Applying For A New Premise License

A Premises Licence must be in place in order for a premise to be used for a “licensable activity” such as the retail sale or supply of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment.

An application is made to the Local Authority within which the premises are situated. In making an application an “operating schedule” must be prepared in which the applicants must identify the measures to be adopted by the premises in complying with each of the four licensing objectives. Plans of the Premises must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the licensing regulations. A Designated Premises Supervisor must be identified whose consent form will be lodged with the application.

In submitting an application to a Local Authority a copy must also be served on a relevant authority. Once submitted, a 28 day consultation period commences during which representations on the application may be made to the Local Authority by members of public or a responsible authority. You must prepare a notice of the application which will be displayed on the premises and within a local newspaper.

Following the consultation period, if no objections are received and the local authority is satisfied that the application is compliant with the licensing objectives; your licence will be issued.

If relevant representations are received during the consultation, the application may be amended to address any concerns or objections. If no amendments are made or the application remains unacceptable to those making representations, the matter will be referred to a Local Authority Licensing Sub-Committee for hearing.

We will assist you at every stage in applying and submitting your application to the Local Authority. We will ensure that your application meets the needs and requirements of your business and identify areas where your application could be strengthened. We will prepare an operating schedule ensuring sufficient measures are in place to meet the licensing objectives. We will ensure that your plans of the premises are compliant with the licensing regulations.

We will use our excellent working relationship with local authorities to address any concerns that they or any other party may have with your application. Should matters proceed to a licensing sub-committee hearing we will represent you robustly at your hearing.