Kent Fire and Rescue Service
Licensing and Events Policy

Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Marriage (Approved Premises) Regulations 1995, Civil Partnership Act 2004 and Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as amended (the Order), the licensing authority is required to consult and give Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (the Authority) the opportunity to make representation with regards to public safety (fire safety), before issuing the licence. 

Additionally, under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Health and Safety Act 1976, and Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Authority offers advice to those who organise music or similar events.

The local licensing authority is responsible for administrating and issuing premises licences and cannot impose any fire safety conditions. These fall under the scope of the Order, as this is enforced by the Authority.

As part of the consultation process, the Authority will assess the nature of the application, premises type and the fire precautions detailed in the application and supporting documentation to ensure public safety, before determining the appropriate outcome. This may result in us providing businesses with further fire safety advice and guidance or a fire safety audit may be conducted of the premises.  Where appropriate any matters will be referred back to the relevant consulting Authority.

This policy sets out how the Authority will process such requests.

This policy applies to all employees of the Authority and its customers.