Apply for a premises licence if you want to sell or provide any other licensable activities on a permanent basis.
Before you start
Planning permission
You must ensure that you have the correct planning permissions in order to turn a property into a licensed premises. For example:
- by making sure that your premises is the correct use class, and if it isn't, putting in a planning application for a change of use; or,
- checking for any restrictions that would prevent it being used for licensable activities.
Transfers
If you've just acquired or moved into the property, it is worth checking with the proprietor or landlord if there is already a licence in place, if so you can apply to transfer a premises licence.
How much it costs
There is an application fee and an annual fee. You will be charged the annual fee after the first year of your licence, this will cover the previous year, in arrears and will continue until you surrender your licence.
Fees depend on the rateable value of the premises. If your premises doesn't have a rateable value eg schools, community halls or open spaces, it will fall into the lowest fee band.
There are increased fees for exceptionally large scale commercial events (attendance of over 4,999 people). Please contact us to find out if you will need to pay the additional fee. Generally, if the event is ticketed and profits are not going to a registered charity then the additional fee will apply, but there may be some exceptions.
How to apply
You will need to:
Log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
- complete the application form
- upload supporting documentation
- pay the appropriate fee
A copy of your application will be sent on your behalf to the Police and other responsible authorities. (A copy of the completed form will be emailed to you after submission for your reference)
Guidance for premises plans (PDF, 86KB)
Consent to be Designated Premises Supervisor
Advertising your application
You will need to:
- wait for the licensing team to contact you and confirm that the application is complete and ready for consultation and advertising
- you will be sent a Notice, for you to display on light blue paper at the premises; and
- you will also need to use this as a template to place a Notice in the local newspaper. The Herald or Kentish Express that covers the area that the premises resides. This gives local residents and businesses 28 days to read your proposal and make representations if they wish.
What happens next?
We'll process your application in 24 hours and if there are no representations at the end of the 28 day representation period, we'll issue your licence 24 hours later.
You will be charged the annual fee on the anniversary on which your licence is granted, relating to the previous year, and this will continue until you surrender your licence.
Non-payment of annual fees can lead to the suspension of the premise license. During suspension of the license licensable activities such as the sale of alcohol cannot take place. Suspension will only be lifted once all outstanding fees have been paid.
Please note that if you leave the premises you will still be liable for the annual fee unless you surrender the licence
If there are representations, The Licencing Sub-Comittee will hold a hearing, which all parties will be invited to attend. At the hearing, the Licensing Sub-Committee will decide either to grant or reject your application.
We will write to you to confirm the decision, and tell you what you can do if you wish to appeal.