Guide

Apply for an alcohol premises licence in Scotland

Step-by-step guide to obtaining a premises licence under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, including operating plans, Licensing Board applications, and designated premises managers.

Scotland

To sell alcohol from business premises in Scotland, you need a premises licence from your local Licensing Board. Scotland has its own licensing system under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which is different from England and Wales.

  1. Check your local Licensing Board's policy statement for any overprovision assessments in your area — if overprovision is identified, new applications face a presumption of refusal

  2. Prepare your operating plan detailing proposed hours, activities, and capacity

  3. Draw up a layout plan of the premises showing the areas where alcohol will be sold and consumed

  4. Identify your designated premises manager (DPM) — they must hold a valid Scottish personal licence

  5. Complete the application form and submit it to your local Licensing Board with the required fee

  6. Notify the relevant bodies (police, fire service, health board, community council) — they have 28 days to lodge objections

  7. Attend the Licensing Board hearing if objections are received or if the Board requires further information

  8. Once granted, display your premises licence summary prominently on the premises

Operating plan: Your operating plan is a key part of the application. It must describe the type of premises, proposed opening hours (on-sales and off-sales separately), activities offered, and any children and young persons policy.

Off-sales hours: The maximum permitted off-sales hours in Scotland are 10am to 10pm. Individual Licensing Boards may restrict these further.

Alcohol licensing in Scotland

How alcohol licensing works in Scotland under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 — five licensing objectives, Licensing Boards, premises and personal licences, occasional licences, overprovision, and minimum unit pricing.

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