Licensing News

We use this page to publish any upcoming changes in legislation that is relevant to any of the licences we process which include pubs, clubs, taxi vehicles and drivers, gambling, scrap metal and animal welfare.

We will also advise of any road closures that we are aware of happening in the Breckland District and any other news items that will be of interest to our clients 

Taxi Drivers - Be Aware of Drug Crime Relating to Children

Children travelling in taxis or private hire vehicles may be exploited by gangs involved in drug crime.  Please take a few minutes to know thesigns to spot

Free publications for Premises Licence Holders

The British Beer and Pub Association have provided somefree publications for Premises Licence Holders including Challenge 21 posters.

Top Lights on Private Hire Vehicles

Please be reminded that NO Private Hire Vehicle should have a top light.  This is part of the Conditions and Byelaws [156.27KB] of your licence and Breckland Council has the right to suspend or revoke your licence if a top light is found on your Private Hire vehicle.

Electronic Cigarettes

We have been asked about the use of electronic cigarettes in relevant premises and licensed vehicles.  The advice/information we are currently giving is that:

• Whilst they are not illegal it would be hard to prove that they are not a real cigarette if seen by an enforcement officer passing by
• It does not send the correct message to the customers and could lead to abuse of the legislation
• Some businesses have decided to implement internal policies to prevent their use on their premises

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide information when necessary.

Fixed Odd Betting Terminals Stake Cut Regulations

The Government has published the required legislation that will cut the maximum FOBT stake from £100 to £2.

The Gaming Machine (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocation) Regulations 2018 were made on the 20th December 2018 and come into force on the 1st April next year.

New Statutory Guidance for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles

The Department for Transport have launched a consultation on new statutory guidance for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Please find the link to the website to view the documents and make representations directly to the Department for Transport.

Statutory Guidance for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing