Operating Schedules Guidance

Operating Schedules

Crime and disorder
Door supervisors
CCTV
Bottles and glasses
Radios
Capacity limits
Proof of age cards
Drinks promotions
Drugs
Notices
General

Public safety
Disabled people
First Aid
Lighting
Safety certificates
Indoor sports entertainments
Special effects
General

Public safety (theatres, cinemas, concert hall and similar places)
Gangways
Special effects
Fire safety
General

Prevention of public nuisance
Noise and vibration
Noxious smells
Light pollution
Litter

Protection of children from harm
General
Nudity and striptease
Cinemas
Performance especially for children
Children in performances

Contact

Operating Schedules

The operating schedule will form part of the completed application form for a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate. An operating schedule should include information which is necessary to enable any responsible authority or interested party to assess whether the steps to be taken to promote licensing objectives are satisfactory.

Before considering your operating schedule it is important to undertake an assessment of the impact of the licensable activities that will take place at you premises on the four licensing objectives. A useful method to use is the risk assessment process. This should result in a clear indication of where actions are required or indeed where there is no impact or minimal impact on a licensing objective. Helpful advice on how to undertake a risk assessment is available on the Health and Safety Executive website (external link).

Your operating schedule should include a description of the style and character of the business to be conducted on the premises. For example, a supermarket, or a cinema with six screens and a bar, or a restaurant, or a public house with two bars, a dining area and a garden open to customers. Where alcohol is to be sold for consumption on the premises in public houses, bars and nightclubs, it would also be valuable to know the extent to which seating is to be provided because research has shown that the amount of seating can be relevant to the prevention of crime and disorder. It should also indicate the type of activities available on the premises, whether licensable under the 2003 Act or not.

While 'a performance of dance' with the exception of 'morris dancing' is a licensable activity, the type of dancing, which is unaffected by the licensing requirement, may give rise to issues concerning the steps needed to protect children from harm and more generally conditions which would be appropriate. An operating schedule should therefore describe the type of dancing in broad terms and disclose if the dancing involves striptease or lap-dancing. Similarly, if dancing is to take place, it should be clear whether this would involve dancing by members of the public or by professional performers or both and in what setting. If music is to be provided, it is important that clear indication is given of the type of music to be provided. In the case of passenger vessels, it will also be valuable for the area within any vessel where licensable activities will be taking place to be described. This type of information is essential so that responsible authorities and interested parties can form a proper view as to what measures may be necessary to ensure public safety and prevent public nuisance.

Your operating schedule must also set out the following details:

• the relevant licensable activities to be conducted on the premises;
• the times during which it is proposed that the relevant licensable activities are to  take place (including the times during each day of the week, during particular holiday periods and during particular seasons, if it is likely that the times would be different during different parts of the year);
• any other times when the premises are to be open to the public;
• where the licence is required only for a limited period, that period;
• where the licensable activities include the supply of alcohol, the name and address of the individual to be specified as the designated premises supervisor;
• where the licensable activities include the supply of alcohol, whether the alcohol will be supplied for consumption on or off the premises or both;
• the steps which the applicant proposes to take to promote the licensing objectives.

In preparing your operating schedule you should be aware of the expectations of the licensing authority and the responsible authorities on the steps that are necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives. This does not mean that you must check your operating schedules with responsible authorities before submitting them, but when uncertain, the responsible authorities can provide expert advice on matters relating to the licensing objectives. For example, the Licensing Unit, the Police and Environmental Protection Team.

In preparing your operating schedule you should have regard to the statement of licensing policy published by Taunton Deane Borough Council.

Co-operation should minimise the number of disputes, which arise in respect of operating schedules. Where there are no disputes, the steps that applicants propose to take to promote the licensing objectives that they have set out in the operating schedule may very often translate directly into conditions that will be attached to the Premises Licences or Club Premises Certificate. The steps to be taken should be both realistic and within the control of the applicant and management of the premises. If a licence is granted with conditions attached requiring the implementation of such steps, the conditions will be enforceable in law and it will be a criminal offence to fail to comply with them (under section 136 of the 2003 Act). 

At some premises, it is entirely possible that no measures will be needed to promote one or more of the licensing objectives, for example, because they are adequately dealt with by other existing legislation. It is however important that all operating schedules should be precise and clear about the measures that it is proposed to take to promote each of the licensing objectives.

