Many licensing problems do not happen because an operator deliberately ignores the rules. They often happen because the premises gets busier, staff are under pressure, temporary workers are brought in, events are added, customers move outside, or the business starts operating slightly differently from the way the premises licence originally intended.

A fine can hurt, but a premises licence review can be even more damaging. If the police, council or another responsible authority believes the premises is undermining the licensing objectives, they may call for a review.