If you operate, manage, or plan to open a licensed premises, you may come across the term Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). These zones can have a significant impact on whether a premises licence application is granted — and misunderstanding them is a common cause of refusals. This guide explains what a CIZ is, why it exists, and what it means. for licence applications.

Receiving a licensing enforcement letter from your local authority or the police can be worrying. These letters often arrive without warning and may refer to alleged breaches of licence conditions, complaints, or compliance failures.

The Home Office has released the revised Section 182 Guidance (November 2025), bringing with it some important updates that every premises operator, licence holder and DPS needs to understand. While the core principles of the Licensing Act 2003 remain unchanged, the new guidance places fresh emphasis on compliance, management standards, immigration checks, and enforcement powers.