How to apply for an alcohol licence in the UK

When running a F&B business, whether a restaurant, bar, or beverage business, there are several rules and regulations that you are required to follow.

Obtaining an alcohol licence if you wish to sell or serve alcoholic drinks is a legal requirement in the UK, and not having one can have serious consequences, legally and financially.

Knowing how to get a liquor licence is essential because it ensures that alcohol is sold responsibly and in a way that protects the public. It also shows that your business is operating within the law, helping you avoid fines, closure, or even criminal charges.

At Startups, we’ve helped businesses navigate essential rules and regulations for 25 years. Below, we’ll explore the types of alcohol licences, how to get one, and the typical costs you can expect.

Do I need an alcohol licence?

In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have an alcohol licence if you want to sell, supply, or handle alcoholic beverages, and it is one of the many F&B rules and regulations you must follow.

Typically, you would need to obtain either a premises licence for a specific location or a personal licence for someone responsible for authorising alcohol sales at that location.

Businesses that require an alcohol licence are typically hospitality firms, such as restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels, and event venues. Takeaway businesses are also required to have one, as are retail stores, such as a drinks business that sells alcohol both in-store and online.

What kind of alcohol licence do I need?

There are two kinds of alcohol licences you can obtain in the UK: a premises licence or a personal licence. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these licences are, and what kind of businesses they’re best suited for:

Premises licence

Under the UK’s Licensing Act 2003, you will need a premises licence if you want to sell alcohol from a specific venue (e.g. a pub or bar). You will also need one if you intend to sell hot food between 11 pm and 5 am, or if you want to provide entertainment for customers, such as film viewings, indoor sporting events, live or recorded music, or dancing events.

The typical kind of businesses that usually need a premises licence are pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, late-night takeaways, and shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol.

If you fail to provide your premises licence on request, you can be fined up to £1,000. Additionally, if you carry out the above activities without a licence, you can be fined, convicted for up to six months, or both.

Personal licence

Unlike a premises licence, a personal licence is linked to an individual, rather than a venue. A personal licence allows someone to authorise the sale of alcohol on licensed premises, and lets them act as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for a venue with a premises licence. 

Every premises licence that involves selling alcohol must name a DPS, and that DPS must hold a personal licence. However, this only applies to businesses selling alcohol; if they only offer entertainment or late-night food, a personal licence is not required.

The designated DPS is responsible for authorising and overseeing alcohol sales. A personal licence also allows someone to work in different pubs, bars, or shops that sell alcohol without needing to reapply for each council area.

How to get a premises licence

If you’re not sure how to get a liquor licence, the first thing you should look at is a premises licence, which is something you’ll need to get through your local council. Here’s what you’ll need to do, step-by-step:

1. Prepare your documents

Before applying, you’ll need several important documents and information. These include:

The application form

This is what you’ll be given by your local council. You’ll need to provide the relevant details and information about the premises and what you plan to offer (e.g. alcohol, late-night hot food, live music, etc.).

Your operating schedule

This should outline how you will operate the business and how you plan to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children.

Plans of the premises

You must provide clear and legible plans of the building and the licensed area, including the boundary of the premises, all points of access (e.g. doors and fire exits), escape routes, the designated area for each licensable activity, the location of fixed structures, and the location of toilets, fire safety equipment, and a commercial kitchen (if applicable). 

Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) form (if applicable)

You must have a DPS for your business if you plan to sell alcohol at your premises. This person must hold a personal licence, as well as give their consent to be named on the premises licence.

2. Submit your application

The application process for a premises licence can typically be done online or through a paper form. Whichever you choose, make sure to submit the completed application form, all supporting documents, and the correct fee to the local council’s licensing authority. 

If you’re applying through post, you must also send a copy of the application (plus supporting documents) to each of the “Responsible Authorities” (e.g. police, fire and rescue service, the local council’s licensing team, etc.). If you apply online, this is often done for you by the council.

