Premises Licence Transfer

Apply to transfer a premises licence

If you are taking over a business that benefits from a premises licence then you can apply to transfer the licence into your name.

Before submitting an application to transfer the premises licence you should familiarise yourself with what the current licence authorises and its conditions to make sure that it works for how you want to operate your business and that you can adhere to it. 

If your business also involves the retail sale of alcohol you may also need to submit an additional application to change the Designated Premises Supervisor.  

Premises

You can only apply to Gateshead Council if the premises licence is in our area and has been issued by us.

Who can apply

Any person aged 18 or over who is carrying on, or who proposes to carry on, a business which involves the use of premises for licensable activities can apply.

A person in this context can be:

• an individual
• a business 
• a partnership
• a charity
• a hospital
• a school

An application can be submitted by an agent or Solicitor acting on the new business owners behalf.

What you will need to apply

For a valid application you must:

• complete the prescribed application form
• A consent form to transfer the licence must be signed by the existing licence holder. If you are unable to obtain consent, you must provide an explanation as to why you cannot obtain written consent
• return the original premises licence (or an explanation as to why unable to do so)
• pay the application fee
• if you are applying as an individual, you also need to provide proof you have the right to work in this country. This must be supplied with the application or the 9-digit 'share code' for the Home Office online right to work checking service

A written application to transfer a premises licence must be made on the prescribed form.

If you wish for your application to have immediate effect to enable you to continue your normal course of business then you must request this in your application.

Application fee

The fee for the application is £23.

Apply online

Applications can be made online on the Gov.uk website (opens new window)

Additional requirement for applications submitted via post or in person

For applications submitted online the Licensing Authority will send a copy to Northumbria Police.

If you post or submit your application in person to the Licensing Office then you must provide a copy to Northumbria Police.  Information on their contact details can be found on the  Responsible Authorities Document (PDF) [116KB] (opens new window) .

What happens once you have made an application

Northumbria Police have 14 days to consider the application.

At the end of the consultation period if no representations have been made the licence will be granted and issued as soon as possible.

If representations are made a hearing will be held with our Licensing Sub Committee to determine if the application is granted within 20 working days after the end of the consultation period.

An Applicant or Northumbria Police are able to appeal our decision to a Magistrate's Court within 21 days of the notice of decision.