What is a Premises Licence?

A premises licence is a licence from the local council that lets a venue in England and Wales sell alcohol, put on regulated entertainment or serve late-night food, subject to conditions. It is granted under the Licensing Act 2003 and stays with the building, not the person running it. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own systems. Whatever the system, the licence is one of a venue's most valuable assets.

How a premises licence works

A premises licence is applied for and kept in five stages:

  1. Apply: submit an application to the council with an operating schedule and a plan of the premises.
  2. Consult: the police, fire service, environmental health and local residents can comment or object.
  3. Grant: the council grants the licence, often with conditions, or holds a hearing if there are objections.
  4. Operate: the venue must follow its conditions, such as hours, capacity and noise controls.
  5. Review: the licence can be reviewed if problems arise, which can lead to new conditions or suspension.

Licence conditions shape every event, from curfew to capacity, and venues share them with incoming hirers and promoters as part of running a venue with Crescat for venues.

Premises licence vs personal licence

A premises licence covers the venue. A personal licence covers a person and lets them authorise alcohol sales. A venue selling alcohol must name a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence.

What a premises licence usually covers

  • Which licensable activities are allowed
  • Opening and licensed hours
  • Maximum capacity
  • Conditions on noise, security and CCTV
  • The name of the DPS
  • A plan showing the licensed areas

Frequently asked questions

What are the four licensing objectives?

The prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Every licence decision is made against these, and conditions on a licence must support at least one of them.

Can a venue host an event outside its licence?

Not without permission. One-off events can sometimes use a temporary event notice, or the venue can apply to vary its licence.

Do hirers need their own licence?

Usually not, as the event runs under the venue's licence. The hirer must follow its conditions, which is why they belong in the hire agreement.

Related terms