The 4 Licensing Objectives
CCTV, door staff, Challenge 25, incident logs
Capacity, fire safety, safe layout
Noise, litter, dispersal
Age checks, supervision, restrictions
What Licence Do I Need?
How ready are you?
If you write a description, it is checked by our AI model (Jev) as well as the rules. Don't include names, addresses or other personal details.Licence Types
Licensable activities
- Sale/supply of alcohol (on & off)
- Regulated entertainment
- Late-night refreshment (E&W 11pm–5am)
Personal Licence & DPS
- APLH qualification + DBS + fee; apply where you live
- DPS must hold a personal licence; every sale made/authorised by one
- Written authorisation for each staff seller — keep on site
Operating Schedule
- Activities + hours
- Steps for all 4 objectives (CCTV, Challenge 25, noise limiter, dispersal, safeguards)
- Premises plan: scale, exits, bars, capacity, outdoor areas
Conditions, Variations & Reviews
- Mandatory (E&W): no irresponsible promotions, free tap water, age verification policy, small measures
- Minor variation = small tweaks; full variation = big changes (full consultation)
- Reviews can modify, suspend or revoke. Appeals: 21 days to magistrates
- Breaches: fines, closure, prosecution
TENs
- Fewer than 500 people at all times, including staff; up to 168 hours (7 days) per event
- Per person per year: 5 standard + 2 late TENs, or 50 standard + 10 late if you hold a personal licence
- Per premises per year: up to 15 TENs, no more than 21 days in total
- At least 10 clear working days' notice (late TEN: 5–9); police/environmental health can object
TEN eligibility helper
Limits from GOV.UK (checked 27 Sep 2026). Late TENs have their own allowance.
Compliance Kit
- ☐ Part B summary displayed
- ☐ Challenge 25 + refusal log
- ☐ CCTV 31 days + incident log
- ☐ Fire assessment + capacity
- ☐ Right-to-work + authorisations
- ☐ Annual fee paid: ______
| Refusal log | Date/Time | Staff | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| __/__ __:__ |
Premises Pack
| Premises | ____________ |
| Council | ____________ |
| Licence no. | ____________ |
| DPS + personal licence no. | ____________ |
| Conditions | 1.____ 2.____ 3.____ 4.____ |
| DPS sign | ________ Date ________ |
Your Council
Licensing is handled by the council for the premises address. The surest route is by postcode: GOV.UK — find your local council.
Fees & Timelines (England & Wales — check your council)
| Band | Rateable value | Fee ~ |
|---|---|---|
| A | ≤ £4,300 | £100 |
| B | £4.3k–33k | £190 |
| C | £33k–87k | £315 |
| D | £87k–125k | £450 |
| E | over £125k | £635 |
Personal ~£37 · TEN £21 · Minor variation ~£89 · Annual fee separate or suspension.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| 28-day representations | fixed |
| Grant (no reps) | ~2–3 wks after |
| Personal licence | ~2–4 wks |
| TEN | 10 clear working days |
Apply
England
Licensing Act 2003. Four licensing objectives. Apply to your council.
- Confirm you need one (checker)
- Prepare operating schedule + premises plan
- DPS consent + personal licence no.
- Apply via council/GOV.UK, pay fee
- Blue notice + 28-day representations
- Grant, or hearing if objections
After: display Part B summary, train staff, variations/transfers/reviews, pay annual fee. Events: TEN.
Wales
Same law as England: Licensing Act 2003, the same four objectives and the same steps. Apply to your Welsh council. Events: TEN.
Scotland
Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Five objectives (adds public health). Apply to the council's Licensing Board with an Operating Plan and Layout Plan.
- A Premises Manager instead of a DPS
- Personal licence: 10 years, plus a refresher
- Staff: 2-hour training
- Events: Occasional Licence (no TENs)
Northern Ireland
A separate, court-based system. Temporary permissions go through the council or court. Check nidirect before you apply.
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FAQs
Need personal licence to work a bar? No — but sales must be authorised by one.
Online/delivery? Off-sales must be licensed; age checks at delivery.
Licence lasts? Indefinite (E&W) unless surrendered/revoked/fee unpaid.