Guide
Vary your premises licence
How to apply for full and minor variations to your existing premises licence — change hours, layout, activities, or conditions.
To change your premises licence, apply for a full variation for major changes like extending hours or altering layout (£100-£635 fee, 28-day process), or a minor variation for small changes (£89 fee, 15-day process).
- Apply for a full variation for major changes (£100-£635)
- Apply for a minor variation for small changes (£89)
- Full variation requires a 28-day consultation
- Minor variation decided in 15 working days
- Display notice at premises for full variation
- Send copies to authorities on submission day
- Attend hearing if objections for full variation
- Cannot appeal minor variation refusal
- Transfer/DPS variation fee: £23
- Check rateable value forsqrt number thing
If you need to change your premises licence — for example, extending hours, adding activities, or altering the layout — you must apply for a variation. There are two types: a full variation for significant changes, and a minor variation for small, non-contentious changes.
Full variation process
-
Complete the variation application form
Describe the changes you want to make. If changing the layout, include an updated premises plan.
-
Submit with the correct fee
The full variation fee is the same as the original application fee for your rateable value band (£100-£635). Submit to your local licensing authority.
-
Advertise the variation for 28 days
Display a notice at the premises and place an advertisement in a local newspaper, just as you did for the original application.
-
Send copies to responsible authorities
On the same day you submit, send copies to all responsible authorities (police, fire, environmental health, etc.).
-
Attend a hearing if representations are made
If objections are received during the 28-day consultation period, the licensing authority will hold a hearing. You can negotiate conditions to resolve objections beforehand.
Minor variation process
A minor variation is simpler, cheaper, and faster. It costs £89 and is decided within 15 working days with no hearing.
Use a minor variation for:
- Small changes to the premises layout (not affecting capacity or access)
- Adding conditions that promote the licensing objectives
- Reducing hours or removing licensable activities
You cannot use a minor variation to extend hours or add new licensable activities — you need a full variation for those changes.
No right of appeal: If a minor variation is refused, you cannot appeal — you must apply for a full variation instead.