Licensing Act 2003

Under the Licensing Act 2003 businesses can apply for a single premises licence to cover all the licensable activities they wish to carry on. Hearings on an application will only occur where representations are made from interested parties or responsible authorities.

Fees are applicable. The fee is variable and is based on the non domestic rateable value for the property. More information can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Applications for a grant of a premises licence or a full variation must advertise their application in a locally circulated newspaper. In addition to this the applicant must display an A4 notice at the premises detailing the application and Gateshead Council must publish details on their website. There is a 28 day consultation period for each application of this type.

At the end of the consultation period if no valid representations are made, the premises licence will be issued.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. When applications are submitted, proof of this right will need to be included.

Icon for word Documents which prove entitlement to work in the UK [92.5KB]

Apply for a Premises Licence on the Gov.uk website

Local Licensing Guidance

The Statement of Licensing Policy states that from time to time the Council will produce 'Local Licensing Guidance' to assist applicants and licensees in their understanding of local issues pertinent to their licensing obligations. The Council has produced an interactive mapping tool to enable free and ready access to data relevant to different localities across the Borough, as follows:

https://gis.gateshead.gov.uk/gatesheadmaps/HALO/app.html.

This tool is regularly updated to ensure that the most up to date information is included.

Applicants are encouraged to use this tool prior to submitted their application, to help them shape their operating schedule. Licensees are encouraged to use the tool to ensure that their operating schedule remains appropriate over time.

Please contact the Licensing Section and the relevant application forms can be sent out to you via post or email.