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Licence reviews and enforcement action

How premises licence reviews work, who can trigger them, what happens at a hearing, possible outcomes including suspension and revocation, and your right of appeal.

UK-wide
Guide summary

If your premises licence is reviewed, respond quickly. Gather evidence, propose solutions, and attend the hearing. Reviews can lead to warnings, conditions, suspension, or revocation of your licence.

  • Police or authorities can request a review if licensing objectives are undermined
  • You have 28 days to respond after a review is advertised
  • Hearing must occur within 20 working days after advertising
  • Possible outcomes: warning, new conditions, suspension, or revocation
  • Appeal to magistrates’ court within 21 days of decision
  • Persistent underage sales trigger expedited review within 48 hours
  • Fines up to £1,000 for disorderly conduct or sales to drunk persons
  • Unlimited fines for underage sales or breach of licence conditions
  • Police can issue 24-hour closure notices for disorder
  • Keep records of refusals, training, and incidents as evidence
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A licence review is the main mechanism for addressing problems at licensed premises. If the police, environmental health, or other responsible authorities believe your premises is undermining the licensing objectives, they can apply to the licensing authority for a review of your licence.

Reviews can also be triggered by local residents or businesses near your premises. Understanding how the process works can help you respond effectively and protect your licence.

Common triggers for review

Reviews are most commonly triggered by:

  • Crime and disorder: Violent incidents, drug use, or persistent disorder connected to the premises
  • Noise complaints: Repeated complaints about noise nuisance from neighbours
  • Underage sales: Failing test purchases or evidence of sales to minors
  • Breach of conditions: Persistent failure to comply with licence conditions
  • Non-payment of annual fee: Failure to pay annual fees triggers automatic suspension

How to respond to a review application

  1. 1

    Read the review application carefully

    The licensing authority will send you a copy of the review application. Identify exactly what licensing objective is alleged to have been undermined and what evidence has been provided.

  2. 2

    Gather your own evidence

    Collect CCTV footage, incident logs, training records, refusal logs, and any other evidence showing you take your responsibilities seriously. Positive evidence from regular customers or staff can also help.

  3. 3

    Consider instructing a licensing solicitor

    For serious reviews where revocation is possible, professional legal representation can be valuable. A solicitor experienced in licensing can help prepare your case and negotiate with the applicant.

  4. 4

    Propose remedial measures

    Offer to accept additional conditions that address the concerns raised. Proactive measures (new CCTV, revised door policy, reduced hours) demonstrate willingness to address problems.

  5. 5

    Attend the hearing and present your case

    You will have the opportunity to present your case to the licensing sub-committee. Explain what steps you have taken and what additional measures you propose.

Your right of appeal

If you disagree with the review outcome, you can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days of receiving the written decision. The appeal is a fresh hearing — the magistrates will consider the case from scratch, not just review whether the licensing authority acted reasonably.

While an appeal is pending, the licensing authority's decision is generally suspended — meaning you can continue operating under your existing licence conditions until the appeal is determined. However, for summary reviews (serious crime/disorder), interim steps may remain in force pending appeal.