Licensable activities/qualifying club activities and statutory guidance

Section 1 of the Licensing Act 2003 defines 'licensable activities' as:

• The sale by retail of alcohol;
• The supply of alcohol by, or on behalf of, a club to, or to the order of, a member of the club;
• The provision of regulated entertainment, and;
• The provision of late night refreshment

For the above purposes the following licensable activities are also qualifying club activities:

• The supply of alcohol by, or on behalf of, a club to, or to the order of, a member of the club;
• The sale by retail of alcohol by, or on behalf of, a club to a guest of a member of the club for consumption on the premises where the sale takes place, and;
• The provision of regulated entertainment where that provision is by, or on behalf of, a club for members of the club or members of the club and their guests

With regard to regulated entertainment there are a number of specific exemptions.  In order to assist in determining whether a particular activity constitutes regulated entertainment guidance is available fromEntertainment Licensing (opens new window). Guidance on what activities constitute late night refreshment is available from Late Night Refreshment Licensing (opens new window).

In December 2022, the Home Office published revised guidance (opens new window) under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. This provides guidance to Licensing Authorities in relation to carrying out their functions under the Act and will be of interest to those who run licensed premises, their legal advisers and the general public. It also contains information regarding Magistrates' Courts hearing appeals against licensing decisions.

Contact us

For further information and advice email licensing@chichester.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01243 534740.