Getting a premises licence application right can feel like a lot, especially if you’re opening a new business that sells alcohol or offers entertainment. At Licensing Solutions, we’ve helped many business owners through this process. In this blog, we’re sharing what you need to know—and what mistakes to avoid—when applying for a licence.

What Is a Premises Licence, and Who Needs One?

If you plan to sell alcohol, serve hot food late at night, or offer entertainment like live music, you need a premises licence. This licence allows your venue to carry out these activities legally. Whether you’re running a pub, restaurant, shop, or even a private event venue, a premises licence application is the first step.

What’s Involved in the Premsis License Application Process?

You’ll need to send your application to your local council to apply for a licence. It must include the following:

• A completed application form
• A plan of your premises
• A signed consent form for your Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
• An operating schedule
• The right application fee based on your property’s rateable value

We often see people run into trouble by missing one of these items or submitting an incorrect plan—every small detail matters. We always double-check these areas to save time and avoid delays.

Your Operating Schedule: Don’t Rush It

One of the most essential parts of the premises licence application is your operating schedule. This document outlines how your premises will be run. It must include:

• The type of licensable activities
• The days and times for each activity
• Opening hours to the public
• Whether alcohol is for on-site or off-site consumption
• The DPS details
• Steps you’ll take to meet the four licensing objectives

Those four objectives are preventing crime and disorder, protecting public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm. Your operating schedule should clearly show how your venue will meet each one.

Legal Notices You Can’t-Miss

Once your application is submitted, the law requires you to advertise it in two ways:

1. A notice will be displayed on your premises for 28 days.
2. A notice published in a local newspaper within 10 working days of submitting your application

We help prepare both of these to make sure they meet legal requirements. If either is missing or incorrect, your application could be rejected.

What Happens After You Submit?

After submitting, there’s a 28-day consultation period. During this time, responsible authorities and the public can raise objections. If there are no valid objections, your licence is granted. If there are any issues, a hearing will be held to make the final decision. We stay involved throughout this stage, handling queries or objections on your behalf. Our job is to keep the process smooth and avoid any setbacks.

Let Us Handle It for You

If you want to save time and avoid the stress of doing it all yourself, we offer full support for your premsis license application. Our team handles everything—from writing your operating schedule to dealing with the council and advertising your application correctly. This service is ideal for busy business owners who want it done right the first time.

At Licensing Solutions, we’ve worked with many different types of venues across England and Wales. Our experience means we know what each local authority expects and how to prepare strong applications that get approved. Contact us today if you’re ready to start or have questions about your Premsis License Application. We’ll guide you through each step and give your business the best chance of success.