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 

COVID-19 Update - All face to face visits and inspections are currently suspended. Advice is available via emailing licensing.team@breckland.gov.uk

Temporary Structures and Portable Heaters at Premises During Covid-19

Due to COVID Regulations there has been a significant increase in the use of temporary outdoor structures by many businesses and in particular licensed premises.  A number of premises with temporary outdoor structures are using portable heating devices, which have been identified as an additional fire risk.  There have already been a number of incidents involving fires resulting from faulty portable heating devices, heating devices which are incorrectly used or poorly maintained, or heating devices which are used in close proximity to combustible materials.  There is also a further hazard relating to the products of combustion from such portable heating devices building up within poorly ventilated outdoor temporary structures.  Any premises which have an outdoor temporary structure must review and update their fire risk assessment, paying particular attention to the hazards posed by portable heating devices.  Please email licensingteam@breckland.gov.uk if you require templates to assist you with fire risk assessment reviews and guidance documents relating to fire safety in outdoor temporary structures.

Courier Fraud - Taxis

Are you being asked to take an elderly passenger to London, deliver a package on their behalf, or being asked to take them to the bank? 

Operation Radium is Norfolk Constabulary's response to what is termed 'Courier Fraud'.  The offence can be varied but in summary, it involves organised crime groups cold calling elderly residents and pretending to be Police Officers from a London Police Station, The Serious Fraud Office or similar.  The elderly residents are then asked to assist undercover operations involving the victims bank and are being asked to withdraw large sums of cash.

This money is then either collected by a courier, or the victim uses a taxi to travel from Norfolk to London to deliver the money or meet the alleged Police Officers.  There have also been occasions when taxi's have been used to transport the elderly victims to and from the bank. 

Norfolk Constabulary are asking that both taxi companies and taxi drivers are vigilant with regards to identifying these potential victims and contact the police if you have concerns.  If you are concerned this is happening to your passenger, please call Norfolk Police on 101 and quote Op Radium.

Source:  Norfolk Constabulary

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

If you feel unwell or are worried about contracting COVID-19 please refer to the NHS website for the latest advice.

Up to date information on the spread of the virus is available from Public Health England website.

We advise all licensed taxi drivers to take sensible and routine precautionary measures such as regularly cleaning surfaces with sanitising wipes or spray, regularly cleaning card payment devices, and if you share a vehicle, regularly cleaning the steering wheel and instruments.  We would also encourage you to:

• carry tissues to catch coughs and sneezes;
• dispose of used tissues in the bin as soon as possible;
• wash hands regularly with soap and hot water or use hand sanitiser.

​​​​​​ Please see these useful Frequently Asked Questions for more information and guidance around Covid-19

Covid-19 May 2020 update from the DfT with some additional information and guidance for drivers, vehicles, operators and the public Q&A from DfT for Taxi Drivers and Private Hire Operators [388.87KB]. We are temporarily allowing screens to be fitted in all vehicles Please follow the guidance.

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Licensed Premises

We have produced a pre-opening checklist [230.37KB] to help check that you have everything in order for when you are allowed to reopen.

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 [157.42KB] 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.