Premises licence

This licence allows the holder to use premises for  licensable activities under the Licensing Act 2003. The new licence will be of unlimited duration unless otherwise requested.

The need to licence covers many types of premises, pubs, restaurants, community centres and takeaways open after 11pm. Some premises are exempt from the need to licence, for example, churches, schools who both provide and benefit from the entertainment offered. For further information please contact the licensing section.

About this service

Activities which require licensing include:

• retail sale of alcohol
• supply of hot food or drink from a premises from 11pm to 5am
• supply of alcohol or provision of regulated entertainment to members of a club
• provision of entertainment listed below (known as regulated entertainment) to the public or club members or with a view to profit  
• film exhibitions
• performances of a play
• indoor sporting events
• a boxing or wrestling entertainment
• live music performances
• playing of recorded music
• dance performances
• provision of facilities for making music
• provision of facilities for dancing       

Activities which involve the sale of alcohol will require the premises to have a Designated Premises Supervisor (see the web-page on Personal Licenses).

Applications for premises licenses may only be made by individuals over 18 years of age. Companies or charities may also make applications.

What you must do

Copies of applications must be served on all the relevant authorities at the same time.

All applications must be accompanied by a plan of the premises showing prescribed information.

Applications must be accompanied by the relevant fee.

Applications must be advertised in the prescribed manner.

Details of these processes are in the relevant documents attached to this page. Failure to comply with any of the provisions with respect to these matters could render the application invalid.

Further information can be found in the Alcohol and Entertainment section of the Department of Culture Media and Sport website.

What we must do

Accepted applications must be processed within 20 working days if there are no relevant representations (objections).

If objections are received negotiations may take place to try to resolve these issues. If this cannot be done then the matter will be referred to the Licensing sub-committee of the Council for determination.  

 

What are the charges for this service?

The fees for a premises licence are based on the rateable value of the premises. Details are in the associated documents attached to this page. An application will not be accepted as complete until the correct fee is received.