How to apply for a premises licence

To sell alcohol or provide 'licensable activities' in the UK, you must get a Premises Licence from your local council. The process requires you to submit a detailed application form, an operating schedule explaining how you'll run your business safely, a plan of the premises, and a fee. You are also legally required to advertise your application by displaying a notice on the premises and publishing it in a local newspaper.

What is a Premises Licence for?

A Premises Licence is a permanent licence granted for a specific location. You need one if your business plans to carry out any of the following 'licensable activities':

• The sale of alcohol.
• Regulated entertainment: This includes live music, recorded music, performances of plays, film screenings, and indoor sporting events.
• Late-night refreshment: Providing hot food or hot drinks to the public between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am.

This licence is essential for businesses like pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, and even village halls or community centres that host such events.

The Four Licensing Objectives: The Heart of Your Application

Your entire application will be judged on how well you can demonstrate that your business will promote the four statutory licensing objectives. Your operating schedule must show the practical steps you will take to uphold them.

1. The prevention of crime and disorder: How will you stop crime and anti-social behaviour from happening at your premises? (e.g., using CCTV, training staff on conflict management, having a zero-tolerance policy on drugs).
2. Public safety: How will you ensure your customers and staff are safe? (e.g., managing capacity limits, ensuring clear fire exits, regular safety checks).
3. The prevention of public nuisance: How will you prevent your business from negatively affecting local residents? (e.g., controlling noise from music and customers leaving, managing litter and waste).
4. The protection of children from harm: How will you protect children? (e.g., using a 'Challenge 25' policy for alcohol sales, restricting access to age-inappropriate films or performances).

Putting Your Application Together: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is detailed and requires careful preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Complete the Application Form and Operating Schedule

You can get the application form from your local council's website. The most critical part of this is the Operating Schedule. This is where you detail exactly how your business will run and, most importantly, the specific measures you will put in place to promote the four licensing objectives listed above. Be as detailed as possible – this is your chance to show the authorities you are a responsible operator.

2. Designate a Premises Supervisor (DPS)

If you are applying to sell alcohol, your premises must have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This person must hold their own Personal Licence and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the premises and authorising alcohol sales. They will need to sign a consent form which you must submit with your application.

3. Draw a Detailed Plan of the Premises

You must include a detailed plan of the building. It doesn’t need to be an architect’s drawing, but it must be clear and to scale. It must show:

• The boundary of the premises.
• All entry and exit points.
• The locations where licensable activities will take place.
• The location of fire safety equipment.
• Any areas where children will be excluded.
• The location of the bar or where alcohol will be served.

4. Submit and Advertise Your Application

Submit the completed application form, operating schedule, DPS consent form, and premises plan to your local council's licensing department, along with the application fee (this is based on the rateable value of your property).

Once submitted, you enter a 28-day 'consultation period'. During this time, you have a legal duty to advertise your application:

• Display a blue notice: You must display a specific notice (often called a 'blue notice' because of the colour of the paper it should be printed on) in a prominent place on the outside of the premises where it can be easily read by the public. This must stay up for the full 28 days.
• Newspaper advert: You must place an advert containing the details of your application in a local newspaper that circulates in the area of your premises.

Top Tip: Failing to advertise your application correctly is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Check your council's specific guidance on the exact wording and format for the notice and newspaper advert.

What Happens Next?

During the 28-day consultation, 'Responsible Authorities' (like the police, fire service, and environmental health) and 'Interested Parties' (local residents or businesses) can comment on your application. They can either support it or make a 'representation' (an objection) if they feel you haven't adequately addressed the four licensing objectives.

• No representations: If there are no objections after 28 days, your licence will be granted as applied for.
• With representations: If valid objections are made, the council will schedule a hearing with a licensing sub-committee. You will have to attend to present your case, and the committee will decide whether to grant the licence, grant it with modifications, or refuse it.

Because this process can be lengthy and complex, it's wise to start well in advance of your planned opening date and consider seeking advice from a specialist licensing solicitor if you anticipate any issues.