Apply for a premises licence if you want to sell or provide any other licensable activities on a permanent basis.
Before you start
Get pre-application advice
Our pre-application advice service will make the process of applying for a premises licence run more smoothly.
Planning permission
You must ensure that you have the correct planning permissions in order to turn a property into a licensed premises. For example:
- by making sure that your premises is the correct use class, and if it isn't, putting in a planning application for a change of use; or,
- checking for any restrictions that would prevent it being used for licensable activities.
Transfers
If you've just acquired or moved into the property, it is worth checking with the proprietor or landlord if there is already a licence in place, if so you can apply to transfer a premises licence.
How much it costs
There is an application fee and an annual fee. You will be charged the annual fee until you surrender your licence.
Fees depend on the rateable value of the premises. If your premises doesn't have a rateable value eg schools, community halls or open spaces, it will fall into the lowest fee band.
There are increased fees for exceptionally large scale events (attendance of over five thousand). These are based on the numbers attending.
How to apply
You will need to
Log into your MyAccount (or create an account if you don't already have one) to complete the form. MyAccount is an easier and quicker way to interact with us and is available 24/7
- complete the application form
- upload supporting documentation
- pay the appropriate fee
You must send copies of your application to the Police and other responsible authorities. (A copy of the completed form will be emailed to you after submission)
Guidance for premises plans
Consent to be Designated Premises Supervisor
Advertising your application
You will need to:
- wait for the Licensing team to contact you and confirm that the application is complete and ready for consultation and advertising
- display a notice of application on light blue paper at the premises Notice of application for premises licence (PDF, 19KB); and
- place a notice in the local paid for newspaper. The Herald or Kentish Express that covers the area that the premises resides. The notice must appear in the newspaper within 10 days of submitting the application. This gives local residents and businesses 28 days to read your proposal and make representations if they wish. make representations;
What happens next?
We'll process your application in 24 hours and if there are no representations at the end of the 28 day representation period, we'll issue your licence 24 hours later.
If there are representations, The Licencing Sub-Comittee will hold a hearing, which all parties will be invited to attend. At the hearing, the Licensing Sub-Committee will decide either to grant or reject your application.
We will write to you to confirm the decision, and tell you what you can do if you wish to appeal.