Below are examples of ways in which you can promote the licensing objectives and could be included in your operating schedule.

(This is not a definitive or prescriptive list but are merely clearly worded examples of possible ways in which the licensing objectives can be promoted)

Remember, what you put in your operating schedule may be translated into a condition on your premises licence or club premises certificate. Do not include anything that you do not intend to do to promote the licensing objectives.

Crime and disorder

Door supervisors

1. Will be correctly registered with the SIA

2. Will display the correct name badge

3. Will carry proof of registration

4. Will be used at a ratio agreed by the Police and Licensing Authority, which is currently 1:

5. A female supervisor will be available if searches are to be conducted on female customers

6. Where there are 5 or more door supervisors, at least one of these will be female

7. Will wear clothing that can be easily and clearly identifiable on CCTV

8. Will be in attendance at the entrance of the premises from ....pm until the main exit doors to the premises are closed, and any time when patrons may be queuing for access.

CCTV

9. Will be installed and working to the satisfaction of the Police and Licensing Authority

10. Recordings will be maintained for an appropriate period of time (generally one month - but to be agreed with Police and Licensing Authority)

11. If the CCTV equipment fails, the Police and Licensing Authority will be informed as soon as possible and immediate steps will be taken to put the equipment back into action

12. A notice will be displayed at the entrance to the premises advising that CCTV is in operation.

Bottles and glasses

13. Alcoholic and soft drinks will be served in plastic or toughened glasses

14. All bottles sold are made of plastic other than those where it is not intended that the contents are consumed direct from the bottle

15. Where glass bottles are used the contents are decanted into plastic or toughened glasses

16. Customers carrying open or sealed bottles or glasses are not admitted to the premises at any time

17. Customers  are not permitted to take open containers of alcoholic or soft drinks from the premises

18. All bottles and glasses are removed from public areas as soon as they are finished with or empty.

Radios

19. We are members of the Night Net Radio System which provides two way communication between licensed premises in Weston super Mare the police and licensing authority

20. The equipment will be kept in working order at all times

21. The equipment will be on at all times the premises are open to the public, and will be monitored by the Designated Premises Supervisor or other responsible staff member

22. All instances of crime and disorder will be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable via CCTV or the radio

Capacity limits

23. We have a capacity limit of .... to prevent overcrowding which could lead to crime and disorder

24. This capacity figure is based on advice from the Police

25. Door supervisors will ensure the capacity limits are controlled.

Proof of age cards

26.   We have a proof of age policy that has been formulated in discussion with the Police and Licensing Authority

Drinks promotions

27. All-inclusive nights or other irresponsible drinks promotions are not be permitted

Drugs

28. We have an anti drug policy that has been agreed following discussion with the Police and the Licensing Authority.

29. A secure facility to store controlled drugs prior to collection is available

Notices

30. Crime prevention notices are displayed warning customers of the possibility of crime which may target them, e.g."bags should not be left unattended", "watch out for pickpockets"

31. A detailed "customer code of conduct" poster is displayed warning customers that if they act in an inappropriate manner they could be barred from all licensed premises in the vicinity

32. Any restrictions on the admission of children to the premises are displayed outside the premises.

General

33. The premises is a member of Pubwatch and a representative attends Pubwatch meetings and participate in all initiatives

34. A person holding the National Licensee's Certificate will be on the premises at all times when alcohol is being served or regulated entertainment provided

35. We have a policy on the management of large groups, i.e. hen and stag parties

36. A secure area for customer's personal belongings is available

37. We provide substantial and reasonably priced food that is available at all times when the premises are open

38. During under 18 nights no alcohol is available to any customers

Public safety

Door supervisors, CCTV, bottles and glasses, capacity limits, drugs, notices and fire safety

We have conducted a suitable Fire Risk Assessment at the premises and implemented the necessary control measures.

