Many licensees across the South Lakes are unaware of the major reforms taking place in licensing laws this year and the potential consequences they may face, writes David Collinson, a solicitor at Temple Heelis.

From February 7, 2005, the Licensing Act 2003 comes into force and brings with it radical changes in licensing legislation affecting a wide range of businesses, including: l Pubs and nightclubs.

l Restaurants & takeaways.

l Hotels & guesthouses.

l Off licences.

l Cinemas and theatres.

A new system of personal and premises licenses brings together the existing six regimes and permits premises to supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment and offer late night refreshment.

Cumbria is one the highest density areas with on-licensed outlets in England and Wales per head of population, so these changes will affect a large number of local business.

Conversions of existing licensees must be applied for by August 6, 2005, and those without a new style licence by November will not be permitted to trade. Those that continue to trade without such a licence will face heavy fines and even the possibility of a custodial sentence. Clearly licensees who apply early will be in a better position to use the new Act to benefit their business and take advantage of the potential opportunities it presents.