All applications for Grant, Provisional Grant of Licence and Regular Extensions of Permitted Hours are advertised in the local press i.e. East Lothian Courier and East/Musselburgh News, approximately 4 weeks prior to the appropriate Licensing Board Meeting.

How to send in objection letters:-

The closing date for objections is given in the advertisements.  All objections must be received by the Licensing Board by the date advertised.  Late objections cannot be considered.

Send or hand deliver your objection to the Board.

You must also send an exact copy of your objection letter to the applicant, either hand delivered or if sent (proof of intimation) may be required.

If a company is the applicant then send your objection to the address as stated in the advertisement.  If applicant uses legal agent your objection can be sent to them.

You must send a copy of your objection to the applicant at least 7 (seven) clear days prior to the Board Meeting.  If possible to avoid any dispute over timescales send in advance.

Petitions are acceptable as objections – the original must be sent to the Clerk to the Licensing Board and a copy to the applicant.

Every person who lodges an objection will be invited to attend the Board Meeting.  The Clerk will firstly establish if the applicant has received a copy of the objection within the relevant timescale (why proof of intimation is important).  If yes the applicant/solicitor or representative will explain their reasons why the application should be granted.  The objector will then be given an opportunity to state their objection and put forward any relevant points.  The Board Members will ask questions then the applicant/solicitor/representative will sum up.  The Board will then decide whether to Grant or Refuse the application.

If you are unable to attend the Board Meeting, the Board can still consider your objection if all of the above grounds/procedures have been met – but you have no right of appeal to the decision.  You can appoint someone to represent you.

You can ask the Clerk to the Licensing Board for the written reasons for the Boards decision within 48 hours of the meeting.

He will write back to you with the Reasons within 21 days of receiving such request.