Minor variation of a premises licence

Applications for a minor variation can be made where small changes to a premises licence are being proposed, such as:

Small changes to the structure or layout of a premises
The addition of authorisation for late night refreshment or regulated entertainment
Small changes to licensing hours where they do not relate to alcohol
Revisions, removals and additions of conditions

If the proposed variation is more significant, a full variation may be more appropriate.

How to apply

To make an application to vary your premises licence you will need to submit:

The application form
A scale plan of the premises - only if the variation affects the plan of the premises

Scale plans

The scale plan of the premises - unless we agree in writing beforehand - must comply with the regulations. The plan should be drawn at a scale of 1:100 and must show:

the extent of the boundary of the building, if relevant, and any external and internal walls of the building and, if different, the perimeter of the premises
the location of points of access to and exit from the premises
the location of escape routes from the premises, if different from the access and exit points above
in a case where the premises is used for more than one existing licensable activity or qualifying club activity, the area within the premises used for each activity
fixed structures (including furniture) or similar objects temporarily in a fixed location (but not furniture) which may impact on the ability of individuals on the premises to use exits or escape routes
the location and height of any stage or raised area relative to the floor
the location of any steps, stairs, elevators or lifts
the location of any room(s) containing public conveniences
the location and type of any fire safety and any other safety equipment
the location of any kitchen on the premises

The plan may include a legend. Symbols can be used to illustrate the necessary features.

Operating schedule

You must consider if the proposed variation is likely to affect the promotion of the four licensing objectives:

The prevention of crime and disorder
Public safety
The prevention of public nuisance
The protection of children from harm

You might need to consider proposing additional conditions on your application to mitigate any impact the variation might have the promotion of the four licensing objectives.

For example, extending the times for regulated entertainment might require additional conditions to safeguard against causing a public nuisance.

Please think carefully about what steps you will take to promote the licensing objectives. We have additional guidance and a pool of model conditions you can refer to in Appendix C of our Licensing Policy Statement.

PDF Icon Licensing Policy Statement - pdf - 2.10 Mb

Fees

The licence fee is set out in law.

PDF Icon Alcohol and entertainment licensing fees - pdf - 48 Kb

Consultation

We must consult for 10 working days on the application. We will consult with relevant responsible authorities, and must consider any relevant representations received from other persons during this time period.

Notices

A white notice must be put on display in a prominent position at the premises for a period of ten working days starting on the working day after the application was given to the council.

Please be as clear as you can on the brief description for the variation. For example, “to extend the licensing hours” or “increase hours for the sale of xx” is unlikely to be sufficient.

We would expect as much information as possible so that the notice gives readers a clear indication of the changes sought. For example: “To increase the hours for the performance of live music everyday from xx to xx” or consider using a table to set out the changes proposed.

Minor variation public notice - doc - 30 Kb

Determination

After the 10 working day period, we have a further 5 working days to determine the application, taking into account any representations made.

If we fail to determine the application within the 5 working days, the application is deemed refused and we will refund the application fee.

If we receive relevant representations objecting to your application, we might reject the application. There is no right to refer the application to a licensing committee hearing.

If we refuse the application, you will need to resubmit the application as a full variation.

Tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply. If your application is not determined within the statutory 15 working days, it will be deemed refused and the application fee will be refunded.