In the context of alcohol licensing in England and Wales, the term “Premises Licence” is the correct and legally defined term under the Licensing Act 2003. It refers to the Licence granted to a specific location — such as a pub, shop, restaurant, or hotel — authorising licensable activities like the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment, or late-night refreshment.
Importantly, “premises” is always used in the plural form, even when referring to a single location. This is not a grammatical error — it’s a legal convention rooted in the word’s etymology and historical usage.
The word “premises” comes from the Latin word praemissa, meaning “things set out beforehand.” It entered English through Old French and Middle English legal documents, where it referred to the introductory part of a legal deed or document — the part that set out the facts before the main clauses.
Over time, the term evolved to refer to the property described in those documents. So “premises” came to mean land or buildings referred to in a legal context, especially in leases, deeds, and licences.
The word “premise” (singular) has a completely different meaning in modern English. It refers to a proposition or assumption in logic or argument — e.g., “The premise of the argument is flawed.”
Using “premise” to refer to a building or location is incorrect in legal and licensing contexts. It would be misleading and legally inaccurate.
✅ Correct: “The Premises Licence applies to the premises located at 10 High Street.”
❌ Incorrect: “The Premise Licence applies to the premise located at 10 High Street.”
Even if the licence applies to just one shop or pub, the term “premises” remains plural — it’s a fixed legal term.
Conclusion:
The use of “premises” in licensing law is a matter of legal precision and historical convention, not grammar. It reflects centuries of legal usage and ensures consistency across licensing documents and legislation.
Top Tip: If you hear a Licensing Professional refer to a ‘Premise’ Licence, then best not say anything. Just ‘smile and wave’…
Make an appointment today
Please pick a date from the calendar and we can begin the process of booking you in for a consultation
Q: Why The Licensing Guys should be the licensing partner for you…?
A: These are the three biggest themes that come out of our Google Reviews: