In this section
Change / vary an existing licence
Licence holders have a right to apply to vary their existing licence. There are two types of variation applications - minor variations, and full variations.
The full variations process is very similar to the application process for a new Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate.
Applying
You must submit a completed application form (there are different forms depending upon whether you are applying to vary a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate), plans of the premises (if the application is to change the layout or structure of the premises), and the relevant fee. Any plans must meet the requirements for plans which are submitted with new licence applications.
You can apply online to vary a Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate. Applications not submitted online must be copied to the responsible authorities and served on these authorities at the same time as when the application is submitted to the licensing authority.
A public notice must be displayed on your premises for 28 consecutive days advertising your application, starting the day after your application is submitted. The notice must be clearly visible to the public at all times of the day, so you will need to ensure that your notice is not obstructed by shutters or other security features on your premises. The notice must also be printed on pale blue paper.
A copy of this notice must be advertised within a local newspaper within 10 days of the application being submitted.
Failure to submit the correct documentation with your application, to serve copies of your application to the responsible authorities (where the application is not submitted online), or advertise your application correctly, will result in a delay in processing your application while you validate your application, and your application may be rejected outright.
Timescales
The consultation period for a variation application is 28 days. No decision can be made until the consultation period has closed.
Your variation will be granted if no objections were made during the consultation period.
If any objections are received, you will be notified of these objections. A hearing will be arranged within 20 working days of the consultation period closing to consider any objections.
Costs
The application fee depends on the rateable value of the premises
|
Rateable Value |
Application Fee |
|---|---|
|
£0 – £4,300 |
£100 |
|
£4,300 – £33,000 |
£190 |
|
£33,001 – £87,000 |
£315 |
|
£87,001 – £125,000 |
£450 * |
|
£125,001 + |
£635 ** |
* premises primarily or exclusively selling alcohol for consumption on the premises pay £900
** premises primarily or exclusively selling alcohol for consumption on the premises pay £1,905
If you are applying online, you will be asked to make payment by card before submitting your application. If you are not applying online please note that we can only accept payment by credit and debit card or by bank transfer. If you wish to pay by bank transfer, please contact the licensing team for our bank details.
Appeals
Unsuccessful applicants have a right to appeal to the magistrates' court if the variation is refused, or to appeal against any conditions attached to a licence at a hearing. Objectors have a right to appeal against a decision to grant a variation. Any appeals must be submitted to the court in writing within 21 days of being notified of the decision.
How to object or complain
To object to an application, please read our information about objecting to licences.