3. Advertise your application

You are also legally required to advertise your application, as it will allow local residents and responsible authorities to review your proposals and make representations. This is done in two ways:

• Site notice: A notice printed on blue paper (at least A4 size) must be displayed at the premises for at least 28 consecutive days from the day after the application is submitted. This should clearly state the details of your application, including the applicant’s name, your business address, the licensable activities, and details of the licensing authority.
• Newspaper notice: You must publish a notice in the local newspaper (or a local circular or newsletter that circulates in the area of the premises). This must be completed within the first 10 working days after the application is submitted.

What happens next?

Once your application has been submitted, there is a 28-day consultation period. During this time, anyone, including the public and responsible authorities, can make a “relevant representation” to the council. For example, someone might raise concerns about noise, crime, anti-social behaviour, or public safety.

If no relevant representations are received during this period, the licence will be granted as applied for. However, if a representation is made and not withdrawn, the local council will hold a hearing with its Licensing Sub-Committee to consider the application and decide whether to grant the licence, grant it with additional conditions, or reject it.

How to get a personal licence

Similar to a premises licence, applications for a personal licence must also be made to your local council. However, as the requirements are a little different, here’s how to apply for a personal licence:

1. Check your eligibility

Before applying for a personal licence, you should check whether you are eligible for one. You must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have the right to work in the UK with proof (e.g. a passport or a share code from the Home Office)
• Have an accredited licensing qualification (e.g. the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH))
• Not have forfeited a personal licence within the last five years

2. Prepare your documents

Much like with a premises licence, you will need to gather specific documents and information. As well as an accredited qualification and proof of right to work in the UK, you must also provide:

• A Basic Disclosure Criminal Record Check: You must apply for a Basic Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This must be issued no more than one calendar month prior to submitting your application.
• Two passport-sized photographs: These must be recent and on photographic paper. One of the photos must also be endorsed as a “true likeness” of you by someone of a professional standing, such as a solicitor, notary, teacher, or police officer.

3. Submit your application

You’ll need to send the completed application form and all supporting documents to the licensing authority of the council where you live. You can often do this online, by email, or by post.

Police checks

If you have any unspent criminal convictions for a “relevant offence” (e.g. offences related to drugs, violence, etc.), the council will send a copy of your application to the police. From there, the police will have 14 days to object to your application on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

What’s next?

If you have no unspent relevant convictions and the application is complete, the council will grant you the licence. However, if the police object, the council may hold a hearing with its Licensing Sub-Committee to decide whether to grant or refuse the licence.

How much does an alcohol licence cost?

There is no single, fixed fee to get an alcohol licence in the UK. Instead, this primarily depends on the type of licence you are applying for. 

Personal licence costs

The typical costs for a personal licence are relatively the same across the country. Here’s the kind of costs you can expect when applying for one:]

Premises licence costs

Application fees for a premises licence are based on the non-domestic rateable value of your business property, which is set by the Valuation Office Agency. This places your premises into one of five bands, each with a different fee.

There are also additional charges (called multipliers) for venues in Band D and E if the main purpose is selling alcohol to customers. For example, if you’re running a nightclub or a big pub, you’ll likely pay more than a restaurant or a hotel bar for the same band.

• Band D (x2): £900
• Band E (x3): £1,905

As well as the one-off application fee, you must also pay an annual fee to maintain your premises licence. These are also based on the rateable value of your business property.

The same multipliers also apply to venues in Bands D and E that are primarily used for on-site alcohol sales.

• Band D (x2): £640
• Band E (x3): £1,050

Next steps

Whether you’re running a restaurant, bar, or opening a retail business, knowing how to get a liquor licence is essential. It might seem like a lot of paperwork, but once you understand the kind of licence you need, the application process and the costs involved, it’s actually pretty straightforward.

Having the right licence keeps your business on the right side of the law, protects your customers, and makes your venue look trustworthy. And with the right planning and preparation, you can focus on running a business that’s safe, successful, and enjoyable.

Ready to get started? Head over to the government website to start your alcohol licence application today.