Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Local Safeguarding Children Board is a “Responsible Authority” in relation to applications for licensed premises and the need to ensure that children and young people are not harmed as a result of the activities of licensed premises in the district.

In practice, this means that when any person applies for a licence under this legislation, or for a variation to an existing licence, a copy of the application should be sent to the Safeguarding Children Board along with other Responsible Authorities. An officer of the Safeguarding Children Board will then consider the application in order to identify any potential risks to children or young people. The Safeguarding Children Board has the power to investigate further if there is a cause for concern and applicants should cooperate fully with this process. After the application has been considered by the Safeguarding Children Board, the Wakefield Council's Licensing will be informed of the outcome. The views of the Safeguarding Children Board will be important when the council are considering whether to approve a licensing application. If necessary, the Safeguarding Children Board will make a formal representation to the council regarding a specific licence if significant concerns are raised that cannot be resolved.

Therefore, all applicants should consider the safety of children and young people when making their application. If, after making an application for a relevant licence or a variation to an existing licence, you are contacted by a representative of the Safeguarding Children Board who is making further enquiries, you should make every effort to co-operate fully and act on any advice given, as failure to do so may result in your application being denied.

Applications for licenses should be sent to:

The Business Manager
Wakefield and District Safeguarding Children Board
Room G42
Castleford Civic Centre
Ferrybridge Road
Castleford
WF10 4JH

If you have any queries in relation to safeguarding children and young people, please contact the Wakefield and District Safeguarding Children Board on 01977 727047.

If you have any general queries in relation to licensing, please contact Wakefield Council's Licensing Office at:

The Community Centre
Cluntergate
Horbury
Wakefield
WF4 5DA