Guide
Premises licence: how to apply
How to apply for a premises licence to sell alcohol, provide late night refreshment, or offer regulated entertainment in England and Wales. Covers the four licensing objectives, fee bands, and the representations and hearings process.
You need a premises licence from your local licensing authority (usually your council) if you want to:
- Sell or supply alcohol - including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, off-licences, and supermarkets
- Provide late night refreshment - serving hot food or drinks between 11pm and 5am
- Offer regulated entertainment - live music, recorded music, plays, films, indoor sporting events, boxing, or wrestling
The licence attaches to the premises, not to you personally. It remains valid indefinitely until surrendered, revoked, or varied - but you must pay an annual fee to maintain it.
The application process takes at least 28 days due to the statutory consultation period, during which responsible authorities and members of the public can make representations about your application.
The four licensing objectives
All licensing decisions must promote the four licensing objectives set out in section 4 of the Licensing Act 2003. Your application must demonstrate how you will promote each objective:
Your operating schedule must address each objective with specific, practical measures. Generic statements are not sufficient - the licensing authority and responsible authorities will scrutinise your proposals.
For example, for prevention of crime and disorder, you might propose CCTV coverage, door staff at certain times, or a Challenge 25 age verification policy.
Application fees
The application fee depends on your premises' rateable value (the value used for business rates). Fees are set nationally and apply across England and Wales:
In addition to the application fee, you must pay an annual fee to maintain your licence. Annual fees follow the same band structure as application fees.
If your premises has no rateable value (for example, a temporary structure or new building not yet rated), it will be placed in Band A.
How to apply
Apply to your local licensing authority - usually your local council's licensing team. Most councils accept online applications, but you can also apply by post.
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Prepare your premises plan
You need a detailed scale plan of your premises showing the areas where licensable activities will take place. Plans must be to scale: 1:100 for premises under 100 square metres, or 1:200 for larger premises. Show entry and exit points, location of any CCTV, and areas where alcohol will be stored and sold.
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Complete the operating schedule
The operating schedule describes your proposed hours, the licensable activities you want to carry out, and the steps you will take to promote the four licensing objectives. Be specific - vague commitments may lead to objections or conditions being imposed.
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Identify your Designated Premises Supervisor
If you're applying to sell alcohol, you must name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence. The DPS has day-to-day responsibility for alcohol sales. You can be your own DPS if you hold a personal licence.
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Submit your application with the fee
Submit the completed application form, premises plan, operating schedule, and the correct fee to your local licensing authority. Keep proof of submission.
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Send copies to responsible authorities
On the same day you submit to the council, you must send copies of your application to all responsible authorities in your area. These typically include the police, fire service, environmental health, planning, and child protection services. Your council can provide the full list.
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Display the application notice for 28 days
Display a notice at or on your premises for 28 consecutive days starting the day after you submit your application. The notice must be on pale blue A4 paper, clearly visible to passers-by, and contain specific information about your application.
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Advertise in a local newspaper
Within 10 working days of submitting your application, publish a notice in a local newspaper or, if there is none, in a local newsletter or circular. Keep proof of publication.
The 28-day consultation period
After you submit your application, there is a 28-day period during which responsible authorities and interested parties can make representations.
Responsible authorities include:
- The police (usually the most active in making representations)
- Fire and rescue service
- Environmental health (for noise and public nuisance issues)
- Planning authority
- Trading Standards
- Child protection services
- Public health
- The licensing authority itself
Interested parties are people living or carrying on business near your premises who may be affected by your activities. They can also make representations.
Representations and objections
Anyone making a representation must show it is relevant to one or more of the four licensing objectives. Representations that are frivolous, vexatious, or not relevant to the licensing objectives will be rejected.
If you receive representations:
- Negotiate first: You can try to resolve concerns by agreeing to modify your application or accept additional conditions. Many representations are resolved through negotiation before a hearing.
- Modify your application: You can amend your operating schedule to address concerns - for example, reducing proposed hours or adding extra measures.
- Proceed to a hearing: If representations cannot be resolved, the licensing authority must hold a hearing to determine your application.
The licensing hearing
If relevant representations are made and not resolved, your application will be determined at a hearing before the licensing sub-committee.
At the hearing:
- You can present your case and explain how you will promote the licensing objectives
- Those who made representations can explain their concerns
- The sub-committee can ask questions of all parties
- You can be represented by a solicitor or other person, but this is not required
Possible outcomes:
- Grant the licence as applied for
- Grant with conditions - the sub-committee can impose conditions it considers appropriate for promoting the licensing objectives
- Exclude certain licensable activities from the scope of the licence
- Refuse the application - only if it is necessary for the promotion of the licensing objectives
You will receive the decision in writing within 5 working days of the hearing. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days.
Designated Premises Supervisor
If your licence authorises the sale of alcohol, you must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on the licence. The DPS must hold a valid personal licence.
The DPS does not have to be present at all times, but they have day-to-day responsibility for running the premises and are the main point of contact for the licensing authority and police.
You can change your DPS by giving notice to the licensing authority, but you must always have a DPS named on the licence when selling alcohol.
Community premises exception: Some community premises (village halls, church halls) can apply for an exemption from the DPS requirement if managed by a committee.
After you get your licence
Once your licence is granted:
- Display the licence summary: Keep the summary part of the licence on display at the premises where it can be read by customers
- Keep the full licence available: The complete licence must be available for inspection by police or licensing officers
- Comply with conditions: Any conditions on your licence are legally binding. Breach of conditions is a criminal offence
- Pay the annual fee: Annual fees are due on the anniversary of your licence grant
- Notify changes: Tell the licensing authority if you change your address, the DPS changes, or if there are material changes to the premises
Penalties for operating without a licence
Operating without a premises licence when one is required is a criminal offence under section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003:
- Summary conviction: Up to 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine
- Failing to produce licence: Fine up to 1,000 pounds
The licensing authority can also apply to the magistrates' court for a closure order if premises are being used without authorisation.
Temporary Event Notices
For one-off events, you may be able to use a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) instead of applying for a full premises licence or varying an existing licence: