Noah Vinter
If you want to sell alcohol from a particular venue, you will need a premises licence. This applies to both existing and new buildings. Without a licence, you will be in breach of the law and could face legal action and/or prosecution. To apply, you must be 18 or over and submit an application form to your local council licensing team, along with a fee. You will also need to display your 'application notice' at or on the premises for 28 days from the day after it was submitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a licence? | Businesses, organisations and individuals who want to sell or supply alcohol |
| Where to apply? | Local council or the nearest district office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control |
| Prerequisites | Must be 18 years or older, have a relevant licensing qualification, and be eligible to work in the UK |
| Additional requirements | Criminal conviction disclosure form, proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and immigration status check |
| Application process | Complete an application form, pay the fee, and submit to the local council licensing team |
| Application fee | Ranges from £100 to £1,905, depending on the fee band of the venue |
| Display requirements | Must display the "licence summary" at the premises and the "application notice" for 28 days after submission |
| Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) | Required for premises licensed to sell alcohol; must hold a personal licence |
| Licensing duration | Most premises licences have an unlimited duration but require an annual fee |
| Penalties | Fines up to £1,000 for failing to produce a licence, and potential imprisonment for up to 6 months for operating without a licence |
| Temporary permits | Available for new applicants during the licence application process, typically processed in 30 days and valid for 90 days |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility and requirements
To apply for a premises alcohol licence in the UK, you must be 18 or over and satisfy several eligibility and legal requirements. The application process varies depending on the location of the premises.
- You must be eligible to work in the UK.
- You must be, or appoint, a designated premises supervisor (DPS) when you apply for a licence. The DPS must hold a personal licence to sell alcohol and will be the main point of contact for all licensing communications.
- You must provide a basic criminal conviction disclosure form.
- You must display your 'application notice' at or on the premises for 28 days from the day after it was submitted.
- You must provide a premises plan, including details of the boundaries, points of access, toilets, stair and steps, escape routes, locations within the venue of licensable activities, raised areas, safety equipment and more.
- You must provide your proposed opening hours, hours of service, and the type and duration of activities that will take place on your premises, such as entertainment and the selling of alcohol.
- You must state whether alcohol sold will be consumed on or off the premises, and how you will ensure customers and employees adhere to the licensing objectives.
- You must apply for the correct type of licence, depending on the nature of your business. For example, qualifying members' clubs need to apply for a club premises certificate.
- You must pay an application fee, which ranges from £100 to £1,905, depending on the fee band of your venue.
- You must be aware of any other conditions that may be added to your licence, such as having an age-checking policy if you sell alcohol.
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Application forms and fees
To apply for a premises alcohol licence, you must submit an application form and pay a fee. You can apply online if your council accepts electronic applications, or you can fill out a paper copy of the form. The application fees range from £100 to £1,905, depending on the fee band of your venue. If your premises do not have a rateable value, they will fall into the lowest fee band.
During the application process, you will be required to provide details of your operating schedule, proof of entitlement to work in the UK, consent of the designated premises supervisor, and a plan of the premises. The designated premises supervisor must hold a personal licence to sell alcohol. The premises plan should provide details of the boundaries, points of access, toilets, staircases and steps, escape routes, and locations within the venue for licensable activities, raised areas, safety equipment, and more.
You must also decide on your opening hours and the type of licensable activities you want to undertake, such as selling alcohol for consumption on-site or selling it for takeaway/delivery purposes. If you plan to provide entertainment, you must list the desired days and times. You will also need to explain how you plan to ensure your customers and employees adhere to the licensing objectives.
In some cases, you may need to send copies of your form to the police and other 'responsible authorities'. It usually takes two months to get the final decision about your application, although it can sometimes take longer.
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Designated premises supervisor
A designated premises supervisor (DPS) is responsible for the day-to-day running of a business that sells or supplies alcohol. They are the single point of accountability and act as the main point of contact for all licensing queries and communications.
