More information about licensing

The law says applications must be granted if there are no representations.

This means that an application will be granted with the hours and conditions set out in the application form. There will be additional mandatory conditions added to the licence according to the activities the licence allows.

If relevant representations are received then the application will be determined following a formal hearing. After a hearing the licence may be granted as applied for, granted with shorter hours or reduced activities, granted with additional conditions, or refused. An application for an alcohol licence may also be granted subject to a different designated supervisor being named on the licence.

Objecting to an application

To object to a licensing application, please visit our policy page.

Sale and supply of alcohol

Every sale of alcohol must be made or supervised by a personal licence holder. Please visit our personal licences page for more details. The licence must also name a designated premises supervisor, who must hold a personal licence.

Due to the importance of the role, it is considered good practice for more than one personal licence holder to be associated with each licensed premises.

Regulated entertainment

There have been a number of changes to regulated entertainment since the Licensing Act was made in 2003. To find out whether you need a licence visit the Gov.uk website for guidance.

• Online application forms for regulated entertainment licences

Change an existing licence

Various changes may be made to an existing licence through a formal application. These include:

• full variation
• minor variation
• variation of designated premises supervisor

A change of name or address of licence holder or designated premises supervisor must be made in writing, but there is no prescribed form. The existing licence must be submitted with the request, or a reason given why it can't be provided.

Complaining about an existing licence

There is a formal process for existing licences to be reviewed if the licensing objectives are not being upheld. A responsible authority or any other person can apply for a review using the form below.

Copies must be given to the licensing authority, the police, the fire service and the licence holder. There is a 28-day representation period followed by a formal review hearing three to four weeks later. After a review hearing the panel has a range of options ranging from taking no action to revoking the licence.