This appeal should only be used if you think your star rating is wrong - if you have made improvements to your business following an inspection and wish to be reassessed, you should apply for reinspection by contacting the Licensing Team.

If you wish to appeal your star rating, you must write to us at Safer Business (Health and Safety), Community Protection, Nottingham City Council, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG, or email safety.enforcement@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.  

All appeals must be lodged by the licence holder within 21 days (including weekends and bank holidays) of the date the licence was issued.

You can discuss the star rating informally first with the inspecting officer to help resolve the matter without lodging an appeal, however this does not form part of the formal process and the deadline of 21 days from the date the licence was issued still applies. Bear in mind that an appeal can be withdrawn if the issue is resolved informally.

Appeals will be determined by either the head of the department, a designated deputy, or by the equivalent in another authority, who will:

• look at the paperwork associated with the inspection
• consider the past record of the business
• make a further visit to the facility (if it is required)

Please note that the costs of any additional inspections related to the appeal will be borne by the applicant unless it results in a higher rating being awarded.  

If you disagree with the outcome of the appeal, you can challenge the local authority’s decision by means of judicial review. You can also make a complaint to the local government ombudsman if you consider that a council service has not been properly delivered.

Where Nottingham City Council suspends or varies your licence without your consent, you may submit a written representation within 7 working days (not including weekends and bank holidays) of the notice to the Safer Business (Health and Safety) Team, Community Protection, Nottingham City Council, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG, or at safety.enforcement@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Upon receipt of the Representation, Nottingham City Council will decide to either continue with the suspension or variation; or cancel the decision to make changes to the licence.

If we do not respond within 7 working days of receipt of the written representation the initial decision is considered ‘overturned’. This is also the case if no further action is taken by the Council within 28 days of the licence being suspended.

If you do not agree with the decision, you can appeal to a first tier tribunal. This must be done within 28 days of the decision.

Where the licence has been revoked, or we have refused to grant or renew your licence, you may appeal to the first-tier tribunal within 28 days of the Notice, beginning with the day following the date of the decision.

The tribunal may overturn, alter, or uphold the decision, depending on the circumstances.