Transfer a premises licence

You must transfer a premises licence if you wish to take over a premises licence from the existing licence holder.

You can also apply for an Interim Authority Notice to temporarily carry out licensable activity at a premises for a period of up to three months.

Who can apply?

You can usually only transfer a licence with the consent of the existing licence holder.

However, consent may not be required if you can demonstrate:

• All reasonable steps have been taken to obtain that consent
• That If you wish the transfer to have immediate effect, you would be in a position to use the premises during the "14 day" consultation period for the authorised licensable activities

How much is it?

There's a fee of £23 to transfer a premises licence.

How to apply

To apply for a premises licence transfer complete the following form

GOV.UK - Transfer a premise licence

Alternatively you can download and complete the transfer of a premises licence form (PDF) [244KB] .

What do I need to include?

You will need to include a copy of the following:

• Premises plan (optional)
• Download and complete the transfer a premises licence consent form (PDF) [31KB] . and upload this with the application form. This must be completed by the current premises licence holder. 
• Applications submitted by individuals will be required to submit a copy of their passport

What happens next?

A copy of your application must also be sent to the police and the home office. We will do this on your behalf if the application is submitted electronically. If you have submitted a postal application, you will need to send a copy yourself. For contact details see responsible authorities.

Consultation period

There will be a consultation period of 14-days starting from the day we received your application.

This time allows objections to be made from the police.

Please note: the application provides the opportunity for the licence transfer to have immediate effect. If the application seeks to take immediate effect, the new licence holder can take on their role during the consultation period.

If there are no objections from the police, the transfer will be granted the day after the end of the consultation period. You will receive your licence or certificate within 10 days.

Objection criteria

Objections must be based on the transfer not promoting one or more of the following licensing objectives:

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

Hearings

If objections are received, a hearing will be held within 20 working days after end of the consultation period and you will be notified in writing.

If the application is granted the licence will be issued within 20 working days of the grant of the application.

Appeals

Anyone at the hearing can appeal the decision.

Appeals must be made to a Magistrates court within 21 days of the decision being made.

Vary a premises licence

To change or alter the activities on an existing licence please visit the page varying a premises licence or club premises certificate.