Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Premises licence
Apply for a premises licence to sell alcohol, host entertainment, or serve hot food and drinks late at night. Learn how to manage or update your licence and appeal a decision.
What you need to know
If you want to sell alcohol, host entertainment (like live music or film screenings), or serve hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am, you’ll need a premises licence. This licence applies to places like pubs, restaurants, shops and event venues
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- run or plan to run a business at the premises
- represent a charity, club, school, hospital, or police force
- are over 18 years old
Manage your premises licence
Apply
- for a premises licence
- for a provisional statement
- for an interim authority notice
- to transfer your premises licence
- submit consent to transfer
Make changes
Designated premises supervisor
- apply for a designated premises superviser to be dissaplied
- vary a premises licence to specify an individual as designated premises supervisor
- request to be removed as a deisgnated premises supervisor
- submit consent to be designated
Notify us of an interest in the premises under section 178.
What happens next?
- If no one objects during the 28-day consultation, your licence is usually approved.
- If there are objections, you may be invited to a hearing.
- If approved, you’ll receive your licence and can legally carry out the activities you applied for.
Automatic approval
If you don’t hear back within 56 calendar days, you can assume your application is approved. This does not apply for an application for a minor variation to a premises or club licence.
Appeals
If your application is refused, you can appeal to a magistrates court within 21 days of the decision.
