Club premises certificate

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

To apply and read the guidance, go to our club premises form.

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 transfer a certificate
• request an interim authority notice (e.g. if the licence holder dies)
• request a review of a certificate

Contact us online to make these request.

How to appeal

If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal to a magistrates’ court within 21 days of being notified.