When a notice is put up or an advert published that a licence has been applied for it will give details of a specific date by which objections must be received by the Licensing Board. Objections that arrive after this date are unlikely to be considered by the Board unless it is possible to show special reasons as to why it was lodged late.

Objections need to be made in writing, and based on the grounds as described elsewhere.

The written objections must be seen to the Licensing Board and a copy must be sent to the applicant for the licence. To ensure that the objector has proof of posting this should be done by recorded delivery.

The objections will be considered by the Licensing Board at its relevant quarterly meeting. The objector (or group of objectors) can attend in person, or can be represented by a solicitor or other appointed representative. However, even if the objector does not attend, the Board will still consider the objection if it is made in the correct manner.

If there are a lot of objectors to a particular application it can be helpful to appoint a spokesperson who can speak to the objection. In that case it is advisable for the spokesperson to have written authority from the other objectors.

Sequence of events at the meetings

Normally the procedure is for first of all the applicant or his/her representative to explain the purpose and merits of the application and why the licence should be granted. Following that, the objector(s), if there are any, will be asked to state their objection, and Board members may ask questions.

To finish, the applicant will sum up his/her case, and the Board decides whether to grant or refuse the application. They may do this immediately or after a short adjourment to consider what has been presented to them.

The Clerk of each Licensing board keeps a register of applications for licences and at the end of each day's meeting of the Board the Clerk will enter in the register the decision taken on the application. The register is available to any member of the public at times and places to be determined by the Clerk of each Licensing Board.