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Vary your premises licence

How to apply for full and minor variations to your existing premises licence — change hours, layout, activities, or conditions.

Guide summary

Apply to your local licensing authority to change your premises licence. Use a full variation for big changes like extending hours, adding activities, or major layout changes. Use a minor variation for small changes like reducing hours or small layout changes. Fees are £89 for a minor variation and £100 to £635 for a full variation, depending on your property’s rateable value.

  • Apply for a full variation for major changes (extending hours, adding activities)
  • Use a minor variation for small changes (£89, decided in 15 working days)
  • Pay the full variation fee based on your rateable value band (£100–£635)
  • Advertise a full variation for 28 days in a local newspaper and at the premises
  • Send copies of your full variation application to all responsible authorities
  • Attend a hearing if anyone objects to your full variation
  • No right to appeal if a minor variation is refused – apply for a full variation instead
  • Check your property’s rateable value on the Valuation Office Agency website
On this page

Related guides in Alcohol Licensing

Premises licence: how to apply

How to apply for a premises licence to sell alcohol, provide late night refreshment, or offer regulated entertainment …

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

  1. 1

    Complete the variation application form

    Describe the changes you want to make. If changing the layout, include an updated premises plan.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    Send copies to responsible authorities

    On the same day you submit, send copies to all responsible authorities (police, fire, environmental health, etc.).

  5. 5

    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.