Creative Industries UK-wide

Apply for entertainment and alcohol premises licence

Complete guide to applying for a premises licence for entertainment, alcohol sales, or late-night refreshment in England and Wales - including fees, consultation requirements, and licensing objectives.

Guide summary

Apply for a premises licence from your local council if you want to sell alcohol, show films, or provide late-night hot food. The process takes at least 28 days and includes a public notice. Fees range from £100 to £1,905. You must also pay an annual fee to keep the licence.

  • Check if you need a licence for regulated entertainment, alcohol, or late-night refreshment
  • Submit application to your local council and pay fee (£100–£1,905)
  • Display a pale blue notice at your premises for 28 days
  • Advertise in a local newspaper within 10 working days of application
  • Wait 28 days for objections – licence granted automatically if none
  • Designate a Premises Supervisor (with Personal Licence) if selling alcohol
  • Pay annual fee (£70–£1,050) to keep your licence
  • For one-off events up to 499 people, use a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) instead
  • Operating without a licence when required is a criminal offence
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Related guides in Alcohol & Entertainment

Understanding premises licences

A premises licence is required if you provide regulated entertainment (live music, theatre, film, dance), sell alcohol, or provide late-night refreshment (hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am) in England and Wales.

The licence is tied to the premises, not the business owner, and lasts indefinitely once granted (subject to paying annual fees and complying with conditions).

Step-by-step application process

Applying for a premises licence involves multiple stages, consultation with responsible authorities, and public notice requirements.

When live music doesn't need a licence

Since the Live Music Act 2012, many live music events are exempt from premises licensing requirements, reducing regulatory burden for small venues.

Temporary events (TENs)

If you're running a one-off or occasional event (up to 499 people, lasting up to 7 days), you may be able to use a Temporary Event Notice instead of a full premises licence.

Penalties for unlicensed activity

Operating without a premises licence when one is required is a criminal offence with severe penalties.