Alcohol and entertainment licensing

Alcohol licences

Who needs a licence

If you are selling alcohol, you will need certain licences.

Any premises where alcohol will be sold on a permanent basis need a premises licence.

Apply for a premises licence

Premises that wish to sell alcohol will also require a designated premises supervisor (DPS) who holds a personal licence.

Qualifying members’ clubs (such as the Royal British Legion, working men’s clubs, and rugby clubs) need a club premises certificate. Club premises don’t require a DPS. 

Anyone who plans to sell or supply alcohol or provide regulated entertainment on a temporary basis must submit a temporary event notice (TEN). 

If you’re not sure whether or not you need a licence for providing entertainment, please see the gov website for guidance Entertainment Licensing - GOV.UK

If you’re planning an event where a TEN can’t be used, for example if the total attendance will exceed the 499 people limit set for a TEN, then you will need to apply for a premises licence instead. Premises licences can be granted for both a fixed period or, on an ongoing basis.

View our statement of licensing policy.

We are currently consulting on our Statement of Licensing Policy.

Street parties

Read the government's street party guidance, if you're thinking of organising a street party.