Under the Licensing Act 2003, a licence is needed by anyone operating premises or organising events that include:
- the sale of alcohol
- the provision of regulated entertainment
- the selling of hot food between 11pm and 5am.
You can view the current premises licence register using our online licence register.
Statement of licensing policy
Our statement of licensing policy sets out how we administer our duties under the act.
A revised policy came into force in January 2011 including an approach to the cumulative impact of licensed premises within certain areas of Cambridge. Please read this policy if you are making an application.
Objectives
The licensing authority has a duty under the Licensing Act 2003 to carry out its licensing functions by promoting the four licensing objectives, which are:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm
Each objective is of equal importance. These four objectives must be addressed in every case as they apply to the consideration of all licensing matters.
Guidance
- Guidance notes for licence applicants - includes fees
- Guidance for responsible authorities and interested parties
- Review guidance for interested parties
- Licensing subcommittee hearings procedure
Please note that you may apply to Cambridge City Council for a personal licence if you live within the city boundary.
If you work in the city - but live outside the boundary - then you must apply to your local council.
For further help or advice please contact the licensing officer (see contact details further down).
Other guidance
When reading this guidance, you may need to refer to:
- the Licensing Act 2003 and explanatory notes www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk
- government guidance (and application forms) www.culture.gov.uk or
- Cambridge City Council's other council policies
Advice
You may wish to seek independent legal advice. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that any application is correctly and fully completed.
Any applications incorrectly made may result in the application being returned by the licensing authority, unprocessed.
Any pre-application/pre-decision discussions should be addressed to officers of the licensing authority in the first instance.
Applicants should not approach licensing sub-committee members to engage them in pre- application/pre-decision discussions. Any pre-application/ pre-decision discussions do not bind the licensing authority to any particular decision.
Contact
Email licensing@cambridge.gov.uk
Telephone 01223 457879
Environmental Services
Cambridge City Council
PO Box 700
Cambridge
CB1
OJH
Normal office hours are 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am – 4.30pm on Fridays.
