A new premises licence, or a full variation of one, follows a timetable set by the Licensing Act 2003 and its regulations. Knowing it tells you how long you have before a venue can trade under its licence.
| Stage | How long | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Day 0 | The applicant sends the application to the council and must advertise it |
| Representations | 28 consecutive days, starting the day after the council receives the application | The police, other authorities and residents can comment |
| No representations | At the end of the 28 days | The council must grant the licence as applied for, with the conditions the law requires |
| Representations made | A hearing must begin within 20 working days of the end of the 28 days | The council hears both sides, unless everyone agrees a hearing is unnecessary |
When to make contact
The application is the earliest public sign, and the 28 days are when an operator is still planning. A venue with no objections can hold its licence about a month after applying. One that goes to a hearing waits longer: 28 days plus up to 20 working days is about eight weeks before the hearing begins.
A licence is not an opening date. Fit-out, staff and stock come before the doors open, which is why the application, not the opening, is the moment to introduce yourself.