Apply for a premises licence
We have been made aware of a scam which has been affecting premises licence holders. If you receive a telephone call or email from someone advising of an outstanding annual fee payment or offering a discounted price, if paid immediately, do not make payment. Email licensing@luton.gov.uk immediately and we will confirm if a payment is required.
If you or your business sell alcohol, provide entertainment, such as live or recorded music, or sell hot food after 11pm, you must have a premises licence.
A premises licence is required by the owners of:
- pubs
- clubs
- night clubs
- theatres
- cinemas
- restaurants
- takeaways
- shops
- other retail outlets selling alcohol
Apply for a licence
Apply for a licence for a new premises – GOV.UK
After you apply
The licence will be issued for the life of the business rather than one or three years. Applicants for a premises licence will need to identify in their operating schedule how the premises will meet the four licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime disorder
- public safety
- prevention of public nuisance
- protection of children from harm
If alcohol is sold, the person responsible for such sales must hold a personal licence. The act strictly regulates the grant of personal licences which are valid for a maximum of ten years.
Live performances or live displays of nudity may require a sex establishment licence.
Required information
Your completed application form must be accompanied by the following:
- the relevant fee
- a plan of the premises (to a scale of 1:100)
- the consent form completed by your designated premises supervisor (if necessary)
A copy of your completed application form together with any supporting documents should be sent to all of the responsible authorities (details at the end of the application form) at the same time.
Applicants for a premises licence will need to identify in their operating schedule how the premises will meet the four licensing objectives (see statement of Licensing policy below).
Advertising your application
Once your application has been accepted by the Licensing Service you must advertise on your premises, the advert must be on light blue paper (for correct font size please contact us).
An advert must also go in the newspaper within 10 working days of submitting your application.
Failure to comply with Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 – GOV.UK regarding advertising will deem your application rejected.
Vary or transfer a premises licence
- Apply to vary a premises licence – GOV.UK
- Apply to transfer a premises licence – GOV.UK
- Apply for a minor variation to a premises or club licence – GOV.UK
Designated premises supervisor
If one of your licensable activities is the sale of alcohol, you must name a designated premises supervisor (DPS) on your premises licence.
The DPS:
- is the person who has day-to-day responsibility of running the business
- will be named on the premises licence and must hold a personal licence
- is not necessarily the premises licence holder, although they may be
The role of a DPS
The DPS will:
- act as primary contact for local government and the police
- understand the social issues and potential problems associated with the sale of alcohol
- have a good understanding of the business itself
- be involved enough with the business to be able to act as its representative
- be contactable at all times
The DPS does not need to be on site at all times.
- Apply to vary a premises licence to specify an individual as designated premises supervisor – GOV.UK
- Apply to request removal as a designated premises supervisor – GOV.UK
Other premises licence actions
- Apply for a provisional statement – GOV.UK
- Notify us of an interest in premises under Section 178 – GOV.UK
- Apply for an interim authority notice – GOV.UK
- Notify us of a change of name or address – GOV.UK
Downloads
Contact
For more information, contact our License Service.
Email: licensing@luton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01582 546040
Luton Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