SIA Door Licensing Law 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'premises licence' under the Licensing Act 2003?
- A licence that allows a person to sell alcohol anywhere
- A licence authorising the use of specific premises for licensable activities (Correct answer)
- A licence issued to individual door supervisors
- A building safety certificate
Correct answer: A licence authorising the use of specific premises for licensable activities
A premises licence authorises specific premises to carry out licensable activities such as the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment.
Question 2: What is a 'Temporary Event Notice' (TEN)?
- A fire evacuation notice
- A notice given to the licensing authority for a temporary licensable activity (Correct answer)
- A warning issued by the police
- A temporary closure notice
Correct answer: A notice given to the licensing authority for a temporary licensable activity
A TEN is a notice given to the local licensing authority that permits temporary licensable activities (such as selling alcohol) at premises that do not hold a premises licence, or for activities not covered by an existing licence.
Question 3: Who has the power to review a premises licence?
- Only the police
- The licensing authority, following an application from a responsible authority or interested party (Correct answer)
- The premises owner only
- Only the Home Secretary
Correct answer: The licensing authority, following an application from a responsible authority or interested party
The licensing authority can review a premises licence following an application from a responsible authority (police, fire service, etc.) or an interested party (local residents, businesses). This can result in conditions being added or the licence being revoked.
Question 4: What is the penalty for a door supervisor working without a valid SIA licence?
- A verbal warning
- A fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment (Correct answer)
- Loss of their driving licence
- Community service only
Correct answer: A fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor without a valid SIA licence, punishable by a fine and/or up to 6 months imprisonment.
Question 5: What does 'due diligence' mean in the context of licensing law?
- Keeping the venue clean
- Taking all reasonable steps and exercising all due care to prevent offences being committed (Correct answer)
- Paying all taxes on time
- Having insurance
Correct answer: Taking all reasonable steps and exercising all due care to prevent offences being committed
Due diligence is a defence available to licence holders showing they took all reasonable steps to prevent an offence (e.g., serving underage customers). It requires evidence of policies, training, and consistent enforcement.
Question 6: What is a 'closure order' in relation to licensed premises?
- An order to close a bank account
- An order issued by the police or magistrates to close premises associated with disorder or nuisance (Correct answer)
- An order to close the kitchen
- An order to reduce opening hours by one hour
Correct answer: An order issued by the police or magistrates to close premises associated with disorder or nuisance
A closure order can be issued by the police or magistrates' court to close premises that are associated with disorder, nuisance, or the use of drugs. It can last up to 48 hours initially.
SIA Door Licensing Law 2
What is a 'premises licence' under the Licensing Act 2003?