One of the question that the Licensing Professionals are often asked is, what is a premises plan? This guide explains what a premises licenses is, and the various elements that need to be included to meet the Licensing Act 2003 requirements.
So, What is a Premises Plan?
A premises plan is a crucial part of an application for a premises license under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales. The plan provides a detailed layout of the premises and is used by licensing authorities to assess the suitability of the premises for licensable activities. Here's what needs to be included on a premises plan:
1. Scale and Dimensions
Scale Requirement: The plan must be drawn to scale. Although the specific scale is not prescribed by law, it is typically 1:100 or 1:50, which means 1 cm on the plan represents 100 cm or 50 cm in real life.
Clear Measurements: All areas and features should be accurately measured and clearly marked, ensuring the plan is easy to understand.
2. Boundaries of the Premises
Premises Outline: Clearly outline the boundaries of the licensed premises, showing where the premises begins and ends.
External Areas: Include any external areas, such as beer gardens, terraces, smoking areas, and car parks that are part of the licensed premises.
3. Location of Licensable Activities
Bar and Serving Areas: Clearly mark where alcohol will be sold or supplied, such as bars, counters, or service points.
Entertainment Areas: Identify areas where regulated entertainment will take place, such as dance floors, stages for live music, or areas for film screenings.
Late-Night Refreshment: If applicable, indicate where late-night refreshments (e.g., hot food or drinks) will be provided.
4. Entrances and Exits
Main Entrances/Exits: Clearly mark all public entrances and exits, including emergency exits.
Internal Doors: Show the location of internal doors, particularly those that provide access to areas where licensable activities occur.
5. Fire Safety Equipment
Fire Alarms: Indicate the location of fire alarm control panels.
Extinguishers: Mark the location of fire extinguishers throughout the premises.
Emergency Lighting: Show where emergency lighting is installed, particularly along escape routes.
Fire Exits and Escape Routes: Clearly mark fire exits and the routes that should be taken in the event of an emergency.
6. Seating and Standing Areas
Seating Areas: Indicate the locations of seating areas, including fixed seating, tables, and booths.
Standing Areas: Define areas where patrons will be allowed to stand, such as around a bar or on a dance floor.
7. Toilets and Sanitary Facilities
Toilet Locations: Clearly show the location of all toilets, including accessible toilets, to ensure they are sufficient for the premises' capacity.
8. Stairs and Elevators
Staircases: Mark the location of all staircases, whether for public use or staff only.
Elevators: If applicable, show the location of any elevators and specify whether they are for public or staff use.
9. Restricted Areas
Staff-Only Areas: Clearly mark areas that are restricted to staff, such as kitchens, storage rooms, and offices.
Storage Areas: Indicate where alcohol, food, or other supplies will be stored.
10. CCTV Camera Locations
CCTV Coverage: Indicate the location of CCTV cameras if they are part of the security measures for the premises. This is particularly important for areas where alcohol is sold or where patrons congregate.
11. Designated Smoking Areas
Smoking Area: If there is a designated smoking area, it should be clearly marked on the plan, including any boundaries or access points.
12. Location of Noise Control Measures
Noise Barriers: If applicable, show the location of any noise control measures, such as soundproofing, noise barriers, or speaker locations.
13. Capacity and Occupancy Limits
Capacity Information: While not always required on the plan itself, it’s useful to indicate areas of the premises with specific occupancy limits, particularly if different areas have different capacities (e.g., different floors or rooms).
14. Name of the Applicant and Address of the Premises
Identification: Clearly state the name of the applicant or the business and the full address of the premises. This is usually included in a title block on the plan.
Summary
A premises plan must provide a clear, accurate, and detailed representation of the licensed premises. It should include all relevant features that impact how the premises will operate, especially concerning the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the safety of patrons. The plan is a vital document in the licensing process and is used by authorities to assess the suitability of the premises for the activities proposed.
Licensing Professionals provide expert consultancy specialising in premises license applications and designing premises plans contact us today for a free consultation.
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