To be a DPS, you must hold a personal licence to sell alcohol. This requires you to be 18 years or older and hold a relevant licensing qualification, such as the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders. The qualification ensures that you are aware of licensing laws and the social responsibilities involved in selling alcohol.
As part of the application process for a premises licence, you will need to obtain the consent of the designated premises supervisor and include their name in the operating schedule. The supervisor must also provide proof that they are eligible to work in the UK.
The designated premises supervisor has the main control over activities and is responsible for ensuring that customers and employees adhere to the licensing objectives. They must also be named in the operating schedule, which details the proposed opening hours, hours of service, and the type and duration of activities that will take place on the premises.
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Operating schedule and activities
The operating schedule is a crucial part of the application process for a premises alcohol licence. It outlines the day-to-day activities and operations of the business, providing a clear picture of how the premises will be used if the licence is granted. This includes details such as the proposed opening hours and hours of alcohol service, as well as the types of activities that will take place, such as entertainment and the consumption of alcohol on-site or off-site.
When creating the operating schedule, applicants must carefully consider the types of activities they plan to offer and the days and times these will occur. For example, if you plan to provide entertainment, such as live music or DJs, this should be listed in the schedule, along with the desired days and times. Similarly, if you intend to sell alcohol, you must specify whether it will be for consumption on the premises or if it will be sold as takeaway or for delivery.
The operating schedule should also address how the business plans to ensure that customers and employees adhere to the licensing objectives and any relevant laws or regulations. This includes measures to prevent underage drinking, ensure the safety and security of patrons, and minimise any potential nuisance or disruption to the surrounding area.
In addition to the operating schedule, applicants will also need to provide a detailed plan of the premises. This plan should include information such as the boundaries, points of access, toilets, stairs, escape routes, and the specific locations within the venue where licensable activities will take place. It is important to be as comprehensive as possible in this section to ensure that the licensing authority has a clear understanding of the premises and its intended use.
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Processing times and outcomes
Location-Specific Factors:
- United States– In the United States, the licensing authority for alcohol licences is typically the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) department, which operates at the state level, such as in California. The time it takes to obtain a licence can vary based on factors such as zoning regulations, the need for additional permits, and protest or denial of a licence due to factors like the proximity of the premises to schools or high crime rates.
- UK– In the UK, applications for premises licences are typically handled by local councils at the district or unitary level. The Home Office oversees the law and policy governing alcohol licensing. The processing time can depend on factors such as the volume of applications, the completeness and accuracy of the application, and any local regulations or protests.
Common Factors Affecting Processing Times and Outcomes:
- Application Requirements– Regardless of location, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate is crucial. Incomplete or deficient applications may result in delays or even disapproval. Common requirements include providing details of your operating schedule, proof of eligibility to work, consent and details of the designated premises supervisor, and a plan of the premises.
- Local Official's Concerns– In both the US and the UK, local officials, such as the police department or city council, receive a copy of the application. If they have concerns about the issuance of the licence, they may request restrictions on business operations or file a protest, which can impact processing times.
- Temporary Permits– In some jurisdictions, applicants can obtain a temporary permit to serve alcohol while their licence application is being processed. These temporary permits are typically valid for a limited period and can provide a quicker solution to commence operations while awaiting the full licence approval.
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Frequently asked questions
A premises alcohol licence is a legal document that permits the licence holder to sell alcohol from a particular venue. It may also allow the licence holder to provide entertainment and sell hot food and drink after 11 pm.
To apply for a premises alcohol licence, you must submit an application form online or by post to your local council licensing team, along with the relevant fee. You may also need to send copies of your form to the police and other "responsible authorities". During the application process, you will be required to provide details of your operating schedule, proof of entitlement to work in the UK, consent of the designated premises supervisor, and a plan of the premises.
A designated premises supervisor (DPS) is the person who has day-to-day responsibility for the running of the business. They must hold a personal licence to sell alcohol and act as the main point of contact for all licensing queries and communications.
