Provisional Statement - Premises Licence

Where premises are being constructed or altered, or are going to be constructed or altered, people who have an interest in the premises may apply for a provisional licence. The purpose of the construction or alteration must be for one or more licensable activity.

Why apply

It serves as an indicator as to whether a premises licence is likely to be granted before you begin your construction or alterations.

If a provisional statement is granted, you will still need to apply for a premises licence in the normal way before the premises can be used for any licensable activities.

There is no obligation to apply for a provisional statement prior and it is up to you to decide if you want to apply for one.

In order to lessen the potential for an application being rejected, or for representations being made, we strongly advise applicants to discuss their proposed application with the relevant responsible authorities first.

Who can apply

Any person (aged 18 or over) with an interest in the business can apply for a provisional statement.

Length of a Provisional statement

A provisional statement does not expire but we recommend that you apply for a full premises licence as soon as possible.

Application fees

Please pay the correct fee for this application - £315

Document Checklist

Before submitting your application please ensure you have the relevant documents and they are ready to be uploaded during the next stage:

1. A Plan of the Premises -Your plans do not need to be professionally drawn. However please submit in the following format:

• The plan should be drawn in a standard scale (unless agreed otherwise with your Licensing Officer). 1 millimetre should represent 100 millimetres
• You can use symbols to show information
• You don't need to show areas that aren't part of the premises you are licensing
• You should describe areas you intend to provide for people to drink alcohol sold or supplied by you

The plan must show:

• The building boundary (and the premises perimeter, if different). If relevant, show external and internal walls of the building 
• Access and egress points, including any other escape routes
• Fixed structures (including furniture) or similar that may impact on people using exit or escape routes
• The location and height of any stages or raised areas (from the floor)
• Where each licensable activity will take place (if more than one)
• Steps, stairs, elevators or lifts
• The location of public toilets
• The location and type of fire safety and other safety equipment
• The location of the kitchen (if applicable)

2. Schedule of works

How to Apply

Online Application

Once you are ready to apply, please click on the link below. This will then take you through the application process and pay the relevant fee

You may also wish to refer to the guidance notes (Word doc, 60 KB) for this application.

Apply online for a provisional statement

Paper Application
If you're submitting a paper application, please send a copy of it and your plan to all relevant authorities (PDF, 100 KB).

Provisional Statement Application Form (Word doc, 456 KB)

Advertising your application

As part of the application process you must advertise in two ways:

1. Place a public notice in a local  advertised newspaper, on one occasion, within 10 working days of the application being submitted. The licence applicant must pay the cost of the advert
2. Display a statutory at your premises, it must be easily viewed from the outside. You can download a notice template which must be printed on blue paper. This must be displayed continuously for 28 days from the day after the application was submitted.

Consultation Process

On the day after an application is received, a 28 day consultation period begins allowing comments or 'representations' to be made about the application by the responsible authorities and any local residents or 'interested parties'. During this time, the responsible authorities will work with you to ensure your proposals are in line with the four licensing objectives.

If no comments are received during this period, the application will be deemed granted after the last date for representations and your licence will be issued and sent to you.

If relevant representations are received within the 28 day consultation period, we will attempt to mediate between the parties to try and find a suitable solution. If the mediation is unsuccessful then a public hearing must be held to determine your application. You will be notified advising you when the hearing will be, who has made a representation and what the concerns are.

The public hearing will be held within 20 working days after the last date for representation. The hearing date may be extended if we consider it is in the public interest to do so.

When you make an application, the details of the application will be published on our website and the information on any licence granted will be included in a public register.