Licensing and permits

Premises licence: Variation applications

There may be a reason why you wish to vary a premises licence, such as to include further licensable activities or alter existing activities and operating times allowed by the premises licence.

Applying to vary a premises licence does not change any planning permissions or existing conditions under planning legislation. You must check the existing terms to ensure you can trade as intended.

Government guidance states that the variation application process cannot be used to 'vary substantially the premises to which the licence relates'. If you think your proposals could vary substantially the layout or operation of the premises, please contact us before you submit an application so we can consider if a variation or new application would be appropriate.

Before you apply

Download the guidance notes which explain policy issues, fees, how to complete the application and the required notification of the application. You must also download the notice to advertise the application at the premises and in the local paper.

We also recommend you read our Licensing Policy Statement before making an application.

  • Application guidance notes

    Download this document: Application guidance notes (PDF: 231 KB)

    This document provides guidance on completing the application form for the variation of a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. You should read this before submitting your application.

  • Notice for advertising application

    Download this document: Notice for advertising application (DOCX: 68 KB)

    Use this template and display it at the premises. It must remain in place for no less than 28 consecutive days starting from the date you submit your application to the council.

  • Licensing Policy Statement 2021-26

    Download this document: Licensing Policy Statement 2021-26 (PDF: 479 KB)

    The licensing authority (the council) is required under the Licensing Act to publish its five-year Licensing Policy Statement which was approved by full council on 20th January 2021.

    First published: 20/01/2021

Read list of model conditions

We have produced a list of model conditions to help you draft the contents of your operating schedule in your application. The schedule should set out the steps you will take to promote the four licensing objectives if your application is granted.

Apply online

When you have done all of the above, you can submit your application.

  • You'll be prompted to upload a scanned copy of your premises licence or advise why you cannot.
  • You'll be prompted to upload a scanned copy of your plans (if applicable)
  • On submit, your application will automatically be sent to the Licensing Authority and all the responsible authorities.
  • You will be directed to our payment portal to make your payment.

Apply online to vary a premises licence

Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. After the 28-day consultation period has expired, if no representations have been received from Responsible Authorities or interested parties, then the licence is granted as applied for. We will issue the licence shortly after.

If there is a representation from a responsible authority or interested party then this will cause the application to be considered by the Licensing Sub Committee. A hearing will be arranged within 56 days from the date the application is made.