Premises Licence Transfer

Application to Transfer a Premises Licence

If you're taking over licensed premises, this application is essential to avoid starting from scratch.
A new premises licence is expensive, and may be restricted by more stringent operating conditions.

An application to transfer the premises licence must be made to the Licensing Authority of the Council in whose area the premises is situated.

We will prepare:

• The premises licence transfer application form
• The licence holder consent to transfer form to be signed by the current premises licence holder.

  If the current licence holder cannot be contacted, the application may be accepted with evidence of unsuccessful attempts to contact them. Ideally via a recorded delivery letter — received but unanswered.

  If consent is refused, a new premises licence application will generally be required.

• A copy of the full, current premises licence.

  If this cannot be obtained, the application may be accepted provided that an explanation is given — e.g. the current licence holder has ceased trading and their copy has been lost.

Note:

The application may take effect immediately, or if you are not yet in control of the premises, at a future, specified date.

There is a 14-day consultation period to provide the police with an opportunity to object. In the absence of any objection, alcohol can be sold during the consultation period.

Application to Vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

If your premises licence transfer results in staff changes, you'll need a new DPS.

The transfer of a premises licence will ordinarily involve a change of the DPS. If that is the case, a simultaneous application to vary the DPS must be carried out.

The new DPS must be a director or employee of the business with a personal licence to approve sales of alcohol.

The DPS will manage licensable activities at the premises and will be the main point of contact for the police or local Licensing Authority with regard to any issues.

We will prepare:

• The designated premises supervisor variation application form
• The designated premises supervisor consent form
• Proof of the right of the DPS to live and work in the UK — generally a copy of a British passport or a share code.
• A full copy of the current premises licence

  If this cannot be provided, the Licensing Authority may still accept the application with a valid explanation.

Note:

The application may take effect immediately, or if the new DPS is not yet in control of the premises, at a future, specified date.

There is a 14-day consultation period to provide the police with an opportunity to object. In the absence of any objection, alcohol can be sold during the consultation period.

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