A premises licence allows the holder to use specified licensed premises for licensable activities. The licence will be of unlimited duration, although an annual fee is payable, unless otherwise requested.

Who can apply?

A person (aged 18 or over) who carries on, or proposes to carry on, a business which involves the use of the premises for the licensable activities to which the application relates

 A recognised club

 A charity

The proprietor of an educational institution

A health service body

 A person (aged 18 or over) registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 (c.14) in respect of an independent hospital

The Chief Officer of Police

 A person (aged 18 or over) who makes the application pursuant to a statutory function they discharge relating to those licensable activities or a function discharged by virtue of Her Majesty's prerogative.

Considering applications

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

How much does a licence cost?

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

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 are consistent with your operating schedule and which promote the licensing objectives may be applied based on the facts in your operating schedule.

How long does a licence last?

Unless granted for a fixed period premises licences do not expire unless you send us a notice of surrender although they are subject to an administartion fee. The licence will lapse if the holder of a licence dies, becomes mentally incapable, becomes insolvent, is dissolved or ceases to be a recognised club. In such cases you should contact us for advice to determine whether the licence can be reinstated. Whilst this may be a difficult time you are strongly recommended to contact us as soon as possible as interim notices must be served within 7 days.

Notifications

As licences 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 licence holder changes their name or address

If the designated premises supervisor changes their name or address

These notifications should be accompanied by the licence 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.

Designated premises supervisor

When you apply for your licence, if you will be selling or supplying alcohol, you must nominate a designated premises supervisor. This person (who can be an individual who is the Premises Licence holder) must hold a personal licence and should be the person who is in day to day control of the premises. They must complete a form of consent.

Designated premises supervisors who wish to cease serving in this capacity may serve a notice on the Licensing Authority that they wish to be removed.  If they are also the licence holder the notice should be accompanied by the licence or if this is not practicable with a statement of the reasons why it can not be produced. In other cases within 48 hours they must serve a copy of the notice on the licence holder and a further notice requiring them to forward the licence to the Council within 14 days. The removal notice will have effect when it is received unless a later date is stipulated and licence holders must be aware that they can not continue to sell or supply alcohol unless they apply to vary their licence.

What do I do with the licence ?

When the premises are being used for any licensable activity the licence or a certified copy of it must be at the premises under the control of the licence holder or a person working at the premises who has been nominated in writing. The summary of the licence 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 person in control of the licence. A constable or authorised officer can ask for the licence to be produced

- Application for Premises Licence