Hall hire policy for the supply and consumption of Alcoholic Drinks in the hall.

The Licencing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 requires that there is a licence for the sale of alcohol at all events.

You are selling alcohol if:

• You are charging for alcoholic drinks at any event.
• If the event is ticketed and you are providing a free drink – even if the alcohol is donated. This is seen as selling as the cost is included in the ticket price.
• If the event has an entrance charge and you are providing a free drink.
• If you ask for a donation towards alcoholic drinks.

A licence is not required when:

• The event is free and drink is provided for free (for example a family wedding or party where alcohol is not charged for).

There is a hire charge for the glasses in such as case (see the tariff page).

The Village Hall Licence

Caston Village Hall Management Committee has applied for and purchased its own licence for community functions. This licence is in the name of the Management Committee and not an individual person. This licence is only allowed to be used when the bar is being run by the Management Committee. When the Village Hall licence is used, the Management Committee is legally responsible for the sale of alcohol.

Any persons wishing to hire the hall with the bar must

• Make a request to the Bookings Officer at the time of booking and pay the current advertised rate for the bar.
• Check that a member of the Committee will be present at the event and is happy to cover this role.
• Ensure permission is confirmed, prior to advertising, that alcohol is to be sold at the event.

In all cases where alcohol is supplied, whether sold or provided for free, it is the responsibility of the licence holder or the hirer (if no licence is required) to ensure that no underage person is allowed to consume alcohol, under any circumstances. If there is any doubt about a person’s age, credible identification must be provided.

The Magistrates’ Court can give an unlimited fine for the following offences under the Licensing Act 2003:

• Sale of alcohol to children
• Allowing the sale or supply of alcohol to children
• Purchase on behalf of a person under the age of 18
• Knowingly allowing the consumption of alcohol on premises by children

A Licensing Policy is set by Breckland Council and enforced by the Licensing Officer, to ensure adherence to the Licensing Act 2003. The sale of alcohol and licences is monitored by the police, child protection and a number of other organisations. The licensing team are very strict on these regulations and have the power to withdraw not only an alcohol licence but also a venue premise licence. Without a premise licence a venue is not legally permitted to hire out rooms.

Without a licence it is illegal to sell alcohol and it must not be sold at the event.