5 Common Mistakes When Applying for a New Premises Licence

What are the 5 Common Mistakes When Applying for a New Premises Licence?

Applying for a new premises licence can feel like a straightforward process. You complete the application form, prepare the plans, advertise the application, and wait for the outcome.

However, in practice, small mistakes at the application stage can lead to delays, objections from responsible authorities, additional conditions, or even a licensing sub-committee hearing.

At Licensing Professionals, we support operators with premises licence applications, operating schedules, licence plans, responsible authority engagement, objections, and hearing preparation.

In our latest YouTube video, we explain the 5 most common mistakes when applying for a new premises licence and how applicants can avoid them.

Watch the video here:

Why Getting a Premises Licence Application Right Matters

A premises licence application is not just an administrative formality. It is an opportunity to show the licensing authority, police, environmental health, trading standards, and other responsible authorities that the business understands its legal responsibilities.

A strong application should demonstrate how the premises will promote the four licensing objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder

• Public safety

• The prevention of public nuisance

• The protection of children from harm

  
  

If the application is vague, incomplete, or poorly prepared, it may raise concerns before the premises has even opened.

Mistake 1: Submitting a Weak Operating Schedule

One of the most common mistakes is submitting a weak or generic operating schedule.

The operating schedule should explain how the premises will be managed and what steps will be taken to promote the licensing objectives. It should be specific to the type of premises, the location, the proposed hours, and the risks connected with the business.

For example, simply saying “staff will be trained” or “CCTV will be in place” may not be enough. Responsible authorities will often want to understand:

• What training will be provided?

• How often will training be refreshed?

• How will training records be kept?

• Where will CCTV cameras be located?

• How long will CCTV footage be retained?

• Who will be responsible for checking compliance?

  
  

A strong operating schedule gives confidence that the applicant has properly considered how the premises will operate in practice.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Local Area

Another common mistake is failing to consider the local area.

A premises licence application should not be treated the same in every location. A small convenience store in a quiet residential area may raise different issues from a bar in a busy town centre or a late-night venue near transport links.

Applicants should consider factors such as:

• Nearby residents

• Schools, colleges, or youth facilities

• Existing licensed premises

• Crime and disorder concerns

• Noise-sensitive premises

• Transport links and dispersal

• Cumulative impact areas

• History of complaints in the area

If an application does not reflect the local area, responsible authorities may argue that the applicant has failed to properly assess the risks.

Mistake 3: Poor Staff Training Arrangements

Licensing compliance is not only the responsibility of the licence holder or the Designated Premises Supervisor. Staff also need to understand their responsibilities.

Poor or unclear staff training arrangements can weaken an application, especially where alcohol sales, age-restricted products, late-night trading, or higher-risk activities are involved.

Staff should understand areas such as:

• Challenge 25

• Refusals procedures

• Incident reporting

• Dealing with drunk customers

• Protection of vulnerable people

• Licence conditions

• Responsible alcohol sales

• Conflict and disorder management

Training should also be recorded and refreshed. Licensing authorities often want to see evidence that staff are not just told what to do once, but that training is ongoing and properly documented.

Mistake 4: Not Engaging Early With Responsible Authorities

Many applicants wait until an objection is received before speaking with responsible authorities. This can be a costly mistake.

Early engagement can help identify concerns before they become formal representations. Depending on the type of premises, it may be useful to engage with:

• The police licensing team

• Environmental health

• Trading standards

• The licensing authority

• Fire safety officers where relevant

This is particularly important where the application involves late hours, alcohol sales, regulated entertainment, outdoor areas, delivery services, or premises in sensitive locations.

Early engagement does not guarantee that there will be no objections, but it can help narrow the issues and show a constructive approach.

Mistake 5: Having Unclear Risk Controls

The final common mistake is failing to clearly explain the risk controls that will be in place.

It is not enough to say that the premises will be run responsibly. The application should identify practical controls that match the risks of the premises.

Examples may include:

• CCTV

• Incident logs

• Refusals logs

• Challenge 25

• Staff training records

• Noise management procedures

• Dispersal policies

• Door supervision where appropriate

• Safeguarding measures

• Waste collection arrangements

• Delivery controls

• Complaint handling procedures

The key point is that controls should be realistic, specific, and suitable for the premises.

A small shop, restaurant, pub, takeaway, event space, or late-night bar may each need a different approach.

What Can Happen If the Application Is Poorly Prepared?

A weak premises licence application can lead to:

• Delays

• Objections from responsible authorities

• Objections from residents or businesses

• Additional licence conditions

• Negotiations under pressure

• A licensing sub-committee hearing

• Increased costs

• Risk to the business opening date

In some cases, applications can be refused or granted with conditions that make the business harder to operate.

That is why it is important to get the application right from the start.

How Licensing Professionals Can Help

Licensing Professionals supports operators, landlords, business owners, and hospitality businesses with premises licence applications and licensing compliance.

We can assist with:

• New premises licence applications

• Operating schedules

• Licence plans

• Responsible authority engagement

• Police, environmental health, and trading standards concerns

• Objections and representations

• Licensing sub-committee hearing preparation

• Premises licence variations

• DPS changes

• Staff compliance training

• Licensing compliance advice

Our aim is to help you submit a clear, professional, and practical application that gives your business the best possible chance of success.

Need Help With a New Premises Licence Application?

If you are applying for a new premises licence, do not leave it to chance.

Getting the application right at the start can save time, reduce stress, and help avoid unnecessary objections or delays.

Licensing Professionals can help you prepare your application, strengthen your operating schedule, engage with responsible authorities, and support you through the licensing process.

Visit: www.licensingprofessionals.com

Or contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation.

Watch the Full Video

You can watch our full video here:

5 Common Mistakes When Applying for a New Premises Licence

For more practical licensing guidance, follow Licensing Professionals on YouTube and LinkedIn.