Licensing and Safeguarding Children
Coventry Safeguarding Children Board is a 'Responsible Authority' under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005. This means there is a legal requirement for us to be notified of any new Licence applications or any variations to existing Licence.
Hayley Owen, Safeguarding Children Licensing Officer is responsible for overseeing these license applications and ensuring sufficient measures are in place to promote the licensing objective of 'Protection of Children from Harm'. She will also aim to work with Licensees, if further steps could be taken to promote this licensing objective and protect children from harm on licensed premises.
In particular, premises where:
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There is a belief alcohol could be sold to customers under the age of 18 years
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Entertainment is provided which is of an adult/sexual nature
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Any member of staff has previously been convicted of serving alcohol to a minor or is on the Sex Offender's Register
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Specific activities for children take place
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There is a strong element of gambling taking place
Some of the risks exposed to children on licensed premises vary depending on the age of the child and the type of premises they are at.
If a child under the age of 18 years has been consuming alcohol, it could put them in danger. As their judgement becomes impaired and they are at risk from sexual predators and will not be able to take care of themselves properly. This could result in them getting involved in fights or walking home alone without being fully aware of where they are going or what they are doing.
Similarly, if an adult is drunk and is unable to supervise their children properly on licensed premises, the child could wander off or attract the unwanted attention of strangers. Children are also likely to copy adults, and therefore may taste alcohol, if left within their reach and finish off any leftover drinks - even a small quantity of alcohol could be lethal to a child.
Useful Publications
Risk Assessment - Click here for guidelines for Licensees and their staff about safeguarding measures that could be implemented on their premises to ensure children are protected from harm in all instances.
Good Practice Guide - Click here for a quick checklist to help implement simple procedures for staff to follow to aid in the protection of children from harm.
Licensing Policy - Click here for guidance to Licensees about the Coventry Safeguarding Children Board under the Licensing Act 2003 as a Responsible Authority.
Gambling Policy - Click here for guidance to License Holders about the Coventry Safeguarding Children Board procedure under the Gambling Act 2005 as a Responsible Authority.
18th Birthday Parties - Click here for guidance notes giving a brief outline of recommendations if you plan to have 18th Birthday Parties on your premises.
Also see Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us
For more information please contact:
Hayley Owen
Licensing Officer
Safeguarding Children Service
4th Floor Broadgate House
Broadgate
Coventry
CV1 1NG
Tel: 024 7683 3443
Fax: 024 7683 2490
Email: hayley.owen@coventry.gov.uk
