The Licensing Act 2005 requires that councils consider protection of children before granting a licence.

It is an offence to allow unaccompanied children under 16 into premises that are:

• exclusively or mainly used for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises or
• premises subject to a temporary event notice

No offence is committed if the child is passing through premises where this is the only convenient route

The relaxation for consumption of alcohol by 16 year olds is extended to beer, wine or cider provided they are taking a full table meal and are accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The adult must pay for the drinks.

Another change is that a minor can be employed to serve alcohol in a restaurant.

Otherwise it remains illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Therefore, as in the case of supermarket check-out assistants, sales can only be authorised by a person over 18 years of age.

The relaxation in licensing hours means that children can stay in licensed premises until a late hour - unless there is a condition that prevents children being on premises after a specific time.