Apply for a Premises Licence
Premises Licences
Under the Licensing Act 2003 a Premises Licence is required for any of the following:
- Sale of alcohol by retail
- Performance of a play (some exemptions apply)
- Exhibition of a film (some exemptions apply)
- Indoor sporting events (some exemptions apply)
- Boxing or wrestling events (some exemptions apply)
- Performing live music (some exemptions apply)
- Playing recorded music (some exemptions apply)
- Dancing (some exemptions apply)
- Supplying hot food or drink between 11.00pm and 05.00am
Where the premises are to be used for the sale of alcohol, there must be a named person who has day to day responsibility for the management of the premises. This person is known as the designated premises supervisor (DPS). All sales of alcohol must be made or authorised by a person who holds a Personal Licence. A DPS must hold a Personal Licence.
The Council must have regard to the Government's statutory guidance when dealing with its licensing responsibilities and has been required to prepare a Licensing Policy, which explains the factors that the Council will consider when examining applications for licences and for monitoring compliance with licence conditions. The Act, the statutory guidance and the policy seek to achieve four main objectives, which have equal importance:
- Prevention of crime and disorder
- Protection of children from harm
- Protection of public safety
- Prevention of nuisance
Who can apply for a premises licence?
The following persons may apply for a premises licence:
- Anyone who proposes to carry on a business involving licensable activities on the premises. This covers any individual (aged at least 18) or companies, unincorporated bodies, partnerships, etc.
- A recognised club
- A charity
- The proprietor of an educational institution
- A health service body
- A person who is registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 in relation to an independent hospital
- The chief officer of police of a police force in England or Wales
- Anyone discharging a statutory or function under Her Majesty's prerogative
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. When applications are submitted for individuals or partnerships, proof of this right will need to be included.
How to Apply – New Application
Apply online - New Premises Licence
- Enclose a plan of the premises (which must be clear and legible)
- In the case of an application made by an individual applicant and those in a partnership which is not a limited liability partnership, enclose documents which demonstrate the entitlement to work in the UK
- Unless the application is made online you must send copies of the application, the plan and supporting documents to responsible authorities on the same day that the application is sent to the Council
- You are required to advertise your application by displaying a blue notice on the premises for 28 consecutive days and also by advertising it in a newspaper within 10 working days of making the application.
How to Apply – Variation Application
Apply online - Premises Licence Variation
- Enclose the appropriate fee
- Enclose a plan of the premises (which must be clear and legible)
- In the case of an application made by an individual applicant and those in a partnership which is not a limited liability partnership, enclose documents which demonstrate the entitlement to work in the UK
- Return the original premises licence for amendment.
- Unless the application is made online you must send copies of the application, the plan and supporting documents to responsible authorities on the same day that the application is sent to the Council
- You are required to advertise your application by displaying a blue notice on the premises for 28 consecutive days and also by advertising it in a newspaper within 10 working days of making the application