Licensing FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

A Premises Licence is a legal requirement under the Licensing Act 2003 for businesses and venues that conduct licensable activities, such as:

• The sale or supply of alcohol
• Regulated entertainment (live music, recorded music, theatre, cinema, dance, etc.)
• Late-night refreshment (hot food or drink served between 11 pm and 5 am)

If you are operating a pub, bar, restaurant, nightclub, hotel, convenience store, off-licence, event venue, or private members' club, obtain a Premises Licence. If alcohol is sold at a Licensed Premise, a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds a Personal Licence must be appointed.

Your Premises Licence is not just a legal requirement—it’s a valuable business asset.

• A financial asset – Licensed premises are often worth significantly more than unlicensed ones.
• More revenue & profit – Alcohol sales offer high margins, and failing to obtain a licence means losing revenue to competitors.
• Competitive advantage – A licence allows for extended trading hours, events, and promotions that attract more customers.
• Avoid fines and closure – Operating without a licence can result in fines up to £20,000, imprisonment, and forced closure.
• Peace of mind – Ensuring compliance protects your business and allows you to operate with confidence.

Yes, a Premises Licence can be transferred to a new owner, but the transfer must be approved by the licensing authority. The process typically takes 7-14 days and requires written consent from the current holder (unless unavailable). We can handle this process seamlessly for you.

If you plan to sell or authorise alcohol sales, you must hold a Personal Licence. However, staff can serve alcohol under the supervision of a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) who holds one.

Severe legal and financial consequences.

• Fines up to £20,000
• Potential imprisonment
• Immediate potential closure of your business
• Difficulty obtaining licences in the future

Avoid these risks—get professional guidance to ensure compliance.

A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allows businesses or individuals to carry out licensable activities without a Premises Licence for short-term events like:

• Private parties, festivals, corporate functions, pop-ups, and weddings

Key limitations:

• 499 attendees max (including staff & performers)
• Max event duration: 168 hours (7 days)
• Limited number of applications 15 per year each Premise
• Applications per year (50 for Personal Licence holders, 5 for others).
• Standard TENs: Apply at least 10 working days in advance
• Late TENs: Apply at least 5 working days in advance

Need more flexibility? A Premises Licence might be a better option—we can advise on the best route for your event.

A standard Premises Licence application takes 28 days for public consultation. However, the entire process can take 6-12 weeks or longer, depending on:

• Complexity of the application
• Public or authority objections
• Premises location & history
• Adjournments in case of objections

Delays can cost you revenue—get expert help to avoid setbacks.

A rejected application does not mean the end of the road. We provide:

• Unique perspective & strategic revisions to address concerns.
• Negotiation with authorities and others to find workable solutions.
• Representation at licensing hearings to defend your case.
• Appeal assistance if required.

Delays and rejections can be costly—why take the risk?

Applying without expert help risks delays, rejections, and lost revenue.

We ensure you:

• Get your licence faster
• Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection
• Successfully handle objections before they escalate
• Negotiate the best licensing conditions for your business

• 30+ years of experience – Unique experience in licensing.
• Ethical, transparent, and client-focused – We always act in your best interests.
• High success rate – Applications structured for approval, not rejection.
• Strategic representation – Strong arguments/ defence at licensing hearings & appeals.
• Tailored solutions – We create licensing strategies designed for your business goals.

At Andy Newman Consultancy Ltd, we believe in ethical value-based fees—not hourly billing. Our pricing reflects:

• The complexity of your case
• The level of work required
• Full transparency—no hidden fees