All exit doors are easily operable without the use of a key, card, code or similar means

39. Exit doors are regularly checked to ensure they function satisfactorily.  Records of these checks are kept and can be produced on request

40. All removable security fastenings are removed whenever the premises are open to the public or staff

41. All fire doors are maintained effectively self-closing and will not be held open other than by approved devices

42. Fire resisting doors to service shafts, ducts and cupboards are kept locked shut

43. Step and stair edges are appropriately highlighted so as to be conspicuous

44. Hangings, curtains and temporary decorations are maintained in a flame retardant condition

45. Upholstered seating is fire retardant and complies with current fire safety regulations

46. Curtains, hangings and temporary decorations are located so as not to obstruct exits, fire safety signs or fire-fighting equipment

47. Notices detailing the actions to be taken in the event of fire or other emergency are prominently displayed and maintained in good condition

48. Access is provided for emergency vehicles and kept clear and free from obstruction

49. Fire drill and emergency lighting tests are conducted weekly/monthly.  Records of these tests are available upon request

50. All fire exits and means of escape are signed in accordance with BS5499

51.   An evacuation policy will be in place that is to the satisfaction of the Fire Authority.  All staff members will be trained in the evacuation policy;

52. Wall and ceiling finishes are fire resistant to the appropriate standard

53. Exit doors open outwards or are secured in the open position if this is not the case

Disabled people

54. Adequate arrangements exist at the premises to enable the safe evacuation of disabled people in the event of an emergency

55. Disabled people are made aware of these arrangements

First Aid

56. Adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and materials are available on the premises

57. At least one suitable trained first aider will be on duty when the public are present

58. If more than one first aider is present, their respective duties will be clearly defined

59. First aiders are trained to deal with drug and alcohol related problems

Lighting

60. In the absence of adequate daylight suitable and sufficient lighting is provided and maintained in any area accessible to the public

61. Fire safety signs are adequately illuminated

62. Emergency lighting is installed and regularly maintained

63. Emergency lighting batteries are fully charged before the admission of the public

64. The emergency lighting battery has a capacity of ..... minutes to allow adequate evacuation of the premises

65. Emergency lighting tests are conducted monthly.  Records of these tests are available  upon request

Safety certificates

66. The premises have a satisfactory NICEIC or ECA periodic electrical installation report. An inspection is carried out every .... year(s) and a new report obtained each time

67. The premises have a satisfactory NICEIC or ECA periodic emergency lighting report. An inspection is carried out every ..... year(s) and a new report obtained each time

68. The premises have a CORGI certificate of inspection in respect of any gas boiler, calorifier or appliance. An inspection is carried out every ..... year(s) and a new report obtained each time

69. The premises have an OFTEC certificate of inspection in respect of any oil-fired boiler or appliance. An inspection is carried out every ...... year(s) and a new report obtained each time

70. The premises have a certificate issued by a suitably qualified professional confirming the safety of any suspended ceilings at the premises. This check is carried out every five years

71. The premises has suitable public liability insurance in the sum of £ ... million.  A certificate is obtained each year and displayed at the premises

72. The premises have a certificate of inspection for portable fire fighting equipment.  An inspection is carried out every ..... year(s) and a new certificate obtained each time

73. The premises have a certificate of inspection for the fire detection alarm. An inspection is carried out every ..... year(s) and a new certificate obtained each time

74. Any temporary electrical installation being used is checked by a NICEIC or ECA electrician and a temporary electrical installation report or a certificate of compliance with BS7909 is obtained

Indoor sports entertainments

75. An appropriately qualified medical practitioner is present throughout a sports entertainment involving boxing, wrestling, judo, karate or other sports entertainment of a similar nature

76. Where a ring is involved, it is constructed and maintained by a competent person and inspected by a competent authority.  Any material used to form the ring is fire-retardant

77. At any wrestling or similar entertainment, members of the public will not occupy any seat within 2.5 metres of the ring

78. At water sports entertainments, an appropriate number of staff trained in rescue and life saving procedures are stationed within the vicinity of the water at all times

Special effects

79. The use of special effects or mechanical installations is arranged, operated and stored so as to minimise any risk to the safety of the audience, performers and staff

80. Special effects including the following will only be used with prior notification to the Licensing and/or Fire authorities:-

• Dry ice machines and cryogenic fog;
• Smoke machines and fog generators;
• Pyrotechnics, including fireworks;
• Real flame;
• Firearms;
• Motor vehicles;
• Strobe lighting;
• Lasers;
• Explosives and highly flammable substances.

