You may need to change your premises licence if the way your business operates is changing. Depending on what you want to do, you can apply for either:
- a full variation – for major changes
- a minor variation - for small, low‑risk changes
Full variation
A full variation is required for significant changes to your premises licence.
This includes:
- Changing permitted activity hours
- Adding new licensable activities
- Changing, adding or removing licence conditions
- Altering the layout of the premises shown on your plan
Apply
You can also refer to the revised guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.
What you need to provide
You must upload a plan of the premises if your application involves internal layout changes.
Fees
- Fees are based on your premises’ non‑domestic rateable value (NDRV).
- No refunds can be given if incorrect information is provided.
- You can check your NDRV on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website.
Processing times
- The consultation period lasts 28 days from the date we receive a valid application.
- If no representations are made, the variation will be granted.
- If representations are received, a hearing will be held within 20 working days of the consultation closing.
A licensing sub‑committee (elected councillors) will make the final decision.
Minor variation
A minor variation is for small changes that do not impact the licensing objectives.
You can use this process for:
- Small structural or layout changes
- Adding late‑night refreshment or regulated entertainment (e.g. plays, films)
- Small changes to licensing hours (not related to alcohol)
- Updating, removing or adding licence conditions
When you cannot use a minor variation
A minor variation cannot be used to:
- Add the sale or supply of alcohol to a licence
- Extend alcohol sales between 11pm and 7am
- Increase the hours alcohol can be sold on any day
- Extend the duration of a licence
- Transfer a licence to a different premises
- Appoint a designated premises supervisor (DPS)
- Remove the mandatory DPS requirement (community premises have a separate process)
Apply
Guidance notes are available via the online application form (you can also refer to the revised guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003):
What you need to provide
You must upload a plan of the premises if you are making changes to the internal layout.
Fees
The fee for a minor variation is £89, payable online by debit or credit card when you submit your application.
Processing times
Applications have a 10 working day consultation period.
If no representations are received, the minor variation will be granted.
