A club can apply for a club premises certificate for any premises which are occupied and used regularly for club purposes.
Applications should be made to the local licensing authority, which is the local authority where the premises are situated.
What you need to provide
Applications should be submitted with a plan of the premises which must be in a specific format, a copy of the rules of the club and a club operating schedule.
Club operating schedule
A club operating schedule is a document in a specific format which includes information on:
- the activities of the club
- the times the activities are to take place
- other opening times
- if alcohol supplies are for consumption on or off the premises or both, the steps that the club propose to take to promote the licensing objectives
- any other information that is required.
If there are any alterations to the rules or name of the club before an application is determined or after a certificate is issued, the club secretary must give details to the local licensing authority.
If a certificate is in place, this must be sent to the licensing authority when they are notified.
If a certificate is in place and the registered address of the club changes, the club must give notice to the local licensing authority of the change and provide the certificate with the notice.
A club may apply to a local licensing authority to vary a certificate. The certificate should accompany the application.
The local licensing authority may inspect the premises before an application is considered.
Fees may be payable for any type of application relating to a club premises certificate.
How to apply
You can apply online:
- Apply for a new club premises certificate – GOV.UK
- Tell us about a minor change to your existing premises or club
- Tell us about a variation to your existing club premises – GOV.UK
- Make an annual fee
- Notification of change of details or club rules
- Club Premises Certificate Declaration – GOV.UK
You can also apply by downloading from the documents section below. Send your application together with any required supporting documents to Licensing.
For more information, email licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, call 023 9283 4607, or write to Portsmouth City Council Licensing, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent will apply to a new or full variation. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period which is a maximum of 56 days.
If you are applying for a minor variation, tacit authorisation will not apply as it is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.
If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us on 023 9283 4607, or at licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Failed application redress
A failed applicant will receive notice of the refusal of an application for a certificate or variation of a certificate from the local licensing authority.
If an application is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates’ court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Contact the local authority at licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9283 4607.
Licence holder redress
If a local licensing authority refuses an application for a variation the licence holder may appeal the decision. A licence holder can appeal against a decision to put conditions on a certificate or to exclude any club activity. Appeals may also be made against the variation of any condition.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made. A club may appeal against the withdrawing of a certificate.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates’ court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Contact the local authority at licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9283 4607.
Consumer complaint
In the event of a complaint, we suggest you make the first contact with the trader – preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that does not work and if you are located in the UK, Adviceguide (external link) will give you advice. From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link).
A club member may request a review of the certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made. Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates’ court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
For more information, contact us at licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9283 4607.
Other redress
Any person may make representations to the local licensing authority before the certificate is granted or before amendments to a certificate are granted. If representations are made a hearing will be held to consider the application and the representations. Notices will be made by the local licensing authority detailing the reasons for any outcome. Any persons who made representations will receive notice of a failed application.
A person may request a review of the club premises certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.
A person may appeal if they argue that a certificate should not have been granted or that different or additional conditions or limitations on activities should have been made. They may also appeal against any variation of a condition.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made. Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates’ court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
More information
The policing crime act 2009 – the new mandatory conditions
Documents
Club premises certificate grant – Public Notice for the premises
Club premises certificate grant – Public Notice for newspaper
Licensing Act 2003 – Guidance for completion of Club Premises Certificate Application Forms
Guidance from the Chief Fire Officer
Contact details for the licensing authority and responsible authorities – April 2017
Declaration for a club premises certificate to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003
Application for a club premises certificate to be granted under the Licensing Act 2003
Varying a club premises certificate
Club premises – application to vary
Club premises certificate variation – Public Notice for newspaper
Club premises certificate variation – Public Notice for the premises
Minor Variation of a club premises certificate – how to proceed
Minor Variation of a club premises certificate – application form
Minor Variation of a club premises certificate – public notice
Contact us
For more information, email licensing@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, call 023 9283 4607, or write to Portsmouth City Council Licensing, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AL.