How to Get a Premises Licence in England and Wales (Without Losing Your Mind)
How to Get a Premises Licence in England and Wales (Without Losing Your Mind)
So, you’ve got big dreams—maybe it’s a cosy little bar, a buzzing nightclub, or a gourmet food truck that serves spicy noodles at midnight. Before you can turn up the music or pop a cork, you’ll need a premises licence. Here’s your friendly, slightly cheeky guide to getting one.
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1. Do you even need a premises licence?
Short answer: probably. If you’re planning to do any of the following, you’re going to need one:
• Sell alcohol (even just a splash of wine with dinner)
• Serve hot food or drink between 11 pm and 5 am (hello, late-night kebabs!)
• Provide any form of regulated entertainment (think live bands, DJs, even a stand-up night)
Check your specific needs here:
GOV.UK – Premises Licence
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2. Check your eligibility (and your patience)
To apply, you must:
• Be 18 or older (which we hope you are if you’re reading legal guides for fun)
• Have the legal right to work in the UK
• If selling alcohol, appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence. No, your mate Dave doesn’t count unless he’s officially qualified and sober enough to sign a form.
Oh, and you’ll need to reassure the council that you’re not going to cause total chaos. Your plan needs to promote these four licensing objectives:
1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Public safety
3. Prevention of public nuisance
4. Protection of children from harm (no underage raves, please)
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3. Grab the right forms (and a strong cup of tea)
The official forms and guidance are available on GOV.UK:
Download Application Forms – GOV.UK
Not a fan of red tape? You’re in luck: the lovely folks at
premises-licensing.co.uk
can help you with everything from filling out forms to convincing the council your karaoke night won’t start a riot.
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4. Get your documents in order (yes, there’s paperwork)
You’ll need to include:
• An operating schedule: what you plan to do, when, and how you’ll behave like a responsible adult
• A detailed floor plan: show entrances, exits, bar areas, stage, dancefloor, toilets—the works
• DPS consent form (only if alcohol is on the menu)
• Proof you’re allowed to work in the UK
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5. Submit, notify, and stick up that infamous blue notice
Now comes the fun part:
• Submit everything to your local council
• Pay a fee (anywhere from £100 to over £1,000 depending on your premises’ rateable value—don’t shoot the messenger)
• Display a blue notice at your premises for 28 days. Make it visible, weatherproof, and typo-free
• Notify the responsible authorities (police, fire brigade, environmental health, etc.—basically everyone except your nan)
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6. Wait for objections (or applause)
There’s a 28-day consultation period. If no one complains, you’re golden. If someone objects, you may need to attend a licensing hearing where you explain how your karaoke nights won’t destroy society.
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7. Celebrate (responsibly)
If approved:
• You’ll receive your premises licence and summary
• Display the summary on-site (frame it if you’re feeling fancy)
• Keep the full licence somewhere accessible—authorities can pop in unannounced
• Don’t forget the annual fee to keep it valid (it’s not a one-and-done deal)
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8. Want help avoiding all this hassle?
If all of the above feels like a full-time job (it kind of is), you can hire experts who deal with this every day. Check out:
premises-licensing.co.uk
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TL;DR Checklist
Step What You’re Doing
1 Confirm if you need a licence
2 Gather eligibility info and DPS details
3 Download forms from GOV.UK
4 Prepare your operating schedule and floor plans
5 Apply, pay, notify, and post that blue notice
6 Wait 28 days and handle objections
7 Get your licence and stick to the rules
8 Call in the pros if you’d rather not go it alone
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By following these steps (and keeping your sense of humour), you’ll be fully licensed and ready to welcome your first guest, customer, or pint-puller. Good luck—and don’t forget to invite us to the grand opening!
[1]: https://www.gov.uk/find-licences/premises-licence?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licence (England and Wales) – GOV.UK”
[2]: https://www.islington.gov.uk/business/licences-permits-registration/alcohol-and-entertainment-licences/premises-licences-for-alcohol-entertainment-and-late-night-refreshment/new-premises-licence/apply?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Apply for a new alcohol or entertainment premises licence”
[3]: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/business/licensing/licences-permits-registrations/alcohol-food-entertainment/premises-licence?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licence | Haringey Council”
[4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_licensing_laws_of_the_United_Kingdom?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Alcohol licensing laws of the United Kingdom”
[5]: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/premises-licence-application-forms?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licence forms – GOV.UK”
[6]: https://premises-licensing.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises-Licensing.co.uk”
[7]: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/premises-licences?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licences – Cambridge City Council”
[8]: https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200299/alcohol_and_entertainment_licences/1325/premises_licences_-_licensing_act?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licences – Licensing Act | Royal Borough of Greenwich”
[9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensing_Act_2003?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Licensing Act 2003”
[10]: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/licensing/alcohol-and-entertainment/premises-licences?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Premises licences – City of London”