§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements there are to allow citizens, or groups of citizens, to address magistrates in order to oppose the granting of an alcohol licence to club premises, which they consider may be detrimental to their area; and to what extent magistrates have discretion in the administration of these rules.
§ Mr. RaisonUnder the Licensing Act 1964 a proprietary club may supply alcoholic liquor only under the authority of an on-licence granted by the licensing572W justices, who have complete discretion to grant or refuse such an application. Any person has the right to oppose an application for the grant or renewal of a licence and licensing justices will normally allow an objector to address them when they consider the matter.
A members' club, provided that it fulfils certain conditions, may supply liquor under the authority of a registration certificate granted by a magistrates' court. Only the chief officer of police, the local authority or a person affected by his occupancy of or interest in other premises may object to an application for such a certificate and may be heard when the magistrates consider the application. The grounds on which such an objection may be made comprise defects in the application, unsuitability of the premises, failure to comply with the qualifications for registration, disorderly conduct or habitual breaches of the rules and habitual use of the premises for unlawful purposes.