General

81. A suitable evacuation plan in case of emergency is in operation at the premises

82. Free drinking water will is available at all times when the premises is open to the public

83. A chill out area to the satisfaction of the Police and Licensing authority is provided.  This is cooler and quieter than the dancing areas

84. Personal safety messages are displayed, e.g. 'make mine a safe one' poster campaign.  The messages include details of where personal attack alarms can be obtained

85. A 'hot line' to a local taxi firm is available

86. A policy is in place for escorting all patrons from the premises to a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle should a request be made

87. Seats are available to accommodate ..... % of the maximum capacity of the premises

88. A continuous and accurate record is maintained of the number of patrons within the premises.  These records are available upon request.

89. Searching as a condition of entry will be considered at all times and will be mandatory when directed by police.

90. A survey of the noise levels to which customers are subjected to has been undertaken and adjustments made to reduce levels wherever necessary

91. Notices are displayed advising customers that they may be subjected to high levels of noise

Public safety (theatres, cinemas, concert halls & similar places)

Premises used for closely seated audiences

Attendants

92. The number of attendants on each floor in the auditorium is ....

93. Attendants are not engaged in any duties that would hinder the prompt discharge of their duties in the event of an emergency or result in their absence from the auditorium where they are on duty

94. Attendants are readily identifiable to the audience

95. The premises are only used for a closely seated audience in accordance with seating plans.  A copy of the plan is available at the premises

96. No article will be permitted to be attached to the back of any seat which would reduce the clear width of seatways or cause a tripping hazard or obstruction

97. The premises have a certificate confirming the suitability of the design, construction and loading of any temporary seating which is be kept available at all times

Gangways

98. Sitting on floors is not be permitted except where authorised in the premises licence

99. Waiting or standing is not be permitted except in areas designated in the premises licence

100. In no circumstances is anyone be permitted to:

(i)  sit in any gangway;

(ii) stand or sit in front of an exit; or

(iii) stand or sit on any staircase including any landings.

Special effects

101. The use of special effects or mechanical installations is arranged, operated and stored so as to minimise any risk to the safety of the audience, performers and staff. Special effects include:

• Dry ice machines and cryogenic fog;
• Smoke machines and fog generators;
• Pyrotechnics, including fireworks;
• Real flame;
• Firearms;
• Motor vehicles;
• Strobe lighting;
• Lasers;
• Explosives and highly flammable substances

Fire safety

102. All scenery used is maintained flame-retardant

103. Where a safety curtain is provided, it is arranged so as to protect the audience from the effects of a fire or smoke on stage for sufficient time to enable the safe evacuation of the auditorium

General

104. Clothing or other objects are not permitted to be placed over balcony rails or upon balcony fronts

105. No drinks are sold to or are consumed by a closely seated audience unless they are in a plastic or paper containers

106. All ceilings in those parts of the premises to which the audience are admitted are inspected by a suitably qualified person every ..... year(s).  A certificate confirming the safe condition of the ceilings is kept at the premises

107. Where the potential audience exceeds 250, all seats in the auditorium are, except in boxes accommodating not more than 8 persons, either securely fixed to the floor or battened together in lengths of not fewer than four or more than twelve.

Premises used for film exhibitions

108. The number of attendants on each floor in the auditorium is ....

Attendants - premises without a staff alerting system

Attendants - premises with a staff alerting system

109. The staff alerting system is maintained in working order

110. Attendants are wherever possible evenly distributed throughout all parts of the premises to which the public have access

Flammable films

111. No flammable films are allowed on the premises without prior notification to the fire authority

Lighting

112.  The level of lighting in the auditorium is consistent with the effective presentation of the film.  This will normally be in compliance with BS CP 1007 (Maintained Lighting for Cinemas).

