Apply for a new premises licence

Pre-application Advice for Licensing Act 2003

We offer a pre-application advice service to support applicants who are considering making an application for a licence

This is either in person onsite or remotely via Teams

Contact [email protected] for details including costs.

Please note: this is not a fast-track service.

You'll need a premises licence if you want to sell alcohol or offer entertainment from a particular venue

Licensable activities include:

selling alcohol
serving hot food and drinks between 11pm and 5am
You'll also need a licence if you provide the following types of entertainment:
plays
films
indoor sporting event
boxing or wrestling (indoor or outdoor)
live music
recorded music
performance of dance

It is essential to read the guidance notes which include our licensing fees information and the Home Office Guidance before starting your application.

Exemptions

You don't need a licence for some types of entertainment, including:

educational or promotional films
films shown as part of an exhibition in a museum or gallery
incidental music (live or recorded)

Restrictions

You must be 18 or over to apply for a premises licence.

Conditions

You must be, or appoint, a designated premises supervisor (DPS) when you apply for a licence. A DPS must have a personal licence to sell alcohol.

There may be other conditions added to your licence, eg having an age-checking policy if you sell alcohol.

Displaying your licence

Part A of the licence should be kept safely at the premises. Police or council officers can ask to inspect them at any time.

You must display Part B, the licence summary, at your premises where it can be easily seen.

Downloadable documents

Licensing Acts 2003 guidance notes (PDF, 1 MB)

Application for a premises licence form (Word doc, 128 KB)

Application for a premises licence form (PDF, 424 KB)

Designated Premises Supervisor consent form (Word doc, 78 KB)

Designated Premises Supervisor consent form (PDF, 144 KB)

Public Notice Regulation 25 Eastbourne Borough Council (Word doc, 15 KB)

Public Notice Regulation 25 Eastbourne Borough Council (PDF, 100 KB)

Public Notice Regulation 25 Lewes District Council (Word doc, 15 KB)

Public Notice Regulation 25 Lewes District Council (PDF, 99 KB)

Statement of Licensing Policy 2024/2029 Eastbourne Borough Council (PDF, 453 KB)

Statement of Licensing Policy 2022/2027 Lewes District Council (PDF, 169 KB)