Buying a pub, bar, restaurant or shop that already sells alcohol? Do not apply for a new premises licence — transfer the existing one. It’s £23, it can take effect the day you complete, and it preserves hours and conditions that might be impossible to win from scratch today. Here’s how transfers work and the traps in them.
Why the existing licence is an asset
Licences granted years ago often carry generous hours (2am weekends, say) that a fresh application in today’s climate — cumulative impact zones, vocal residents — would never achieve. When you buy the business, that licence may be worth more than the fixtures. Protect it during the purchase.
The transfer process
- Application to transfer to the issuing council, fee £23.
- Consent of the current licence holder — a signed form from the seller. Get this signed at exchange, not after completion, while you have leverage.
- Request immediate effect so you can trade from day one.
- Police copy — objection window of 14 days on exceptional crime grounds only; transfers are almost never contested.
- Change the DPS at the same time (£23, own form) — the seller’s manager won’t be your manager. See the DPS change guide.
The traps
The licence lapsed before you applied
A premises licence lapses on the holder’s death, insolvency or dissolution of the company. If the seller’s company was dissolved or went into liquidation, there may be nothing left to transfer — an interim authority notice (28 days to act, extendable) or reinstatement application can rescue it, but only within tight windows. Always verify the licence holder still legally exists before completion day.
Buying assets from an administrator
Insolvency practitioners rarely think about the licence until asked. Make the transfer (or interim authority notice) a completion condition.
Annual fee arrears
Unpaid annual fees mean a suspended licence — you inherit the suspension until fees are paid. Check with the council before exchange; see our annual fees guide.
Assuming the licence covers your plans
Read the operating schedule and conditions. If you’re turning a food-led bistro into a late bar, the conditions may bind you to waiter service and last entry times — that’s a variation project, not a transfer problem, but budget for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer a licence without the seller’s consent?
If consent is genuinely unobtainable (seller vanished), the council can accept an application where you show you’ve taken all reasonable steps — slower and less certain. Get consent in the sale contract.
Does the licence move with the property or the business?
Neither automatically — it belongs to the named holder. Landlords often require the licence be transferred back on lease end; check your lease.
How fast can completion-day trading happen?
Same day: transfer with immediate effect + DPS variation with immediate effect, filed on completion morning. We prepare both in advance so they’re one email at 9am.
Buying a licensed business? Talk to us before exchange — a £46 pair of forms filed right keeps you trading; filed wrong, the doors shut.
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