councils to monitor how the new licensing regime is being delivered and whether it is meeting its aims; and
• Independent research to establish live music activity in England and Wales prior to and following the implementation of the Act.  

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