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Licensing Consultancy Services
Expert Support for Licensing, Compliance and Operational Success
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At Licensing Professionals, we provide specialist consultancy services to help licensed premises meet their legal obligations under the Licensing Act 2003, while operating safely, profitably, and with confidence.
Whether you run a pub, bar, restaurant, club, hotel, event space, or takeaway, we offer practical, real-world guidance built on years of licensing experience.
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We deliver specialist training and professional development for those working within the licensing trade and within local authorities across London and the South East.
Our online and blended learning programmes support Designated Premises Supervisors (DPS's), venue managers, enforcement officers, and all professionals involved in the management and regulation of licensed premises.
Whether you work in a local authority or operate a licensed venue, our courses offer flexible, accessible learning from anywhere in London and the South East—helping to promote consistent standards, good practice, and full compliance across every licensing authority.
About Licensing Professionals
Premises Licence Application Service
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Our experienced licensing consultants support clients with new Premises Licence applications, enabling the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment, and/or late night refreshment across London and the South East.
From small retail premises to large venues — including restaurants, bars, online businesses, and event spaces — we work closely with clients to recommend practical, proportionate approaches that give the best possible chance of a successful outcome.
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New Premises Licence applications are heavily influenced by the location of the premises and the local licensing policy in force. For this reason, licensing considerations should be treated as a priority at the earliest stage of business planning.
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We support all of our clients throughout the entire process, from initial advice and application preparation through to determination. Submitting a well-prepared and robust application at the outset can make a significant difference, particularly where consultation or representations arise.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your proposed application and provide clear, honest advice before any commitment is made.
Premises Licence Variation Services
A premises licence variation is the formal process by which an existing Premises Licence holder can apply to make changes to their licence.
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Variations may include amendments to permitted operating hours, changes to the internal layout of the premises (plans), the addition or removal of licensable activities (such as live music), or the variation, removal, or replacement of existing licence conditions. Applications may involve one or a combination of these changes.
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Our experienced Licensing Consultants manage the variation process on behalf of clients, providing practical advice and preparing robust applications designed to achieve the best possible outcome, while remaining aligned with local licensing policy and the licensing objectives.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss the proposed variation and confirm the most appropriate application route.
Licensing Sub-Committee Hearing Representation
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Where an application for a Premises Licence, or a variation to an existing licence, attracts representations from responsible authorities or members of the public, the matter will be determined at a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing.
Our experienced Licensing Consultants provide professional representation at licensing hearings, acting on behalf of clients and presenting the application in a clear, structured, and proportionate manner.
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We strongly recommend engaging our consultants at the earliest opportunity. Early involvement allows us to review representations, liaise with responsible authorities, and seek to resolve issues in advance of the hearing wherever possible. Successfully addressing concerns prior to the hearing can significantly strengthen an application and improve the prospects of a favourable outcome.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your application, representations received, and the most appropriate strategy moving forward.
Premises Licence Review Hearing Representation
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A review of a Premises Licence may be initiated where concerns are raised in relation to one or more of the licensing objectives, typically by a responsible authority or a member of the public.
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Reviews are determined at a hearing before the Licensing Sub-Committee, where the licensing authority considers the evidence presented and decides what action, if any, should be taken. Our experienced Licensing
Consultants provide professional representation throughout this process, acting in our clients’ best interests.
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Early engagement is strongly recommended. Involving our consultants at the earliest opportunity allows time to assess the issues raised, engage constructively with responsible authorities and other parties, and, where possible, resolve matters in advance of the hearing.
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Approaching a Premises Licence Review with issues already addressed can significantly strengthen a client’s position and help achieve a more proportionate outcome.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss the review, the concerns raised, and the most appropriate strategy moving forward.
Premises Licence Transfer Service
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Where a premises already holds a Premises Licence and is taken over by a new owner or tenant, it is often possible to transfer the existing licence, avoiding the delay and expense associated with submitting a new application.
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Although the existing Premises Licence may not fully align with the incoming operator’s business plans, securing the licence by way of transfer is usually the most efficient and advantageous first step. Any necessary amendments can then be dealt with separately through a variation application.
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Licence transfers are particularly important where a company ceases trading or enters liquidation. Where the Premises Licence is held in the company’s name, an application to transfer the licence must normally be made within 28 days to prevent it from lapsing. If a licence lapses, a new Premises Licence application would be required, with associated time and cost implications.
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While many transfers are straightforward, difficulties can arise where the existing licence holder does not consent to the transfer or cannot be contacted. Our Licensing Consultants provide clear, practical advice and manage the transfer process on your behalf, helping to resolve issues and progress the application efficiently.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your circumstances and confirm the most appropriate course of action.
Premises Licence Minor Variation Service
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The Minor Variation process is an alternative to a full premises licence variation. It is generally quicker and more cost-effective, with a consultation period of 10 working days, a fixed application fee, and no requirement for newspaper advertising. However, it can only be used in limited circumstances.
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Minor Variations are intended to allow Premises Licence holders to make small, low-impact changes that do not undermine the licensing objectives. Examples may include minor amendments to approved plans, adjustments to licence conditions that have been agreed in advance with responsible authorities, or a reduction in licensed hours to avoid the application of the Late Night Levy.
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The suitability of a Minor Variation is ultimately determined by the Licensing Authority and responsible authorities. There is no hearing or right of appeal under this process. If a Minor Variation application is refused, the only option available is to submit a full variation application.
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Our experienced Licensing Consultants provide clear advice on whether a proposed change is appropriate for a Minor Variation and can prepare and submit the application on your behalf, helping to minimise the risk of refusal.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your proposed changes and confirm the most appropriate application route.
Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) Variation Service
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A Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) must be specified on a Premises Licence in order for the sale of alcohol to lawfully take place. Where no DPS is in place, alcohol sales must cease until a variation to specify a DPS has been submitted and is valid.
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This situation commonly arises where an existing DPS leaves the business or following a transfer of a Premises Licence, where the previous DPS is no longer employed by, or authorised by, the new Premises Licence Holder.
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In appropriate circumstances, a DPS variation application can be submitted with a request for immediate effect, meaning the variation is treated as granted on the same day a valid application is lodged. This allows alcohol sales to continue without interruption. Immediate effect is only available where a Personal Licence holder is available to be nominated, as this is a statutory requirement for the DPS role.
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Our Licensing Consultants provide prompt, practical support and will prepare and submit a valid DPS variation application without delay, helping to ensure business continuity and ongoing compliance.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your circumstances and confirm the most appropriate next steps.
Late Night Refreshment Premises Licence Service
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Late Night Refreshment is a licensable activity relating to the sale of hot food and hot drinks between 23:00 and 05:00.
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Where such activity is proposed, a Premises Licence is required. Although applications follow the same statutory process as other premises licence applications, late night refreshment premises often present additional considerations, particularly in relation to public nuisance, dispersal, and local licensing policy.
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Our experienced Licensing Consultants understand the specific challenges associated with late night food premises and provide tailored advice and support throughout the application process. We assist clients in preparing robust applications designed to address local authority concerns and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your circumstances and confirm the most appropriate next steps.
Temporary Event Notice (TEN) Service
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A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) allows licensable activities — such as the sale of alcohol or regulated entertainment — to take place at a premises or location without the need for a Premises Licence, provided specific statutory criteria are met. TENs may cover events lasting for a limited period of up to 168 hours.
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TENs are commonly used where a Premises Licence is already in place, but the operator wishes to carry out licensable activities outside the permitted hours on specific occasions, such as for special events. They may also be used to authorise activities not currently permitted by the existing licence, for example, the provision of live music.
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The Temporary Event Notice process is subject to a number of statutory limits and restrictions, including limits on the number of notices, duration of events, and maximum attendance. Our experienced Licensing Consultants can advise on the suitability of a TEN for your proposed event and, where appropriate, prepare and submit the application on your behalf.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your circumstances and confirm the most appropriate next steps.
Pavement Licence Service
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A Pavement Licence allows businesses such as cafés, bars, pubs, and restaurants to place removable furniture on the public highway outside their premises, typically for the purpose of outdoor seating and the consumption of food and drink.
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Local authorities regulate pavement licences to ensure that outdoor areas are safe, accessible, and do not cause obstruction or nuisance. Applications are assessed against local policy requirements, highway considerations, public safety, and accessibility obligations.
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Our experienced Licensing Consultants provide practical advice and support with Pavement Licence applications, helping clients to prepare and submit compliant applications that address local authority expectations. We assist with defining the proposed area, layout plans, conditions of use, and liaison with the council where required.
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Whether you are applying for a new Pavement Licence, renewing an existing licence, or responding to council queries or objections, we manage the process on your behalf to help minimise delays and ensure your outdoor area can be operated lawfully.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your premises, proposed outdoor area, and the most appropriate application route.
Premises Licence Compliance Review
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Licensing compliance is often a priority when a business first opens but can receive less attention as operations become established and day-to-day trading takes over.
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While core practices such as age verification and refusing service to intoxicated persons may remain in place, the detailed requirements of the Premises Licence can be overlooked. Changes in legislation, updates to guidance, or developments in the business model may also have implications that are not always fully considered from a licensing perspective.
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Our Premises Licence Compliance Review provides a structured audit of your premises to assess ongoing compliance with licensing law and licence conditions.
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This bespoke consultancy service can range from a focused review of the Premises Licence to confirm it remains fit for purpose, through to a comprehensive assessment of operational practices, policies, and procedures. Following the review, we provide a clear written report outlining compliance requirements, identified risks, and practical recommendations to support continued lawful operation.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your premises and agree the most appropriate scope for the health check.
Policy Writing & Documentation Service
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Clear, well-structured policies and supporting documentation are essential for demonstrating compliance with licensing law and meeting the expectations of local authorities, responsible authorities, and enforcement officers.
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Our Policy Writing & Documentation service supports businesses in developing, reviewing, and updating policies that reflect both legal requirements and real-world operations. This includes policies required under the Licensing Act 2003, as well as operational documents used to manage risk and promote the licensing objectives.
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We work closely with clients to ensure policies are accurate, practical, and tailored to the specific premises, rather than generic templates. Documentation is written in clear language, aligned with licence conditions and local authority guidance, and suitable for inspection or submission as part of an application, review, or compliance audit.
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Our service can include the drafting or review of documents such as operating schedules, licensing policies, dispersal policies, age verification policies, refusals procedures, incident reporting processes, and other compliance-related records.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your requirementse most appropriate scope of work.
Alcohol Wholesale Registration (AWRS)
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Professional support for businesses required to register under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme. We assist with AWRS applications, eligibility assessments, due diligence requirements, and ongoing compliance, helping businesses trade lawfully and reduce the risk of enforcement action.
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A free initial consultation is available to discuss your requirements and agree the most appropriate scope of work.
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Fast, responsive service with clear communication
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Practical advice based on real hospitality experience
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High-quality, council-ready documentation
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Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
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Friendly, professional support whenever you need it
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We know exactly what councils expect — and how to keep your premises compliant.