Licensing News

We use this page to publish any upcoming changes in legislation that is relevant to any of the licences we process which include pubs, clubs, taxi vehicles and drivers, gambling, scrap metal and animal welfare.

We will also advise of any road closures that we are aware of happening in the Breckland District and any other news items that will be of interest to our clients 

Courier Fraud - Taxis

Are you being asked to take an elderly passenger to London, deliver a package on their behalf, or being asked to take them to the bank? 

Operation Radium is Norfolk Constabulary's response to what is termed 'Courier Fraud'. The offence can be varied but in summary, it involves organised crime groups cold calling elderly residents and pretending to be Police Officers from a London Police Station, The Serious Fraud Office or similar. The elderly residents are then asked to assist undercover operations involving the victims bank and are being asked to withdraw large sums of cash.

This money is then either collected by a courier, or the victim uses a taxi to travel from Norfolk to London to deliver the money or meet the alleged Police Officers. There have also been occasions when taxi's have been used to transport the elderly victims to and from the bank. 

Norfolk Constabulary are asking that both taxi companies and taxi drivers are vigilant with regards to identifying these potential victims and contact the police if you have concerns. If you are concerned this is happening to your passenger, please call Norfolk Police on 101 and quote Op Radium.

Source:  Norfolk Constabulary

Free publications for Premises Licence Holders

The British Beer and Pub Association have provided somefree publications for Premises Licence Holders including Challenge 21 posters.

Top lights on Private Hire Vehicles

Please be reminded that no Private Hire Vehicle should have a top light. This is part of the Conditions and Byelaws (PDF) [157KB] of your licence and Breckland Council has the right to suspend or revoke your licence if a top light is found on your Private Hire vehicle.

Electronic cigarettes

We have been asked about the use of electronic cigarettes in relevant premises and licensed vehicles. The advice/information we are currently giving is that:

• While they are not illegal it would be hard to prove that they are not a real cigarette if seen by an enforcement officer passing by.
• It does not send the correct message to the customers and could lead to abuse of the legislation.
• Some businesses have decided to implement internal policies to prevent their use on their premises.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide information when necessary.