Licensing Standards Officer (LSO)
Every Licensing Board must have at least one Licensing Standards Officer (LSO). The LSO can be a useful resource for businesses and members of the public alike.
The role of the LSO is defined within the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. They must:
- Provide information and guidance regarding the operation of the Act.
- Supervise licence holders in the area to ensure compliance with the terms of their licences.
- Provide mediation to resolve disputes or disagreements between Licensed Premises and others, including members of the public.
The LSO has a right to inspect licenced premises and it is a criminal offence to obstruct the LSO on purpose or fail, without reasonable excuse, to assist an LSO when requested to do so or provide information or documents on request.
The LSO can issue notices to licence holders requiring them to comply with their licence and, if not complied with, issue review proceedings.
If you would like further advice regarding the role of the LSO or if you have queries about advice given to you be your LSO we can help. As one of the largest specialist licensing solicitors in the UK, we can represent you in front of the authorities and help minimise any potential damage to your licence and business.
Glossary
Licensed Premises
A licence issued pursuant to the Licensing Act 2003 or Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 as appropriate, authorising a defined area to be used for one or more licensable activity.
Licensing Board
The local authority in whose area the premises are situated or you live.
Licensing Standards Officer (LSO)
A Local Authority Officer carrying on the statutory role created by s.13 of Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Each Licensing Board must have at least one LSO per area although a single LSO can discharge the duty for multiple Licensing Board Areas.