Premises Licence
For an application form for a new Premises Licence please see attached documentson this page. Other types of application form are available from the Licensing Section. When determining applications and reviews, the Council will take account of its policy (please see attached documents on this page).
Frequently asked questions:
Why do I need a licence?
To provide late night refreshment or regulated entertainment, or sell alcohol, you need a licence from the local authority if you are in England and Wales.
What will I have to do?
A summary of the regulations relating to this licence is available under external links on this page.
What does the application process involve?
Applications must be sent to the licensing authority for the area where the premises are located.
Applications must be in a specific format and be accompanied by a required fee, an operating schedule, a plan of the premises and a form of consent from the premises supervisor (for applications where the sale of alcohol will be a licensable activity).
What does the evaluation process involve?
An operating schedule will include details of:
- the licensable activities
- the times when the activities will take place
- any other times when the premises will be open to the public
- in the case of applicants who wish to have a limited licence, the period the licence is required for
- information in respect of the premises supervisor
- whether any alcohol that is to be sold is for consumption on or off the premises or both
- the steps proposed to be taken to promote the licensing objectives
- any other required information
The licensing authority must grant the application, which can be subject to conditions. A hearing must be held if any representations are made in respect of the application. If a hearing is held the licence can be granted or granted subject to additional conditions, licensable activities listed in the application can be excluded or the application can be rejected.
The licensing authority will serve a notice of its decision on the applicant, any person who has made relevant representations (i.e. representations that were not deemed frivolous or vexatious) and the chief of police.
Applications can also be made to vary or transfer a licence. A hearing may have to be heard if representations are made.
Other applications that can be made are applications for an interim authority notice following the death, incapacity or insolvency of a licence holder.
Will Tacit Consent apply?
Yes. this means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period of 56 calendar days (for new or variation applications).
Can I make my application online?
Yes - please see external links on this page.
What can I do if my application fails?
Please contact your local authority in the first instance. If an application for a licence is refused the applicant can appeal. Appeals are made to the local Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notice of the decision.
What can I do if I am unhappy about the licence conditions?
A licence holder may appeal against any conditions attached to a licence, a decision to reject a variation application, a decision to reject a transfer application or a decision to exclude an activity or person as premises supervisor.
Appeals are made direct to the local Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notice of the decision.
How can I make a complaint?
Any person living or involved in a business in the Borough that might be affected by the Premises or responsible authority may apply to the licensing authority to review the premises licence. A hearing will be held by the licensing authority.
Appeals are made to the local Magistrates' Court within 21 days of the notice of decision.
Are there other types of redress?
The Chief Police officer for the police area where the premises are located can apply to the licensing authority for a review of the licence if the premises are licensed to sell alcohol by retail, and a senior officer has given a certificate that they are of the opinion that the premises are associated with either serious crime or disorder or both. A hearing will be held and the licence holder and other interested parties may make representations.
A Chief Police officer can give a notice to the licensing authority if they believe that the transfer of a licence to another, under a variation application could undermine crime prevention objectives. Such a notice must be given within 14 days of receiving notification of the application.
Any person living or involved in a business in the Borough that might be affected by the Premises or responsible body may make representations in relation to a licence application or request the licensing body to review a licence. A hearing will be held by the licensing authority.
Any person living or involved in a business in the Borough that might be affected by the Premises or responsible authority who made relevant representations may appeal against the granting of a licence or against any condition, variation, licensable activity or premises supervisor decisions.
Appeals are made to the local Magistrates' Court within 21 days of notice of the decision.
Are there any trade associations?
See external links on this page.
Burger vans and other mobile food vendors
If you are operating a burger van or similar mobile unit which trades from a fixed location and you will be providing hot food and/or hot drink at any time between 2300 and 0500 hours you will also need to separately apply for a Street Trading Consent if you are trading on or adjacent to any highway. For further information please click here