Full vs Minor Variations – What’s the Difference?

Full vs Minor Variations – What’s the Difference?

If you already hold a premises licence but need to change how your business operates, you may need to apply for a variation. However, many operators are unsure whether their changes require a Minor Variation or a Full (Major) Variation—and getting this wrong can lead to delays, refusals, or even enforcement action.

Full vs Minor Variations – What’s the Difference?

Here’s a clear, practical guide from Licensing Professionals to help you understand full vs minor variations- what's the difference, to choose the correct route under the Licensing Act 2003.

What Is a Variation?

A variation is a formal application to change the terms of an existing premises licence. This could include:

• Altering hours

• Changing licensable activities

• Updating layout plans

• Amending licence conditions

Variations are split into two categories:

• Minor Variations

• Full (Major) Variations

  
  

The correct type depends on the scale of the change and its impact on the licensing objectives.

Minor Variations – Small, Low-Impact Changes

A Minor Variation is intended for simple changes that are unlikely to impact:

• The prevention of crime and disorder

• Public safety

• The prevention of public nuisance

• The protection of children from harm

Typical Examples of Minor Variations

• Small adjustments to opening hours (e.g. closing 30–60 minutes later)

• Minor layout changes that don’t affect alcohol sales areas

• Removing outdated or unnecessary conditions

• Adding non-licensable activities

What You Cannot Do with a Minor Variation

You cannot use a Minor Variation to:

• Add the sale of alcohol

• Extend hours significantly

• Add regulated entertainment

• Change the nature of the business in a way that may affect the licensing objectives

Process

• No 28-day consultation

• Decision made by the Licensing Authority

• No automatic right of representation by the Responsible Authorities

• Minor Variations are faster and cheaper, but they are strictly limited.

Full (Major) Variations – Significant or High-Impact Changes

A Full Variation is required where changes may impact the licensing objectives or introduce new risks.

Typical Examples of Full Variations

• Adding alcohol sales to a licence (e.g. food premises adding alcohol)

• Extending hours into late night or early morning trading

• Adding regulated entertainment

• Increasing capacity significantly

• Major alterations to the premises layout

• Changes likely to affect nearby residents or public safety

Why Alcohol Always Requires a Full Variation

If your premises currently does not sell alcohol and you wish to introduce it:

• This introduces a new licensable activity

• It requires a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

• Mandatory alcohol conditions apply

• Police and other Responsible Authorities must be consulted

➡ This cannot be processed as a Minor Variation.

Process

• 28-day statutory consultation

• Blue notice displayed at the premises

• Newspaper advertisement

• Representations can be made by:

-Police

-Environmental Health

-Residents

-Other Responsible Authorities

• Potential hearing before the Licensing Sub-Committee

Full Variations require careful preparation to avoid objections, delays, or refusal.

How to Tell Which One You Need

Ask yourself:

• Am I adding alcohol or entertainment? → Full Variation

• Could this affect neighbours, safety, or crime? → Full Variation

• Is this a minor administrative or layout change? → Possibly Minor Variation

When in doubt, seek professional advice before submitting anything. Submitting the wrong application type often leads to:

❌ Rejection

❌ Wasted fees

❌ Lost time

❌ Increased scrutiny

Local Authority Expectations

Most councils take a strict view on variations. If an application:

• Introduces alcohol

• Changes the character of the premises

• Affects public nuisance or safety

…it will almost always be treated as a Full Variation, regardless of how the applicant describes it.

This is particularly important for:

• Food premises adding alcohol

• Takeaways extending into late night

• Premises in residential or sensitive areas

How Licensing Professionals Can Help

At Licensing Professionals, we:

✔ Assess whether your changes require a Minor or Full Variation

✔ Draft compliant operating schedules

✔ Prepare plans and supporting documentation

✔ Engage with Responsible Authorities

✔ Represent you at hearings if objections are raised

Our approach reduces delays, avoids costly mistakes, and gives your application the best possible chance of success.

Need Advice on Your Licence?

If you’re planning changes to your premises or are unsure which variation you need:

👉 Book a free initial consultation

We’ll review your proposal and explain the correct route before you apply.

Licensing Professionals – Clear advice. Professional representation. Real results.