Find out how to apply for a new premises licence.
Due to recent Ofcom changes, post may take longer than usual to reach us.
Please send postal applications in good time or apply online where possible.
You will need to apply for a premises licence if you want to:
If you want to sell alcohol on your premises, you must nominate a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This person must hold a personal licence.
You must be:
You are expected to promote the licensing objectives, including:
Please read our licensing statement of principles for advice and guidance.
You can contact the Responsible Authorities for their comments before submitting your application.
The fee for your application is based on the rateable value of the premises.
If you do not pay the annual fee, we will suspend the premises licence.
You will need to include:
This should explain how you intend to promote the licensing objectives.
How to write an operating schedule.
A clear and legible plan of your premises.
How to create a premises plan.
You must include proof of your right to work in the UK. You do not need to provide this if you are applying as a limited company.
View the right to work guidance on GOV.UK.
If you will be selling alcohol on your premises.
Download a consent form template from GOV.UK.
You need to advertise your application. We will let you know when to advertise it after we have checked your application.
How to advertise your application.
You only need to submit this if 2 or more people make the application.
All individuals need to sign this document to confirm they understand the licensing application.
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a noise management plan. This is not required for every application.
Read our guidance on writing a noise management plan.
Once you have gathered this information, you will need to register or log in to our customer portal to apply online.
We will send a copy of your application to the Responsible Authorities.
Responsible Authorities and interested parties will have 28 days to comment in support or against the application. This is called ‘making a representation.’ Any representations must relate to one of the four licensing objectives. We can ignore or reject comments or objections if we think those comments are:
If no objections are received, we will grant the premises licence as requested.
If any objections are received, the application will have to go to a committee hearing.
We will notify you of any objections and give you the opportunity to attend the hearing in person. We will send you a ‘notice’ telling you the time and place. The committee will hear all the facts and make a decision.
If you disagree with the licensing committee’s decision, you can appeal to your local magistrates’ court. You must do this within 21 days of the decision.