Premises Licence
A licence issued under the Licensing Act 2003 authorising the use of premises for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, or late-night refreshment.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
A premises licence is needed from the local council to sell alcohol or provide 'licensable activities' from a particular venue, including serving hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am, and certain types of entertainment such as theatrical performances, showing films, indoor sporting events, and live or recorded music. A licence holder must be, or appoint, a designated premises supervisor, who must hold a personal licence to sell alcohol.
Applicants must be 18 or over, and must display an 'application notice' at the premises for 28 days after submitting it. Most premises licences run for an unlimited duration, subject to an annual fee, and the fee for the initial application is based on the rateable value of the property, ranging from £100 to £1,905. Carrying out licensable activities without a premises licence can lead to a fine, imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both.
Related terms
Official sources
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