Safeguarding and Licensed Premises

The Licensing Act 2003 states that children will normally have access to licensed premises unless there is a clear need them to be excluded. The LSCP is a "responsible authority" under the Licensing Act, in practical terms, this means that all licensed premises must be able to demonstrate that children are safeguarded and appropriate measures are in place to avoid exposing them to risks; either through contact with inappropriate people, exposure to adult entertainment, consumption of drink or drugs and gambling.

There is separate legislation with regard to gambling contained in the Gambling Act 2005, which places a similar duty on responsible authorities to safeguard children.

This legislation encompasses children until their 18th birthday including customers, those working at the premises, those involved in the provision of performance/entertainment and those visiting or living at licensed premises.

The risks are variable, depending on the type of activity taking place and the age of the children, but will include the following:

• Underage drinking;
• Behaviour adults who are drunk, which may pose a risk if they are unable to supervise their children;
• Adults (customers and staff) who pose a risk to children;
• Entertainment which is of an adult or sexual nature;
• Gambling.

The responsibility is on the licensee to identify potential risks and to put in place control measures in order to safeguard children and prevent their exploitation.

Licensing authorities must also consider the need to protect children from sexual exploitation when undertaking licensing functions.

Under this legislation, it is the responsibility of the licensee to demonstrate that children and young people are adequately protected on their premises.  Complaints and/or child protection referrals will be forwarded to the licensing officer who will usually contact the licensee to discuss the steps necessary to avoid a recurrence.

In most cases, the LSCP work in partnership with the licensed trade to assist them in operating a safe business. The licensing officer of the LSCP can advise on specific issues, provide training and will provide a template risk assessment tool to assist the licensee in identifying risks and putting in place the necessary steps to reduce risk.

If necessary the LSCP can use the licensing legislation to make an application to review a licence which can result in the licence conditions being modified to restrict children's access, a change to the premises management or the licence being suspended or revoked.

This legislation is essentially preventative; and designed to ensure licensees have thought through the possible risks and taken clear steps to address these as part of their licence application. The role of the LSCP is to ensure that each applicant demonstrates how they intend to protect children from harm.  In specific instances where there is an allegation of child abuse, the core procedures would be followed regardless of where the incident occurred.

The scope of this legislation is wide ranging; potentially covering the provision of CCTV to the implementation of safe recruitment practices.

Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children: LICENSING ACT 2003: Guidance for License Applicants.