The new system has replaced all existing licences and permissions relating to the following:

• The sale or supply of alcohol
• The provision of certain entertainment, including music and dancing
• The supply of late-night refreshment.

Under the Licensing Act 2003 all of these activities are covered by the same licence and that licence will be tailored to the specific nature of those premises by means of operating conditions.  In effect the same licence for example will permit the sale of alcohol and the provision of music and dancing.  You no longer need two or more separate licences.

N.B. It does not cover gaming machines for which separate permits may be required.  Contact Licensing for more information.  Neither does it include the Performing Rights Society (PRS) licence and/or the  Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) licence.

The Premises Licence does not require renewal on an annual or three yearly basis.  It lasts as long as the premises continue to operate.  However, as well as an initial application fee, the Licensing Authority will require an annual fee.  There will also be fees for various applications to licences such as variations and transfers.  All fees are set by Central Government.  Follow this link to the section on Fees.

Similar to a premises licence but with some important differences is a Club Premises Certificate.  This essentially permits the supply of alcohol and provision of music and dancing e.g. in ‘qualifying clubs'.  A qualifying club is described in the Act but essentially is where 2 days elapses before privileges of membership become available, at least 25 members and alcohol is only supplied to members on the premises for the benefit of the club.  Again the Act allowed the conversion of an existing club certificate into a Club Premises Certificate.

Those people who are involved in the running of premises selling alcohol may need a Personal Licence.  This is a licence for an individual and is not linked to any specific premises.  It is a portable licence and irrespective of which Licensing Authority awarded it can be used throughout the country.  Getting a Personal Licence will require a criminal record check and the attainment of a minimum qualification.  Personal Licenses will last 10 years after which it will need to be renewed.  Premises not selling alcohol, even if they provide entertainment will not need to concern themselves with Personal Licences.

Temporary events will be largely covered by a different type of authority to be known as a Temporary Event Notice (TEN).  This is not a licence or permission but a right to certain people, which is removable only by an active objection by the police.  This means that in the vast majority of occasions there will be no need for a hearing or formal application as such.  Anyone wishing to run such an event will simply notify the Licensing Authority and the Police and pay a fee.  Only the police can object and if they choose not to then the event can proceed.

Date Updated: 27/03/08