If your business plans to sell alcohol, serve late-night refreshment, or host regulated entertainment, you'll need a Premises Licence application approved by your local council before you can legally open your doors. This guide breaks down what a Premises Licence actually covers, who needs one, what it costs, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause applications to stall.

What Is a Premises Licence?

A Premises Licence is granted under the Licensing Act 2003 and authorises a specific location to carry out one or more "licensable activities," including:

• Sale of alcohol (for consumption on or off the premises)
• Provision of late-night refreshment (hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am)
• Regulated entertainment (live music, dancing, film screenings, etc.)

Unlike a Personal Licence, which is held by an individual, a Premises Licence is tied to the physical location and stays with it even if ownership or management changes, provided the licence is correctly transferred.

Who Needs to Apply for a Premises Licence?

You'll need a Premises Licence application if you're opening or operating any of the following:

• Pubs, bars, and nightclubs
• Restaurants and cafés serving alcohol
• Off-licences, convenience stores, and supermarkets
• Hotels and guest houses with a bar or late checkout food service
• Event spaces, function rooms, and festival sites
• Late-night takeaways and food outlets

What You Need Before You Apply

Before submitting your Premises Licence application, make sure you have:

• A completed application form, specific to your local authority
• A scale plan of the premises, showing entrances, exits, and areas used for licensable activities
• An operating schedule, detailing what activities you're applying for, proposed hours, and how you'll promote the four licensing objectives (preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm)