New premises licence applications
A premises licence is a permanent licence, specific to a premises or location that authorises the licence-holder to carry on a combination of licensable activities.
A premises licence would also be required for a one off event if the number attending the event exceeds 500 people.
The licensable activities that a premises licence can authorise are:
- the sale by retail of alcohol
- the provision of regulated entertainment (including plays, films, indoor sports, music and dancing)
- the provision of entertainment facilities
- the sale of late night refreshment (hot food or drink supplied between 11pm and 5am)
Three Rivers District Council is the licensing authority for its area, dealing with all licensing functions relating to the above-mentioned activities. The Council must have regard to the Government's statutory guidance (external link) issued under Section 182 of the Act when dealing with its licensing responsibilities and has been required to prepare a Licensing Policy, which explains the factors that the Council will consider when examining applications for licences and for monitoring compliance with licence conditions. The Act, the statutory guidance and the policy seek to achieve four main objectives, which have equal importance:
- Prevention of crime and disorder
- Protection of children from harm
- Protection of public safety
- Prevention of nuisance
Application process
To complete an application for a premises licence you need to submit the following:
- a completed premises licence application form from the licence holder
- a detailed plan of the premises that complies will all requirements (see guidance)
- a consent form completed by the proposed DPS
- the prescribed fee, which is determined by the non domestic rateable value of the premises (see below)
- documents demonstrating entitlement to work / immigration status in the United Kingdom (if you are applying as an individual)
How to apply
If you apply online then the licensing authority will serve the application on the responsible authorities. You can email your application to licensing.team@threerivers.gov.uk or preferably please apply online through the below link:
Please refer to the List of Fees 2023/2024 (pdf) and licensing policy when making your application.
Advertising requirements
The applicant is required to display a public notice on the premises detailing the changes that you are applying for. This notice must be displayed in view of the public on A4 pale blue paper, and must appear from the day after the application is given to the licensing authority for a period of 28 days.
This applicant is also required to publish a notice in a local newspaper that appears no later than the 10th working day of the consultation period.
The above notices must contain the name of the applicant, postal addresses of the premises (or if there is no postal address a description of the premises sufficient to enable the location to be identified), relevant licensing authority and the date by which any representations in relation to the application need to be made to the licensing authority. They should also contain a statement of the relevant licensable activities or relevant qualifying club activities that it is proposed will be carried on at the premises
A template of a the notice can be found on the right of this page.
Granting of the licence
At the end of the 28 day consultation, if no representations have been received, then the licence will granted as applied for including any amendments during the consultation period if applicable.
If representations are received then the applicant will be notified and a hearing will take place to determine the application.
All information relating to representations and hearings will be explained to the applicant should it arise.
Will tacit consent apply?
No
More information
For further information or to discuss any particular issues, please email us at licensing.team@threerivers.gov.uk, or phone us on 01923 776611.