Alcohol licence for a restaurant
If your restaurant will sell alcohol in England or Wales, the licensing position must be dealt with before alcohol sales begin.
The restaurant needs a Premises Licence authorising alcohol sales, a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) named on the licence, and a Personal Licence held by that DPS.
What licences does a restaurant need to sell alcohol?
For a typical restaurant selling alcohol for consumption on the premises, the key permissions are attached to the Premises Licence. The licence sets out when alcohol may be sold and any conditions that apply to the business.
If the Premises Licence authorises alcohol sales, a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) must be named on the licence, and the DPS must hold a Personal Licence.
Other restaurant staff do not each need their own Personal Licence to serve alcohol, provided sales are properly authorised.
Do you need a Personal Licence to open a restaurant?
The restaurant owner does not have to be the Personal Licence holder. Where the Premises Licence authorises alcohol sales, it is the named DPS who must hold one.
Many restaurant owners and senior managers choose to obtain their own Personal Licence because it gives the business more flexibility when managers change or additional sites are opened.
Need the qualification first? See the personal licence course & exam.
What will the Premises Licence cover?
- The sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and, where required, off the premises
- The hours during which alcohol may be sold
- Any regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment requiring authorisation
- The restaurant layout shown on the premises plan
- Conditions designed to promote the four licensing objectives
What is included in a restaurant application?
A new application includes the application form, operating schedule, premises plan, DPS consent where alcohol sales are included, the statutory application fee and the required public notices.
The operating schedule is particularly important. It explains the steps the restaurant proposes to take to promote the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
How long does it take?
A new Premises Licence application has a statutory 28-day consultation period. Preparation takes place before that period begins, and relevant representations or objections can extend the overall process.
If you are planning an opening date, start the licensing work early rather than assuming the licence will be ready exactly 28 days after you first make contact. Premises licence timescales
Common restaurant licensing issues
- Alcohol hours that do not match the intended trading model
- Outdoor terraces or pavement areas not properly reflected in the plans or permissions
- Late-night refreshment after 11pm
- Conditions that are unnecessarily restrictive
- Deliveries or takeaway alcohol not covered by the intended permissions
- A change of operator without transferring an existing Premises Licence
Taking over an existing restaurant? You may need a Premises Licence transfer and a change of DPS. Costs are set out in our premises licence fees guide.
Need help with a restaurant licence?
Licensing Solutions prepares and manages Premises Licence applications across England and Wales, including the operating schedule, the statutory notices and liaison with the licensing authority during the consultation period.
If you are taking over an already licensed restaurant, we can also deal with a Premises Licence transfer and any change of DPS.
Premises Licence Application
- Consultation and licence review
- Operating schedule drafted for your business
- Application, plan and notices handled
- Liaison during the consultation period
Free initial consultation.
Related licensing guides
Premises licence
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