Top tips on conducting your own licence inspection

This list is by no means exhaustive and obviously can be amended to include particular issues for your licensed premises.

• Display each page of the premises licence summary at the premises.
• Display a notice specifying the person nominated to have custody of the premises licence.
• Check that the current name and/or address of the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor are shown on the premises licence.
• Check the premises is trading in accordance with the activities permitted and in accordance with the opening and closing times shown.
• Check that the premises is trading in accordance with all of the conditions on the licence, including the mandatory conditions.
• Check that any CCTV system is properly operational and, if appropriate, complies with the terms of the conditions on the premises licence.
• Ensure that all members of staff including managers and, if appropriate, doorstaff are familiar with the conditions on the licence, trading times and regulatory activities.  
• Staff should also be familiar with the law in relation to the sale of alcohol to under-18s and the sale of alcohol to drunks.
• A full and detailed record of all training should be made, retained and repeated on a regular basis.
• All personal licence holders must notify the council of any change of name and/or address;
• Check all stock to ensure that the premises is not unlawfully storing or selling counterfeit goods.
• Ensure all staff know that they are authorised by a personal licence holder to sell alcohol.
• Ensure that staff are familiar with all policies, especially those concerning age verification in order to prevent underage sales.
• If your premises is operating under a temporary event notice, check the terms of the notice.

A simple form showing a tick box, comments section, date and signature by management is a good start towards protecting not only the premises licence holder, but those who could be prosecuted for breaches under the Licensing Act 2003 or other regulatory legislation.