Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 is a single integrated scheme for licensing premises which are used for the supply of alcohol, to provide regulated entertainment, or to provide late night refreshment. Licensable activities are defined as

• the retail sale of alcohol,
• the supply of alcohol in clubs,
• the provision of late night refreshment, and
• the provision of regulated entertainment

Regulated entertainment is defined as

• a performance of a play,
• an exhibition of a film,
• an indoor sporting event,
• a boxing or wrestling entertainment (both indoors and outdoors),
• a performance of live music,
• any playing of recorded music, or
• a performance of dance

in the presence of an audience (which may be just one person).

Any premises in Southwark which operate these activities are required to apply for a licence through the Southwark Council licensing service.