Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the criteria are for the granting of licences to night clubs; and whether the location of CCTV cameras are taken into account by licensing authorities.

Answer: Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the criteria are for the granting of licences to night clubs; and whether the location of CCTV cameras are taken into account by licensing authorities. [197874] Mr. Caborn: I have been asked to reply. For a nightclub to trade under current law, a licence for the provision of alcohol and a special hours certificate must be obtained from the licensing justices and a music and dancing certificate of suitability from the local authority. For a club to be granted a liquor licence and a special hours certificate, the justices must be satisfied that the applicant is a "fit and proper" person, and that the whole or any part of the premises is structurally adapted, and bona fide used or intended to be used, for providing members with music and dancing and substantial refreshment to which the supply of intoxicating liquor is ancillary. Conditions may be attached to these permissions in appropriate circumstances, including those which require the use of CCTV cameras on or outside the premises, by either the licensing justices or the local authority.

Secondary information