How long does a Premises Licence last?

A Premises Licence issued under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales typically lasts indefinitely, unless:

• It is revoked by the Licensing Authority following a Review.
• The Premises Licence Holder requests its surrender.
• The Licensing Authority suspends it due to non-payment of the annual fee.
• It was time-limited by the inclusion of an expiry date at its creation (v rare).

Ongoing Requirements

Although the Premises Licence itself doesn’t expire, the Premises Licence Holder must:

1. Pay an annual fee to the local Licensing Authority.
2. Comply with all conditions attached to the Licence.
3. Notify the issuing Local Authority of any changes to the Premises or the Premises Licence Holder’s details.

Failure to meet these obligations can result in the death of the Licence, its suspension or enforcement action.  If the Premises Licence includes the sale of alcohol, it must also have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) in place.  NB If the DPS leaves and isn’t replaced, alcohol sales must stop until a new DPS is appointed.