Get expert advice when objecting to a licensing application

While we work with many reputable licensees who operate their businesses responsibly, we understand that poorly planned or badly managed licensed premises can cause significant disruptions to a community.

Disorder, violence and anti-social behaviour from licensed premises can be hugely damaging to neighbours and other people using the area. If you’re in that situation – or fear you would be if a licensing application is approved – talk to our expert licensing solicitors.

Discuss a licensing objection

Grounds for objecting to a licensing application

Not wanting a licensed premises near your home or business is not sufficient to block a licensing application. Our licensing solicitors will help to guide your concerns towards grounds that are most likely to result in a successful objection.

Grounds for objecting to licensing applications vary between different licences. Broadly speaking, they include:

Applicant not a fit person

The applicant is not suitable to be granted a licence because they are not a ‘fit’ person. This could be because they have:

• Criminal convictions
• Previously breached licensing law
• A record of poor management of licensed premises

Unsuitable premises

The premises are not suitable to become a licensed premises. This could be due to:

• Inadequate layout, safety requirements or facilities
• Failure to meet fire, health and safety, or building standards
• Unsuitable premises for the type of licence being sought

Risk to public order or safety

Granting the licence would create public order or safety problems. This could include:

• Increased risk of disorder, violence or anti-social behaviour
• Crime patterns linked to alcohol consumption in the area
• PSNI objections
• History of trouble linked to the premises

Adequate number of licensed premises

The licence should not be granted because there are already enough similar licensed premises in the area. Objections could be made because:

• There is no need for an additional licensed premises in the area
• The area is already adequately served by premises of a similar type
• Granting the application would exceed statutory control on numbers

How to object to a licensing application

Our experienced licensing solicitors will guide you through the process of objecting to a licensing application in Northern Ireland. This will involve:

1. Free consultation

Get in touch for initial legal advice on your objection. We will advise you on whether you’re eligible to object to the licensing application. There is no obligation to proceed.

2.  Preparing your objection

If you’re eligible to object and wish to proceed, our licensing solicitors will help you to prepare a formal Notice of Objection. This will clearly state the basis on which you’re eligible to object and the grounds for your objection.

3. Serving the objection

We will serve the Notice of Objection to the applicant and the relevant court clerk on your behalf and within the required timeframe.

4. Compiling evidence

Our solicitors will help you to build evidence to support your objection. This will involve compiling photographs, maps, paperwork, witness statements and other evidence that supports the grounds on which you’re objecting to the application.

5. Representing you in court

We will attend the county court hearing to represent you when the licensing application is being heard. This could include giving evidence or, with the court’s permission, cross-examining the applicant.

6. Supporting you after the court’s decision

The court will either grant, refuse or adjourn the licensing application. We will advise you on what the outcome means. If the court refuses the application but the applicant appeals, we will continue to provide the legal support you need.

Why choose H McPartland & Sons for licensing objections?

We’ve been representing our local communities as licensing solicitors in Lurgan and Lisburn since 1949. We’ll use all of the experience we’ve built over the decades to guide your licensing objection.

With our legal know-how and detailed knowledge of licensing law in Northern Ireland, we will build the strongest possible case for your objection to a licensing application. We’ll also guide you through the objection process from start to finish, handling all of the paperwork and legal considerations on your behalf.

Before that, you’re welcome to join us for a free consultation at your offices in Lisburn or Lurgan. You’ll find ample car parking at both offices. Our licensing solicitors will advise you on whether you’re able to make a licensing objection and assess the strength of the grounds for your objection.

There is absolutely no obligation to proceed with a licensing objection, so contact us for free initial legal advice.