Applying for a Premises Licence
How to apply for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell alcohol, provide regulated entertainment, or serve hot food and drink late at night. Covers the mandatory 28-day public notice period, the Designated Premises Supervisor requirement, application fees, and the penalty for trading without a licence.
Overview
A premises licence, granted under the Licensing Act 2003, is required to sell or supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment such as live music or film screenings, or serve hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am. Applications are made to the local licensing authority, usually the district or borough council, with the fee, a plan of the premises, and an operating schedule addressing the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. Anyone applying for a licence covering alcohol sales must name a Designated Premises Supervisor, who must separately hold a personal licence. Once submitted, the applicant must display the application notice at or on the premises for 28 days, during which responsible authorities such as the police, fire service, and environmental health, and any member of the public, can make representations. If none are made, the licence is granted as applied for; if relevant representations are received, the licensing sub-committee holds a hearing and can grant the licence with or without conditions, exclude activities, or refuse it. Application fees range from £100 to £1,905 depending on the premises' rateable value. Carrying out a licensable activity without a licence is an offence carrying a fine, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. This guide covers England & Wales.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are likely eligible to use this guide if your situation involves a premises licence.
- You have a genuine legal basis for the matter (contract, tort, statutory right, etc.).
- You have made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter directly with the other party first.
Step-by-Step Process
Prepare Your Application
Complete the application form and prepare an operating schedule describing the licensable activities, proposed hours, and steps you will take to promote the four licensing objectives (prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm).
- Consider pre-application discussions with the police and environmental health
Submit the Application and Advertise
Submit the application to the local authority with the fee, a plan of the premises, and the consent of the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). You must also advertise the application by displaying a notice at the premises and publishing in a local newspaper or on the licensing authority's website.
- The notice must be displayed for 28 consecutive days
Consultation Period
Responsible authorities (police, fire, environmental health, planning, child protection) and any person may make representations during the 28-day consultation period. If no representations are made, the licence is granted as applied for.
Licensing Hearing (if needed)
If relevant representations are received, the licensing sub-committee holds a hearing. You can attend, make representations, and call witnesses. The committee can grant the licence (with or without conditions), exclude certain activities, or refuse the application.
Costs
Important Warnings
Operating without a premises licence is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment (the previous £20,000 cap on the fine was removed with effect from 12 March 2015).
The DPS must hold a personal licence.
Conditions attached to a licence are enforceable — breach can result in review and revocation.
Useful Links
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the applying for a premises licence process take?
- The end-to-end timeline depends on which stage you're at. Common steps run on these timeframes: "Preparation time varies"; "28-day consultation period"; "28 days"; "Hearing within 20 working days of end of consultation". Add court / counterparty response time on top — disputed matters can run months longer than the bare minimum.
- How much does it cost?
- Main outlays are: Application fee — £100–£1,905 depending on rateable value; Annual fee — £70–£1,050 depending on rateable value. Court fees often qualify for Help with Fees remission if you're on a low income. Solicitor fees are extra and vary widely — many matters can be done as a litigant in person.
- What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
- Watch out for: Operating without a premises licence is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment.; The DPS must hold a personal licence.; Conditions attached to a licence are enforceable — breach can result in review and revocation.. If you're unsure on any of these, get advice from a regulated solicitor or a free service like Citizens Advice before acting.
- Where can I find the official forms and guidance?
- The official sources are: Apply for a premises licence (GOV.UK). Always use the forms / guidance from the issuing authority's own site — third-party copies can be out of date.
- Can I do this myself without a solicitor?
- Yes — many people complete this kind of matter as a litigant in person. The site walks through each step in plain English. A solicitor is recommended if: large sums are at stake, the other side has legal representation, the matter involves criminal liability, children, immigration, or you're unsure on any procedural deadline. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice, Law Centres, and (for some matters) LawWorks pro bono clinics.