If you want to sell alcohol you'll need a premises licence for the building, think of it as a permission slip from the council which lets everyone know you are cleared to sell.

The person named as the DPS - a bit like the old "Name above the door" will need a personal licence, you'll also need a set of floor plans for your application, a birds eye view which shows all the features of the building.

But don't worry, we take care of it all. We handle everything, all the paperwork, all the submissions, all the contact with authorities and payments.

All we need is a quick online information sheet from you, we'll make your licence application and after the 28 day consultation period you'll be fully compliant and ready to sell alcohol.

There's nothing certain in life and no-one can guarantee that your licence will definitely be granted.

What we always do is use our knowledge of licences granted in your area, research the local policy and sometimes speak to authorities in advance to see what they would be happy with. 

Then we'll tailor your application to suit. There is always some negotiating with authorities during the consultation period and we'll always keep you informed of changes and proposals.

But rest assured, so far in 2025 we're running at 100% success with licences being granted from our applications...

For a free consultation, simply fill out the form down the page and we'll let you know what we think, no obligation of fees, just a professional opinion on your proposals.

We do an online course and exam for £99. If you'd like we can also manage your personal licence application. 

The course takes about 4hrs and then we book you in for the online exam. That's a 40 question multiple choice exam with a pass rate of 28. All you need is a laptop with camera and some ID.

You'll find more info and how to book on our personal licence page:

Personal Licence Course Page

If your DPS has moved on or you've just taken over the business then you'll need to make sure you apply to have these updated - otherwise you may be breaking the law.

We recognise that these can be urgent and will always make sure to turn them around as fast as possible - and as soon as a valid application has been submitted you can start selling straight away. 

If you need a transfer or variation just drop us a message, we manage it all online and can get them all done on the same day if not sooner.

If you just want to sell hot food between 11pm and 5am you'll need a premises licence, but you don't need a personal licence holder to be the DPS.

You may also want to extend hours, change conditions on your licence or make changes to the layout of the premises.

Depending on what you need, this could be a full or a minor variation, but any increases in capacity or hours will be a full variation. This is a similar process to a new application with notices on site, application and a 28 consultation period.

If you are thinking of making changes drop us a message, we'll let you know what type of variation you need and whether we think it will be granted.

You'll need these for any licence application, they show the authorities what the premises looks like and how it will operate when your licence is granted.

We have designers that can draw them up and planning agents for more complex proposals. Our planning team can also help advise on any concerns you may have around the planning permission that is in place. 

Get in touch with any enquiries and we can certainly help out.

Hearings:

We always try and avoid hearings with all our applications, but sometimes they can't be avoided.

It could be police objecting, neighbours with concerns, sometimes even a competitor just maliciously throwing a spanner in the works, If they make a representation against the application then it goes to a hearing at the local council, or sometimes online.

Reviews:

Perhaps you've made a mistake and you've received notice of a review hearing - don't hang about, get in touch ASAP!

Time is of the essence and the more work we do now the more likely it is we can save your licence when it gets to a hearing.

We've helped save multiple businesses from closure across the country, mostly by acting fast, recognising mistakes happen and taking steps to sort them out as soon as possible.

If you have an application going to a hearing then get in touch, we may be able to represent you. We have a network of consultants across the country who are happy to help.