Alcohol licence for a pub or bar
Pubs and bars sit at the centre of the Licensing Act 2003 regime because the sale of alcohol is a core part of the business.
Whether you are opening a new venue or taking over an existing one, the Premises Licence, licence holder and DPS arrangements need to match the business that will actually be operating.
Opening a new pub or bar
A new pub or bar needs a Premises Licence authorising alcohol sales before alcohol can be sold. The application sets out the proposed alcohol hours, other licensable activities, operating schedule, premises plan and DPS details.
The application then enters the statutory consultation process. Responsible authorities and other eligible parties can make relevant representations during that period.
Taking over an existing pub or bar
Buying or taking over a venue does not automatically put the existing Premises Licence into the new operator's name. A Premises Licence transfer may be required.
If the incoming operator also wants to appoint a different DPS, that is a separate application. In many takeovers the transfer and DPS change are submitted together, so the licensing position reflects the new business from the outset.
Do all pub managers need a Personal Licence?
No. A Premises Licence authorising alcohol sales names one DPS, and that DPS must hold a Personal Licence.
Other managers may also hold Personal Licences, which can be useful operationally, but only one person is named as DPS at any one time.
When might you need a variation?
A variation changes an existing licence. It is commonly needed for:
- Extending or changing alcohol hours
- Adding or changing licensable activities
- Changing the layout in a way that affects the licensed plan
- Amending or removing licence conditions
- Making other material changes to the way the premises operates
What about temporary events?
A Temporary Event Notice can sometimes be used for limited temporary licensable activities. It is not a substitute for getting the permanent Premises Licence right for the normal operation of a pub or bar.
Before you complete a takeover
- Obtain a full copy of the existing Premises Licence
- Check the current licence holder and DPS
- Review permitted alcohol hours and other activities
- Read the conditions, not just the summary page
- Compare the licensed plan with the actual layout
- Identify whether a transfer, DPS change or variation is required
We can review an existing licence before you commit. See premises licence fees and how long a premises licence takes.
Need help with a pub or bar licence?
Licensing Solutions can review an existing Premises Licence before a takeover and manage the applications needed for the incoming operator.
We also handle new Premises Licence applications, transfers, DPS changes and variations.
Premises Licence Application
- Pre-purchase licence review
- New premises licence applications
- Transfers and DPS changes
- Full and minor variations
Free initial consultation.
Related licensing guides
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