Prevention of public nuisance

Noise and vibration

113. A noise management plan has been devised and is in operation at the premises

114. Noise or vibration from the premises will be maintained at a level that will not be audible at the façade of any neighbouring noise sensitive premises

115. Doors and windows will be kept closed whenever necessary

116. All windows are secondary double glazed to minimise the breakout of noise

117. The premises are air-conditioned/has comfort cooling and air filtration to avoid the need to open doors and windows for ventilation

118. All entrances and exits have a lobby entrance to minimise the breakout of noise

119. Noise limiters are fitted to amplification equipment and have been set at a level agreed with Taunton Deane Environmental Protection Officers

120. Prominent, clear and legible notices are displayed at all exits requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and to leave the premises and the area quietly

121. We do not permit the use of explosives, pyrotechnics and fireworks of a similar nature which could cause disturbance in surrounding areas

122.  The placing of bottles into receptacles outside the premises is only permitted to take place after between the hours of ..... am and .....pm to minimise disturbance to nearby properties

123. For the final hour of opening the music is reduced in volume and is discernibly quieter

124. The playing of live or recorded music in garden areas of the premises is not permitted

125. The playing of live or recorded music in garden areas of the premises is not permitted after ..... pm

126. The garden area is closed to the public after ..... pm

127. All fixed plant and equipment at the premises that produce significant levels of noise are fitted with appropriate means of noise suppression and are restricted in there use so as to minimise disturbance to any neighbouring noise sensitive premises

128. A full acoustic survey into the impact of noise from the premises has been carried out by a competent person. All recommendations have been carried out.

Noxious smells

129. All ventilation and extract systems are designed and maintained so as to prevent noxious smells causing a nuisance to nearby properties

130. Refuse receptacles are cleaned with disinfectant every ..... week/month

Light pollution

131. We do not use flashing or bright lights on or outside the premises and any security or access lighting is installed and operated so as not to cause a nuisance to nearby properties.

Litter

132. ...... litter receptacles are placed outside the premises for customers to use. These are emptied daily/weekly

133. The premises has a waste collection contract with ................ who remove waste weekly

134. Staff undertake a litter pick to a distance of ........ metres around the premises every week

Protection of children from harm

General

135. The premises provides entertainment of a clearly adult or sexual nature and as such  access is not permitted to people under 18 years

136. The premises has clear signs explaining the reasons for the restriction on people under 18 years

137. The hours of the day during which age restrictions apply are between .... am and ..... pm

138. Alcohol is not be available on the premises when under 18s are permitted

139. A 'no smoking at the bar' policy is operated and enforced at the premises

140. The premises operates a proof of age policy that has been agreed by the police and Director of Children's Services

141. Children are allowed on the premises, a 'no smoking' area of such a size and design that it genuinely provides a suitable, comfortable area for children and families wishing to be separated from smoking areas will be available;

142. A crime prevention policy agreed by the police and local authority will be in place

Nudity and striptease

143. Advertising of such events is agree in advance with the Licensing Authority

144. No person under 18 is permitted to enter the premises whilst nudity or striptease is taking place

145. The activities inside the premises cannot be seen from outside the premises

Cinemas

146. Film classification at the premises is done in the following way

• U - Universal - suitable for audiences aged 4 years and over;
• PG - Parental Guidance - some scenes may be unsuitable for young children;
• 12A - viewing by persons aged 12 years or older or persons younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult;
• 15 - viewing by persons aged 15 years and over;
• 18 - viewing by persons aged 18 years and over.

147. Immediately before each exhibition of a film classified by the BBFC a reproduction of the certificate of the Board is shown on the screen for at least five seconds that can be easily ready by all persons in the auditorium or, as regards a trailer advertising a film, a statement approved by the Board indicating the classification of that film

148. Where the Licensing Authority has made a restriction on the admission of children to a film, notices are displayed both inside and outside the premises so that persons are aware of the classification

Performances especially for children

149. An attendant is stationed in the area(s) occupied by the children and in the vicinity of each exit

150. All attendants have completed appropriate CRB checks

151.  The minimum number of attendants on duty is 1 attendant per 50 children (or part thereof).

Children in performances

152. The backstage facilities are sufficient to accommodate safely the number of children taking part in any performance

153. All chaperones and production crew on the show receive instruction on fire and emergency procedures prior to the arrival of the children

154. Special effects, including smoke, dry ice, rapid pulsating or flashing lights, are not used in such performances

155. Children performing in productions are kept under adult supervision at all times including transfer from stage to dressing room and anywhere else on the premises

156. Children are accounted for at all times in case of an evacuation or emergency

Contact

Licensing Unit
Tel: 01823 356343
Fax: 01823 356564
Email: licensing@tauntondeane.gov.uk