Premises licences

Who needs a premises licence?

All of the following types of businesses that do one or more licensable activity (sale of alcohol; provision of regulated entertainment; provision of late-night refreshment) need a premises licence to operate:

• Pubs, café-bars and nightclubs
• Distributors of alcohol via the internet
• Restaurants, hotels and gueshouses that serve alcohol
• Shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol for consumption off the premises including wholesalers who sell to the public
• Late night cafes, takeaways and other premises that supply hot food or hot drink at any time between 11pm and 2am to members of the public for consumption on or off the premises.
• Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and amateur dramatic groups
• Venues providing live entertainment, live music or dancing, or which play recorded music
• Major art and pop festivals, carnivals, fairs and circuses.

Who can apply for a premises licence?

Individuals, businesses or partnerships can apply. In the case of an individual, the applicant must be aged 18 or over.

Why should you apply for a premises licence?

If you carry out a licensable activity without a premises licence you will be breaking the law.

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