Apply for entertainment and alcohol premises licence

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).

Premises Licence for Entertainment

Licensing requirements for regulated entertainment under Licensing Act 2003

Regulated entertainment includes: Live music, recorded music (in certain circumstances), theatre, film screenings, indoor sporting events, boxing/wrestling, dance performances
Who regulates: Local licensing authority (your council)
Application fee: £100 to £1,905 (based on premises rateable value)
Annual fee: £70 to £1,050 (based on premises rateable value)
Licence duration: No expiry (once granted, lasts indefinitely if annual fee paid)
Application processing time: Minimum 28 days (consultation period)
Four licensing objectives: Prevention of crime/disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm

Step-by-step application process

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

How to Apply for Premises Licence

Step-by-step process for obtaining premises licence for entertainment

Check if you need a licence: You need a premises licence if you provide regulated entertainment (live music, theatre, dance, film), sell alcohol, or provide late-night refreshment (hot food/drink 11pm-5am). Some exemptions apply.
Identify your licensing authority: Contact your local council's licensing department. Find them via gov.uk/apply-for-a-licence or your council website.
Prepare application documents: You need: completed application form, premises plan (1:100 scale), operating schedule (how you'll meet 4 licensing objectives), and application fee based on premises rateable value (£100-£1,905).
Designate Premises Supervisor (if selling alcohol): If applying to sell alcohol, you must name a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a Personal Licence. The DPS is responsible for alcohol sales.
Submit application and pay fee: Submit application to your licensing authority. Pay fee based on premises rateable value. Fees range from £100 (rateable value up to £4,300) to £1,905 (rateable value £125,000+).
Display public notice: Display A4 pale blue notice at premises for 28 consecutive days. Notice must be readable from outside the premises and include application details and how to make representations.
Advertise in local newspaper: Place advertisement in local newspaper within 10 working days of application. Advertisement must include same details as public notice.
Wait for consultation period: 28-day consultation period allows responsible authorities (police, fire, environmental health) and public to make representations (objections or comments).
Attend hearing if needed: If representations are received, licensing committee will hold hearing. You can present your case and respond to objections. If no representations, licence granted automatically.
Receive licence decision: Licensing authority will grant licence (with or without conditions), grant with modifications, or refuse. Reasons provided for any refusal. Appeal process available.
Pay annual fee: Once granted, pay annual fee (£70-£1,050 based on rateable value) to maintain licence. Failure to pay annual fee can result in suspension.

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.

Live Music Licensing Exemptions

When you don't need a licence for live music

Live Music Act 2012: Deregulated live music in many circumstances
Exempt capacity: Up to 500 people (audience)
Exempt hours: Between 08:00 and 23:00
Applies to: Live unamplified music and amplified live music on alcohol-licensed premises
Workplace music: Incidental music for employees (no audience) does not need licence
Community premises: Village halls, church halls, community centres have extended exemptions
Film soundtracks: Music incidental to film screening is exempt if film is licensed

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.

How to Apply for Temporary Event Notice

Process for obtaining TEN for temporary events

Check if TEN is suitable: TENs are for temporary events with up to 499 people, lasting up to 7 days. If you need more capacity or longer duration, you need a premises licence or variation.
Download TEN form: Get form from your local council or gov.uk/temporary-events-notice. You can give a standard TEN (10+ working days notice) or late TEN (5-9 working days, but can be refused more easily).
Complete TEN form: Provide: your details (premises user), event location and description, licensable activities planned, dates and times, estimated attendance (max 499), and confirmation you're over 18.
Submit TEN and pay fee: Submit completed form to your council's licensing department at least 10 working days before the event. Pay £21 fee. Keep proof of submission.
Serve notice on police and environmental health: Simultaneously send copies of TEN to local police and environmental health authority. Must be same day as council submission. Use recorded delivery or hand deliver with receipt.
Wait for objections period: Police and environmental health have 3 working days to object on grounds of licensing objectives. If no objections, you can proceed. If objections, council may impose conditions or refuse.
Attend hearing if objections: If police or environmental health object, licensing authority will hold hearing. You can withdraw TEN, accept conditions, or argue against objections.
Proceed with event if approved: If no objections or hearing approves TEN, you can conduct licensable activities as specified. Keep copy of TEN at event. TEN does not need to be displayed.

Penalties for unlicensed activity

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

Penalties for Operating Without Premises Licence

Consequences of conducting licensable activities without proper licence

Carrying on licensable activity without licence: Criminal offence: unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months prison
Maximum penalty (Crown Court): Unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months prison (summary conviction)
Breach of licence conditions: Criminal offence: fine and/or prison, plus licence review
Who enforces: Local authority licensing officers, police, trading standards
Licence review consequences: Licence can be suspended, conditions added, or revoked
Closure powers: Police can issue closure notice for up to 24 hours if disorder/nuisance

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Understanding premises licences

Step-by-step application process

When live music doesn't need a licence

Temporary events (TENs)

Penalties for unlicensed activity

Related guides in Alcohol & Entertainment

Understanding premises licences

Step-by-step application process

When live music doesn't need a licence

Temporary events (TENs)

Penalties for unlicensed activity