How long does a premises licence application take?
A new Premises Licence application has a statutory 28-day consultation period, but the total process normally takes longer than 28 days because the application first needs to be prepared and submitted correctly.
Typical Premises Licence Timeline
Preparation
Allow time to prepare the application, premises plan, operating schedule, DPS details, proposed hours and public notices.
Application submitted
The completed application is submitted to the licensing authority.
Consultation
The statutory consultation period runs for 28 days. Responsible authorities and other parties can make relevant representations during this period.
No objections
Where no relevant representations have been received, the licensing authority can grant the licence without a hearing.
Possible hearing
If relevant objections remain unresolved, the application may proceed to a licensing hearing. This will extend the overall timescale.
Can You Get a Premises Licence Faster Than 28 Days?
A standard new Premises Licence application cannot simply skip the statutory consultation period.
You should therefore plan your licence application well before your intended opening date.
When Should I Apply?
As early as practical. Do not arrange an opening date on the assumption that the licence will definitely be granted immediately after 28 days. Potential issues include:
- incomplete applications
- incorrect notices
- responsible-authority concerns
- resident objections
- licensing hearings
- changes requested during consultation
Read the full premises licence application process, and what happens with objections.
Want Help Avoiding Delays?
Licensing Solutions provides a managed Premises Licence application service designed to ensure the application is prepared correctly from the outset.
Premises Licence Application Service
- Application preparation
- Tailored operating schedule
- Licensing-authority submission
- Statutory notice preparation
- Consultation monitoring
- Liaison regarding representations or objections
Related licensing guides
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