Policy consultation on 'general attendance' requirements under the Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Act 2021

Overview

The Department of Home Affairs is undertaking public policy consultation around potential change to the 'general attendance' requirements for Licensees and Responsible People. These are presently set out at section 24 Licensee or responsible person to be on licensed premises at all times of the Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Act 2021 and supplemented by regulation 40 Presence on premises: exceptions of the Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Regulations 2022.

'General attendance' refers to legal requirements around the person or people responsible and accountable for operating a licensed premises (on-licence, off-licence, restaurant, club, etc) whenever that premises is open to the general public for sale or consumption of alcohol.

The consultation documents sets out the proposals for consideration. To ensure that the consultation content is accessible, detail around the proposals has been highlighted wherever possible.

Prior to this consultation, the Department has undertaken initial discussions with stakeholders to understand the appropriate options to be consulted on.

Consultees are also invited to keep up to date with the Department of Home Affairs Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Act 2021 Implementation Plan 2022 available on our Legislation page on gov.im, which sets out wider changes to be made to liquor and public entertainment licensing. The implementation plan is a 'living document', allowing for amendments and updates to be meaningfully recorded and published, such that the licensed hospitality industry may remain up to date with any upcoming changes proposed to be made by the Department.

Why your views matter

When the Department initially consulted on the draft Liquor Licensing and Public Entertainments Regulations in 2022, limited feedback was received around 'general attendance' matters. However, since the implementation of the new licensing framework, the Department has received extensive feedback that the practical application of the provisions is making it difficult for Licensees and Responsible Persons to comply with the law.

We are particularly interested to receive feedback from those who are impacted by the present 'general attendance' requirements, and want your input on the proposals being consulted on, so that we can understand the views of individuals, businesses and key stakeholders and explore what any changes might mean for you. We also welcome the views of all interested parties. We are committed to open public consultation, and any proposed changes will only be made following careful and considered engagement with key stakeholders and interested parties.

We would encourage consultees to read the proposals and make any comments or suggestions within the consultation response questionnaire. Additional space is contained within the questionnaire to provide a section in which consultees can make general comments which may not directly correspond to the proposals as detailed.

Responding to this consultation

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to GeneralEnquiries.DHA@gov.im or post it to:

Summer Patrick
Business Support Officer 
DHA Headquarters Building  
Tromode Road  
Douglas  
Isle of Man
IM2 5PA

Alternative formats

The Department is committed to equal opportunities and our aim is to make our documents easy to use and accessible to all. 

We will take steps to accommodate any reasonable adjustments and provide such assistance as you may reasonably require to enable you to access or reply to this consultation.

If you would like to receive this document in another format or need assistance with accessing or replying to this consultation, please email GeneralEnquiries.DHA@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 694305.

What happens next

A detailed Summary of Responses to this consultation will be produced and provided on the Consultation Hub in the weeks following the conclusion of this consultation. This will allow the Department to consider the responses and provide 'We asked, You said, We did' commentary.

We will review the results from the consultation which will be used to inform the final version of any Amendment Regulations, which will then be consulted on separately in due course.

If you wish to be informed as to when the future public consultation on any Amendment Regulations is live, please contact the Department via the details on the top right of this page.