Business licences (FAQs)
From this page you will be able to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Council's service for businesses.
Our licensing promises:
We will:
- Advise enquirers on the licensing requirements
- Where appropriate consult with other council departments, and/or other enforcement agencies about applications, including the police when we have to ensure that the applicant is a fit person to hold a licence
- Carry out unannounced inspections of premises when licensed events are in progress
- Investigate unlicensed events or breaches of licence condition, and either warn the persons responsible or take action against them in accordance with our enforcement policy (PDF downloadable from right hand menu)
- Give one month's notice of licence expiry
- Advise applicants of their right of appeal
- Issue licences:
- Within six weeks in respect of new applications, or provide an explanation of the delay and a date by which a decision will be made
- Within three weeks for applications to renew an existing licence. In these cases an application to renew must be received before the expiry of the old licence
Q: How to make an application
A: The general procedure for making an application is as as follows...
Q: When will I receive my licence
A: The relevant legislation may prescribe time limits for issuing decisions, where this is the case the relevant time limits will be explained in the application form/guidance notes. In all other cases our aim is as follows...
Q: What happens if a licence is refused?
A: The Council can only refuse a Licence if they have good reason to do so. If the Council still wishes to refuse the application, they will set out their decision in writing giving the reasons for their decision. They will also explain how you can appeal against their decision.
Q: When will the licence expire?
A: Most licences issued by the Council are for one year. The licence may expire 12 months from the date of issue or on a set date each year. This should be made clear on the application form and/or guidance notes. It is the licensee's duty to ensure that they apply for a licence renewal in good time. For most licences renewal is a straightforward procedure. We aim to send reminders to all licence holders at least one month before the licence expires.
Q: Can a licence be transferred?
A: Most licences are transferable. It is always advisable to contact us before entering into any negotiations to transfer a licence to a new person because the Council must approve the transfer.
Q: Types of licences?
A: The Public Protection team deals with a wide variety of licences. Please visit our 'List of business licences' page for further information (right hand menu).
Q: Making a complaint
A: If you have a complaint about our service, and have been unable to resolve the matter with the officer concerned, please contact Clive Cain, Head of Public Protection (Business) using the contact details on the right. If your are still dissatisfied, please use our online feedback form, which is also provided from the right hand menu.
