"'Interested party' means any of the following -- (a) a person living in the vicinity of the premises, (b) a body representing persons who live in that vicinity, (c) a person involved in a business in that vicinity, (d) a body representing persons involved in such businesses."
"6. Blackpool Council's Statement of Licensing Policy does not aim to set a limit on how near an individual/business should be to qualify as an interested party. Each application is dealt with on its merits. The premises operated by Worldwide Clubs UK Ltd (Sanuk) were a matter of 250 yards away. We considered that this premises was close enough to the premises subject of the application to be affected by the licensable activities. Therefore we decided that Worldwide Clubs UK Limited was an interested party and that representation was relevant. 7. When considering whether 4 Wins Leisure was an interested party, we took into account from our knowledge of Blackpool, the distance between the premises they operate (the Syndicate) and the premises subject of the application. We were of the opinion that they were some considerable distance apart and that the Syndicate would not be directly affected by activities taking place at Talbot Road. As a result we decided that 4 Wins Leisure were not an interested party in this case, therefore their representations would not be taken into account."
"The licensing authority has for some years recognised that the town centre and promenade area identified in appendix A is an area where the behaviour of customers of all the premises taken together has a greater impact than normal on the crime and disorder objective. The licensing authority is now of the opinion that this area is suffering from cumulative impact, and designates it as the Town Centre Saturation Area in respect of premises licensed for the sale or supply of alcohol. In reaching this decision, the evidence summarised in appendix B was taken into account."
"5.33 It is for the licensing authority to determine in the first instance whether or not representations are relevant representations. This may involve determining whether they have, as a matter of fact, been made by an interested party and whether or not, for example, an individual making a representation resides or is involved in business 'in the vicinity' of the premises concerned. However, licensing authorities should be aware that their initial decision on this issue could be subject to legal challenge in the courts. Whether or not an individual resides 'in the vicinity of' the licensed premises is ultimately a matter of fact to be decided by the courts but initially licensing authorities must decide if the individual or body making a representation qualifies as an interested party. In making their initial decision, licensing authorities should consider, for example, whether the individual's residence or business is likely to be directly affected by disorder and disturbance occurring or potentially occurring on those premises or immediately outside the premises. Where a representation concerns 'cumulative impact', the licensing authority may be unable to consider this factor and would probably need to examine issues such as the proximity of the residence or business. In essence, it is expected that the decision will be approached with common sense and individuals living and working in the neighbourhood or area immediately surrounding the premises will be able to make representations."
"It is for the licensing authority to decide in the first instance whether or not representations are relevant. This may involve determining whether they have been made by an interested party and whether or not, for example, an individual making a representation resides or is involved in business 'in the vicinity' of the premises concerned. However, licensing authorities should be aware that their initial decision on this issue could be subject to legal challenge in the courts." "9.5. In making their initial decision on the question of vicinity, licensing authorities should consider whether the individual's residence or business is likely to be directly affected by disorder and disturbance occurring or potentially occurring on those premises or immediately outside the premises. In other words, it is the impact of issues relating to the four licensing objectives that is the key consideration."
"9.6 The Government recommends that, where local authorities have chosen to define vicinity as a fixed distance from a premises, they should only ever use this as a guideline and should indicate in their policy statements that they will consider representations from those who live or work outside that distance if they can demonstrate that they are (or, in the case of new premises, are likely to be), affected by disorder and disturbance occurring (or potentially occurring) on those premises. 9.7 Where a representation concerns 'cumulative impact', the licensing authority may be unable to consider this factor and would probably need to examine issues such as the proximity of the residence or business. In essence, it is expected that the decision will be approached with common sense and individuals living and working in the neighbourhood or area immediately surrounding the premises will be able to make representations."
"Should we build the thing for possibly£3 million or shall we wait and see?", it would be very robust advice that said: "