Are you thinking about opening your own pub? For many, it’s a dream come true – but there’s plenty to do to make it happen.
Along with realising your design ambitions for the venue and sourcing staff, you’ll need to get your paperwork sorted – including an official licence to sell alcohol, as every sale of alcohol in the UK must be authorised.
Whether you’ve just bought your first pub or are adding another to your portfolio, we’ll explain all the basics of licensing below.
What are the different types of pub licence?
There are three main types of pub licence required for the sale of alcohol. These include:
- Premises licence: Required by any organisation that supplies or sells alcohol permanently
- Personal licence: Necessary for anyone who sells, supplies or authorises the supply or sale of alcohol by a third party
- Club premises certificate: Required by qualifying members’ clubs, like rugby clubs or working men’s clubs, if they plan to serve or supply alcohol
Obtaining your licence means that you’ll need to take your responsibility seriously. The penalties for unauthorised sale of alcohol are severe and could include an unlimited fine and/or six months in prison. Along with knowing the law, you may find it useful to understand your needs when it comes to pub insurance, as customers, business and demand can be unpredictable in this industry.
What other paperwork do I need to sign for my pub?
You’ll also need to obtain a few more licences to open your doors safely and legally. For example, if you intend to play music or hire live performers to play, you’ll need to get a licence to play live or recorded music. Similarly, if you’d like your pub to serve freshly prepared food, you’ll need to comply with various regulations. For establishments handling animal products, local authority approval may be required. You’ll also need to meet expectations regarding essential food safety and hygiene to keep your staff, customers and business safe.
How much does a pub licence cost?
New licence fees always apply under the Licensing Act 2003. These are categorised according to the national non-domestic rateable value (NNDR) or ‘band’ of your business premises. Bandings and prices are listed on the Valuation Office Agency website. To find the most accurate information on charges for your business, it’s worth checking with your local council.
How do I apply for a licence?
Ready to get going? To start your application, you need to fill out a form and send it to your local council. There’s usually an administration fee incurred with this process and you could also be required to send copies of the form to the police. You can also complete forms for temporary events and variations in your usual business opening hours.
Whether it’s a permanent new pub or a festive event, you’ve now learned everything you need to know about licensing. Cheers!