Make a minor variation to an alcohol and entertainment premises licence

To make a minor variation to an existing premises licence you are required to make an application to vary the licence. 

The minor variation procedure allows licence holders to make small changes to their premises licence. Only changes that will not undermine the licensing objectives are permitted under this procedure. The following processes are considered a minor variation:

  • Minor changes to the structure or layout of a premises (for example re-positioning the bar counter
  • Small adjustments to licensing hours (this cannot include hours for alcohol)
  • Removal of irrelevant or unenforceable conditions or volunteering of conditions

If we believe that the application could have adverse impact on the licensing objectives we must reject the application.

You can read guidance about making a minor variation application.

Variations to an existing premises licence not considered a minor variation

There are limitations to the type of application that can be considered as a minor variation. If you want to make any of the following changes to your premises licence, you must make an application to vary the licence:

  • Varying substantially the premises to which the licence relates
  • Adding the sale of alcohol to a premises licence
  • Increasing the amount of time during a day that alcohol may be sold
  • Adding licensable activities
  • Varying the hours during which a licensable activity is permitted
  • Amending, adding or removing relevant conditions within a licence

Make a variation application.

How to apply for a minor application

An application for a minor variation to a premises licence can be made in one of two ways:

Online 

  • Complete the form online (GOV.UK)
  • Save a copy of the completed form for your own records
  • Make the payment of using a debit or credit card
  • You do not need to send additional copies to the responsible authorities when you make a minor variation application, as we will carry out the consultation.

Paper

You should note that the application process will not start until the fee is received. 

What you need to apply for a minor variation

You must provide the following with your completed application form:

Plan of the premises

If the plan of the premises is changing you must include a revised plan. The plan must be clear and legible in all respects and must show:

  • The boundary of the building, including any external and internal walls and, if different, the perimeter of the premises
  • Points of access to and egress i.e. doors
  • Location of escape routes from the premises
  • The area within the premises to be used for each licensable activity
  • Fixed structures including furniture and temporarily fixed objects, such as seating, which may effect escape routes
  • Location and height of any stage or raised area relative to the floor
  • Location of any steps, stairs, elevators or lifts
  • Location of all toilets
  • Location and type of any fire safety and other safety equipment
  • Location of a kitchen, if any, on the premises

You can use a legend to explain the symbols used on the plan. Download a template to help you complete the plan.

Fee

The application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

Advertise the application

You must advertise your application with a site notice. This notice must be displayed prominently at or on the premises to which the application relates detailing the application. The poster must be displayed where it can be conveniently read by the public.

The poster must be displayed for a period of 10 working days from the day after the date on which the application is submitted. It must be equal or larger than A4, printed legibly in black ink or typed in black in a font of a size equal to or larger than 16 on white paper. 

Download a template for the site notice.

What happens next?

We will check that:

  • The application is correctly completed
  • The application meets the criteria to be a minor variation
  • If has been advertised correctly

If there is a problem

If there is a problem with the application, we may contact you for further information or return the application (or part of it) for your attention. Until these problems are solved your application is not valid and the consultation period will not start.

Notifying responsible authorities

We will consult with the responsible authorities if we believe that one or more of the licensing objectives may be affected by the proposed changes.

How long does it take to decide on an application?

There is a legal 10 working day consultation period during which representations can be made from responsible authorities and other persons. See making representations for more information.

The decision

We must determine the application within an additional 5 working days. There is no provision for a hearing by the Licensing Committee.

Where we receive relevant representations, and where they feel that the application could have adverse impact on the licensing objectives we must reject the application.

If we believe there is no adverse impact on the licensing objectives we must grant the application.

We cannot impose conditions however we can add any conditions volunteered by the applicant.

If your application is rejected or refused

If the minor variation is not accepted because it does not meet the minor variation criteria or it has been considered and rejected because it may have impact on the licensing objectives; you may submit a variation application.

Up to Alcohol and entertainment premises licence

Updated: 09/12/2024