Licensing

Permission to sell alcohol, provide entertainment or serve late food.

What it means

A premises licence authorises licensable activities. A personal licence allows an individual to authorise alcohol sales, and each premises selling alcohol needs a designated premises supervisor.

Why it matters

Trading without the right licence is a criminal offence, and licence conditions bind the business — including hours, capacity, door supervision and CCTV.

What it looks like in practice

Applications are advertised and can be objected to by responsible authorities and by neighbours. Reviews can be triggered later, and conditions can be added.\n\nThe four licensing objectives are the framework for every decision.

What to watch out for

Buying a business and assuming the licence transfers automatically. It requires an application, and the timing matters at completion.

Where to get proper advice

Your local authority's licensing team, and a licensing solicitor for contested applications — objections are common and the hearing is where they are won or lost.