If your club wants to sell alcohol or provide entertainment, you’ll need a club premises certificate from your local council.
This applies to clubs like social clubs, sports clubs, working men’s clubs and ex-services clubs (e.g. Royal British Legion). The certificate allows members to buy alcohol and enjoy entertainment as part of the club.
How to apply
Apply for a club premises certificate
You’ll need to include an operating schedule with:
- what activities you want to carry out
- when they’ll take place
- opening hours
- whether alcohol is for drinking on-site, off-site, or both
- how you’ll meet the licensing objectives
- any other required details
You may also need to advertise your application and notify responsible authorities (like the police or fire service).
What happens next
The council will review your application. If no one objects, your certificate will be granted (possibly with conditions).
If you don’t hear from us within 56 calendar days, you can assume your application has been approved (except for minor changes).
If someone makes a valid objection, a hearing will be held.
The council can:
- approve the certificate
- add conditions
- remove certain activities
- reject the application
Everyone involved will be notified of the decision, including the applicant, anyone who commented and the police.
Change or review
You can apply to:
- Change or vary a club premises certificate
- Tell us about a change of club name or rules
- Request a review of a certificate
- Request an interim authority notice
For other queries relating to club premises certificates please contact us.
How to appeal
If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal to a magistrates’ court within 21 days of being notified.
