Club premises certificates provide authorisation for qualifying clubs to use club premises for qualifying club activities.  These are the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to a member for consumption on the premises, or the sale by retail of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to a guest of a member for consumption on the premises, and the provision of regulated entertainment by or on behalf of a club for it's members and guests. A club may apply for a certificate in respect of any premises which are occupied by and habitually used for the purposes of the club.

A club premises certificate can not authorise the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises unless it also authorises the supply of alcohol to a member for consumption on the premises.

Definition of a qualifying club

There must be an interval of at least two days between a member's nomination / application for membership and their admission

There must be at least 25 members

The club must be established and conducted in 'good faith' (this involves consideration of details such as club finances)

That alcohol is supplied to members on the premises on behalf of the club

Considering applications

The Council will consider all applications on their individual merits and will follow the guidelines set out in its policy. How the decision is made will depend on whether there are any relevant representations.

How much does a certificate cost?

For details of the cost and how to pay please see  fees and payments.

Are there conditions that apply?

If you are supplying alcohol or exhibiting films the Act requires the Council to apply certain conditions. Other conditions which promote the licensing objectives may be applied based on the facts in your operating schedule.

How long does a certificate last?

Club Premises Certificates do not expire unless you send us a notice of surrender although they are subject to an annual administration fee. The certificate will be withdrawn if the holder of a certificate no longer satisfies the conditions for being a qualifying club. Where this is in relation to an activity it can be withdrawn in relation to that activity.

If the only reason that the conditions are not satisfied is that membership has fallen below the required numbers the withdrawal will not take effect for 3 months to allow this to be rectified.

Notifications

As certificates do not normally expire you are required by law to notify the Licensing Authority when certain changes or proposed changes take place. This must be done as soon as is reasonably practicable. These may be subject to a fee

If the club changes their name

If the rules of the club are altered

If the clubs registered address changes

These notifications should be accompanied by the Certificate or if this is not practicable with a statement of the reasons why it can not be produced.

If you wish to change any of the details on your licence such as

The way you operate as set out in the operating schedule

Change the times or regulated activities you provide

Alter something specified on the plan provided

you must apply for a variation

What do I do with the certificate ?

When the premises are being used for any licensable activity the certificate or a certified copy of it must be at the premises under the control of the club secretary or a member or employee at the premises who has been nominated in writing. A Notice identifying this person must be given to the Licensing Authority. The summary of the certificate or a certified copy of it must be displayed at the premises together with a notice specifying the position held at the premises of the nominated person in control of the certificate. A constable or authorised officer can ask for the certificate to be produced

- Application for Club Premises Certificate