Vessels

The Licensing Authority when considering applications for premises licences in respect of vessels will give particular weight to the views of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in respect of promoting the licensing objectives. Where in the opinion of the Licensing Authority any of the four objectives are undermined, and this cannot be resolved through the imposition of conditions, the application will be refused.

Where a premises licence is sought in connection with a vessel which will be navigated whilst licensable activities take place, the licensing authority should be concerned, following the receipt of relevant representations, with the promotion of the licensing objectives on-board the vessel. It should not focus on matters relating to safe navigation or operation of the vessel, the general safety of passengers or emergency provision, all of which are subject to regulations which must be met before the vessel is issued with its Passenger Certificate and safety Management Certificate. It is expected that, if the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is satisfied that the vessel complies with the Merchant Shipping Standards for a passenger ship, the premises will normally be accepted as meeting the public safety objective of the regime. In respect of other public safety aspects of the application, representations made by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on behalf of the Secretary of State should be given particular weight.