If you intend to sell alcohol or provide ‘licensable activities’ from a particular venue you may require a Premises Licence. Our applications team are able to manage the entire process of applying for your Premises licence, working with you and all relevant authorities to ensure a smooth application process.
Navigating the premises licence application process can be complex and time-consuming. Whether you’re opening a new pub, restaurant, hotel, or any venue requiring alcohol sales or licensable activities, our specialist licensing team ensures a professional, hassle-free application process. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful applications, we understand the intricacies of licensing law and maintain strong working relationships with licensing authorities across England and Wales. Our comprehensive service manages every aspect of your application, from initial consultation through to licence grant, while our fixed-fee approach means no unexpected costs. By choosing our service, you’re not just buying an application submission – you’re investing in peace of mind and significantly increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
Our dedicated premises licence team can complete your entire premises application for you
Our applications team will manage the entire applications process, completing all relevant documentation to the local licensing authority and prepare all notices.
- Complete the application form and relevant consent documents.
- Liase with all relevant authorities throughout the process to resolve any potential concerns and ensure the application process is as smooth as possible.
- Create a compliant public notice for display in a local news publication
- Provide compliant blue notices for display outside the premises throughout the notice period of the application.
- Provide compliant blue notices for display outside the premises throughout the notice period of the application.
**Please note our fee does not include the cost of your newspaper advert (normally around £300) and the licensing authority application fee which varies depending upon your rateable value. Please contact us for an accurate quotation.
How the process works
- 1. Consultation – we take the details of your venue, activities and hours, and advise on what a council will realistically grant.
- 2. Preparation – we draft the application, operating schedule and plan requirements, and prepare your notices.
- 3. Submission – the application goes to the licensing authority with copies to every responsible authority.
- 4. Consultation period – 28 consecutive days: the newspaper notice runs within 10 working days, the blue notice stays displayed at the premises, and we handle any queries or representations.
- 5. Grant – with no representations, the licence is granted after the 28 days. If representations are made, we prepare you for the hearing.
Realistic timescale: 6-8 weeks from instruction to grant for an uncontested application.
More questions, answered
Can I trade while the application is pending?
Not for licensable activities. For a venue changing hands, a transfer application can often keep trading continuous – ask us which applies.
What if the council receives objections?
Representations trigger a committee hearing. Most objections are resolved by agreeing conditions beforehand – exactly the negotiation we handle for you.
I only need to change an existing licence – is that cheaper?
Yes – see our minor variation and major variation services instead.
Remember: every premises licence authorising alcohol sales must name a Designated Premises Supervisor who holds a personal licence. If you need one, start with the Level 2 APLH course and the DPS award, or read our step-by-step personal licence guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
A premises licence is legally required for:
- Selling alcohol
- Serving hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am
- Live music performance
- Playing recorded music
- Indoor sporting events
- Dancing and entertainment
The standard processing time is 28 days from submission. However, this can vary depending on whether any representations are made. Our team manages the entire timeline to ensure smooth progression.
Yes, if you’re selling alcohol, your premises must have a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence. We can assist with personal licence applications separately.
Successful applications demonstrate:
- Clear understanding of licensing objectives
- Comprehensive operating schedule
- Appropriate safety measures
- Consideration of local area impact
- Professional preparation of all documentation
The licensing authority will consider factors such as the licensing objectives, the suitability of the premises, the potential impact on the local area, and any representations made by interested parties.
- Save time and reduce stress
- Avoid common application mistakes
- Benefit from expert knowledge of licensing law
- Increase chances of first-time success
- Professional handling of any objections
- Single point of contact throughout
- Fixed fee with no hidden costs
