Premises licence to sell alcohol
Applying for your licence
You must have a licence to sell alcohol from a premises. You also need a personal licence if you manage or supervise alcohol sales. You can apply online. As part of your application, you must provide plans and supporting certificates to show your premises are suitable. If you already have a licence and want to change or renew it, contact us to get your login details and apply online.
What you need
To apply for a premises licence, you must submit:
- A layout plan of your premises
- An operating plan that explains:
- what activities will take place
- when you will sell alcohol (on or off the premises)
- whether children can enter and under what conditions
You also need a section 50 certificate form:
- Planning services
- Building standards
- Environmental services
These confirm your premises are suitable for your intended use. A fee of £193.17 will be charged by each service for a certificate.
Personal licence
The person responsible for alcohol sales must hold a personal licence. This does not need to be the same person as the premises licence holder, but you must nominate a premises manager.
What happens next
Once you apply, there is a 21-day period when people can object.
If you have not heard from us within 28 days, contact the Licensing office for an update.
Collecting your documents
When your application is complete, bring proof of ID to collect your documents.
If someone else collects them for you, they must bring:
- a signed letter with their details from you giving permission
- your signature must match your application
We do not accept permission by email.
Fees
The cost of a premises licence depends on the rateable value of your premises.
| Rateable value of your premises | Cost of premises licence |
|---|---|
| Category 1 (for example Clubs) | £200 + annual fee of £180 |
| Category 2 (ratable value £1-£11,500) | £800 + annual fee of £220 |
| Category 3 (ratable value £11,501 - £35,000) | £1,100 + annual fee of £280 |
| Category 4 (ratable value £35,001 - £70,000) | £1,300 + annual fee of £500 |
| Category 5 (ratable value £70,001 - £140,000) | £1,700 + annual fee of £700 |
| Category 6 (ratable value over £140,000) | £2,000 + annual fee of £900 |
Take the next step
- apply online for a new licence online
- request login details to change or renew a licence
- contact the Licensing office for help or updates
- Before you apply
- Applying for your licence
- Changing your licence
- Layout plan checklist
- 'Opt-in list' - premises licences