Premises Licence

A Premises Licence is for those who want to sell alcohol legally, offer entertainment, or provide licensable activities from a particular venue in the United Kingdom.

Important News: Extension of Off-Sales for Alcohol
On 30 September 2023, the UK’s government reconsidered the announcement to end off-sales of alcohol. They've extended the regulatory easements for selling alcohol off-sales, as outlined in the Business and Planning Act 2020 (BPA), until March 31, 2025. Learn more.

What is a Premises Licence?

A Premises Licence allows you to supply alcohol legally, late night refreshments, or entertainment on or off a premises in the UK. The Licensing Act 2003 defines premises as any place used for carrying out these activities and includes a vehicle, vessel, or moveable structure.

You must hire a premises supervisor if you want to sell alcohol at your venue. To apply for your premises licence, providing a consent form for a designated premises supervisor is mandatory.

In the United Kingdom, undertaking any licensable activities at your premises without a Premises Licence is a criminal offence. Upon being caught, you may face a prison sentence of up to 6 months, a fine, or both.

Do I Need a Premises Licence?

Under the Licensing Act 2003, in the United Kingdom, you need a Premises Licence if you want to sell alcohol in a particular venue or provide food between 11 pm and 5 am.

Providing the following types of entertainment on your premises also requires a Premises Licence:

indoor sporting event
dance
theatrical performance
live music
boxing or wrestling (indoor or outdoor)
showing a film
recorded music

Even when providing activities for charity, you'll still need a Premises Licence.

Activities You Don’t Need Premises Licence for

Some types of entertainment don’t require a Premises Licence, such as educational or promotional films, incidental music (recorded/live), or an exhibition in a museum or gallery.

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Premises Licence

You must meet the following eligibility criteria to get a Premises Licence.

You must be 18 years of age
Must possess the legal authorisation to work in the UK

You must also check:

If additional permissions are required, such as consent from the landowner to use the site
If there are any restrictions, like limitations on planning permission or within your lease agreement.

How to Apply for a Premises Licence in the UK

You must contact your council to apply for a Premises Licence. To get a Premises Licence, you’ll need to provide:

your important information such as personal details, contact information, etc.
details of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)
a detailed plan of a premises
an operating schedule

Once you’ve applied for a Premises Licence, you’re required to exhibit your 'application notice' at or on a premises for a duration of 28 days starting from the day you submitted it.

SIA Premises Licence Cost

To apply for a Premises Licence, you must pay a fee based on the property's rateable value for which you require your licence. The application fee for a Premises Licence ranges from £100 to £1,905. It mainly depends on your venue’s fee band. If the venue you’re getting your licence for doesn’t have a rateable value, you will pay based on the lowest fee band.

How Long Does a Premises Licence Last?

A Premises Licence lasts for the business's life unlimitedly, which means you will never have to renew it. However, to keep it valid, you must pay an annual fee on the date you receive your licence.

If you want to run a member’s club, you can get a club premises certificate instead of a Premises Licence.

Displaying Your Premises Licence

You must display the ‘licence summary’ at your premises where everyone can easily see it. However, you can keep the other licence pages safe. Upon inspection from police or council officers, you can show these pages to them.

SIA Licences

SIA issues several SIA Licences for different security jobs. Check the most popular SIA licences below:

Relevant SIA Security Courses for SIA Licences

Frequently Asked Question

What activities are covered under a Premises Licence?

The licence covers specified activities, such as the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment.

How often does a Premises Licence need to be renewed?

Your Premises Licence expires after 3 years so you must initiate the renewal process before the expiry date.

What responsibilities come with holding a Premises Licence?

If you hold a Premises Licence you must adhere to licensing conditions, maintain a safe environment, and comply with health and safety regulations. You licence can be revoked if you fail to meet these responsibilities.

Can I appeal if my Close Protection Licence application is denied?

Yes, you have the right to appeal if your Close Protection Licence application is denied. You can visit the SIA official website to find details on how to initiate an appeal.

Do I need a premises licence to sell alcohol online in the UK?

You will need a personal licence as well as a premises licence to sell alcohol online in the UK.

Do you need an SIA licence to sell homemade alcohol UK?

Anyone who wants to sell alcohol even if it’s homemade requires a personal licence. Along with that, you will also need a premises licence to sell it from a particular premises.

What are the fines and penalties for not having an SIA Licence?

For carrying out any licensable activities without an SIA licence, you could be fined for £5,000, sent to prison for up to 6 months, or both.

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Premises Licence

What is a Premises Licence?

Do I Need a Premises Licence?

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Premises Licence

How to Apply for a Premises Licence in the UK

SIA Premises Licence Cost

How Long Does a Premises Licence Last?

Displaying Your Premises Licence

SIA Licences

Relevant SIA Security Courses for SIA Licences

Frequently Asked Question

What activities are covered under a Premises Licence?

How often does a Premises Licence need to be renewed?

What responsibilities come with holding a Premises Licence?

Can I appeal if my Close Protection Licence application is denied?

Do I need a premises licence to sell alcohol online in the UK?

Do you need an SIA licence to sell homemade alcohol UK?

What are the fines and penalties for not having an SIA Licence?

Need on-site training?

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