The Licensing Act 2003 (the 2003 Act) and associated guidance issued by the Secretary of State and by my Department sets out the individuals or bodies that are interested parties and responsible authorities under the 2003 Act. Members of Parliament and district councillors are not responsible authorities under the 2003 Act and, currently, are interested parties only if they live, or operate a business, in the vicinity of the premises. In addition, if requested to do so, they can make representations on behalf of a resident or a business who themselves is an interested party under the 2003 Act.
In recognition of the important role that local authorities play in co-ordinating efforts to manage local alcohol related problems, the Policing and Crime Act 2009 includes a provision which, when in force, will make local councillors interested parties under the 2003 Act and therefore able to make representations on licence applications and seek licence reviews in their own right as councillors.