Premises licence

Individuals and businesses will need a premises licence in order to sell alcohol by retail, to sell hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am, and to provide regulated entertainment. This includes: 

  • performance of a play 
  • exhibition of a film 
  • indoor sporting event 
  • boxing or wrestling entertainment 
  • playing of recorded music 
  • performance of dance 
  • performance of live music, but only in some cases. Find out if you need a licence (external website)

You will still need a licence even if the activities are for charity.

If you run a private club you can apply for a club premises certificate instead of a premises licence.

If you are building or converting a property and you intend for it to become licensed premises, you can apply for a provisional statement.

We recommend you read through our Statement of Licensing policy.

Statement of licensing policy (PDF, 796KB)

How do I apply for this licence?

If you intend to apply for a premises licence allowing the sale and supply of alcohol, then you will also need: 

  • personal licence holder to authorise the supply of alcohol in line with your premises licence 
  • to nominate a designated premise supervisor (DPS) on your premises licence application. The premises supervisor must be a personal licence holder.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a premises licence is to apply online.

Apply for a premises licence online (external website)

If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of the application form, you can download one from gov.uk (external website).

When you apply you will need to provide a plan of the premises and a copy of the designated premises supervisor’s consent form (external website).

When you apply for a premises licence you will need to send entire copies of your application to the Responsible Authorities. These are agencies who have specific powers under the Licensing Act to promote the four licensing objectives: 

  • Prevention of crime and disorder
  • Protection of children from harm 
  • Public safety 
  • Prevention of public nuisance

Responsible Authorities for Denbighshire County Council (PDF, 164KB)

A premises licence is valid indefinitely from the date it is issued. However you can request for the licence to expire after a fixed date.

When you apply for a premises licence you must advertise the application in the local press, and at the premises for 28 days.

How much does it cost?

The fee for a premises licence application depends on the non-domestic rateable value (NDRV) of the premises. You will also be charged an annual fee for the licence, which will be payable every year on the anniversary of the date the licence is issued. You can find details on gov.uk (external website).

How can I pay?

Payment can be made by card over the phone to customer services (01824 706000). Payment by cheque or cash is only available at one of Denbighshire’s One Stop Shops. Please contact us for the appropriate reference number before attempting to pay. Failing to provide the appropriate reference number may delay your application.