Consultation on new event licensing system

A new event licensing system that works online will make it quicker and easier to obtain a licence, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

And the department has opened the system to a six-week public consultation, ahead of a planned go-live date in January 2010.

Under UK law, businesses and groups who want to sell alcohol, put on live music and other arts events, or sell hot food and drink late at night must apply for either a Premises Licence or Temporary Events Licence. The DCMS has said that the new online system will make obtaining licences for such events "cheaper and easier".

According to the department, one of the main benefits of the online process will be that licensing authorities, rather than applicants, will be responsible for informing the police and relevant authorities about an event.

Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Information will be sent electronically to local authorities and the police, shaving days off the process as well as saving hefty postage and photocopying costs – changes that should make a significant difference to licensees and volunteers alike."