Licence reviews

What is an interested party?

• Anyone living near to the premises (or somebody representing these people)
• Any business near to the premises (or somebody representing such a business)

On what grounds can I ask for a review?

The request for the review of a premises licence or club premises certificate must be under one or more of the licensing objectives, which are:

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

How do I ask for a licence to be reviewed?

Email the Licensing Officer for the appropriate form and guidance notes. Complete the application form carefully, providing as much detail to support your application. Send the original to us and send a copy of it to:

• the premises licence holder or the club
• each of the responsible authorities

You should also keep a copy for your records.

What happens then?

• We will consider your application.  For interested parties only, if the grounds for review are considered frivolous, vexatious or repetitious, or have already been considered we can refuse to review the licence.  If this happens, we will tell you the reasons why.
• If your application is accepted, we'll advertise that the licence is to be reviewed, other interested parties and responsible authorities will have 28 days to make any representations.
• At the end of that period, a hearing is held before a licensing sub-committee within 20 working days to consider any representations.  You, the licence holder(s) and any other people making representations will be invited to attend.

What can the sub-committee do?

For premises licences, the sub-committee can:

• Add, modify or remove any of the licence conditions (for up to three months)
• Exclude a licensable activity from being held at the premises (for up to three months)
• Remove the designated premises supervisor
• Suspend the licence (for up to three months)
• Revoke the licence
• Any or none of the above.

For club certificates, the sub-committee can:

• Add, modify or remove any of the conditions of the certificate (for up to three months)
• Exclude a qualifying club activity from the scope of the certificate (for up to three months)
• Suspend the certificate (for up to three months)
• Withdraw the certificate

Decisions made by the sub-committee can be appealed against.  Any decision has no effect until the end of the period for appealing against the decision, or where an appeal is made, until the appeal has been disposed of.

Does it cost anything to ask for a licence to be reviewed?

Asking for a review is free.  For further information and guidance please see the Department of Culture, Media & Sport Web Site.