I was so pleased yesterday evening to receive the following review of the Licence Review Handbook from a representative of a residents’ group in Durham:
“This Licensing Review Handbook is a hugely helpful and useful text for anyone. It is clearly laid out in a logical order to guide the reader through the process of dealing with a licensing matter from start to finish. The layout makes it simple to locate any particular section and it is written in plain language making it easy to follow and understand. There are lots of useful links to cross reference to and a website for updates as they occur, all very well thought out. I particularly like the fact that this book is so clear, so concise, has many useful tips and guidance and up to date links. It completely demystifies the process of licensing and is a very welcome help for anyone who has a concern over a licensing application or a premises already licensed. This book makes life much easier for us (a Residents Group) as we struggle to safeguard quality of life against the power of the large organisation wishing to extend licensing hours and add new premises. Highly recommended.” (Ms J.G., St Nicholas’ Community Forum)
My main aim when I wrote the Licence Review Handbook was to make the licence review procedure accessible, to ‘translate’ it, if you like, from dry and fusty legalese into ordinary language. 
What makes me particularly happy about this review is that it shows me I am achieving that aim. Thank you!
If you are having trouble from licensed premises near you, don’t feel that you have to put up with it. Find out about the licensing objectives set out by the Licensing Act 2003 and ask your local council to review the way that the premises licence is being operated. It is easier than you think, once you know how. It’s an informal procedure, nothing like a court hearing, and you don’t need a lawyer.
Take a look at the first few pages of the Licence Review Handbook here.
