If you intend to apply for a premises licence in BRISTOL, this brief guide outlines what you need to do. Please remember this is a guide only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

You will need to nominate one individual to become the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). To become the DPS, the individual will need to be granted a Personal Licence. I deliver the Highfield Personal Licence course in Wantage. Call me, Johnny Walker, on 07970 134 730 for details.

Licensable activities at a premises include:

• selling alcohol
• serving hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am
• providing regulated entertainment 

You still need a licence even if the activities are for charity.

For further information and guidance see GOV.UK – Premises licence (England and Wales)(opens new window).

Premises Licence application forms are only available from the GOV.UK website which also gives full guidance on the application procedure including additional information you must supply and payment of application fees.

You can complete the whole application process online from the GOV.UK website, see the following link to application forms and guidance…

In addition to submitting their premises application forms, applicants MUST remember to advertise their premises application in the local press and at their premises.

When your local licensing authority receives the application, generally, it will:

• Acknowledge it within three working days
• Hold a consultation for 28 days, allowing for representation 

If the authority receives any representations, that cannot be resolved, they will take the application to the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee for councillors to consider. You, the applicant will be asked to attend along with those opposing the application. The sub-committee generally make a decision at the hearing

If no representations are received, the licence will be granted.

When the licence is granted, it will be valid unless surrendered it or it is revoked.  Although you do not need to renew your licence each year, you will need to pay an annual fee.  This fee is payable on the anniversary date of the issue.

If you complete the whole application process online from the GOV.UK website. This will include:

• submission of your application form
• submission of electronic copies of additional information you must supply
• payment of application fees ( from £100 to £1,905 depending on the rateable value of the premises, with certain exemptions)
• Notification of your application to all responsible authorities, as required by the licensing regulations

Need some friendly and free advice? Call Johnny Walker on 07970 134 730. Get licensed to spill with me in BRISTOL.