Scotland - requirement for Disabled Access and Facilities Statement from 30 March 2018

The Premises Licence (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018 comes into force on 30 March 2018 amending the Premises Licence (Scotland) Regulations 2007. This supplements changes previously made to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 by s.179 Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 relating to the provision of disabled access and facilities statements.

What this means in practice is that any application for a new premises licence which is received by a Licensing Board after 30 March 2018 must be accompanied by the new Disabled Access and Facilities Statement as well as all other currently required documents.

The prescribed form of the Disabled Access and Facilities Statement is contained in the new Regulations, which can be viewed here. Details are specifically requested relating to (i) disabled access to, from and within the premises; (ii) facilities available for disabled people; and (iii) any other provisions made to aid use of the premises by disabled persons. The meaning of ‘disabled person’ is to be interpreted in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

The policy note issued by the Criminal Justice Reform and Licensing Unit states that the Disabled Access and Facilities Statement does not form part of the premises licence and therefore no variation would be required should the details provided change in the future.

For further details, or advice as to how this may affect your application, please do not hesitate to contact one of our solicitors.