Variations, Minor Variations, Transfers and Changes of DPS

Once a permission is granted the holder can, and sometimes must, apply to make changes to the licence or certificate. For simple guidance on when an application must be made please see the “Knowing your premises licence” leaflet in the downloads section of this page.

Variation

Changes such as the permitted hours and activities on the permission would be thought of as a variation. In these instances, the cost is the same, and will need to be applied by making a new application via the Premises Licence & Club Premises Certificates page. 

Applications for a full variation of a Premises Licence or Club Premise Certificate can be done online via the Gov.UK website.

You are required to fill out and submit an application, the following day a blue notice must be up at the premises (available via the Premises Licence & Club Premises Certificates page) and a copy of the notice in the local newspaper within 10 working days of submitting the application (Herts Mercury or Bishop's Stortford Independent depending on location) 

Minor variation

A minor variation is defined as one that could not impact adversely on any of the four licensing objectives. 

The process may be used for changes such as:

  • Small changes to structure or layout
  • Adding late night refreshment or regulated entertainment
  • Small changes in licensed hours
  • Removal, amendment or addition of conditions

The Minor Variations process cannot be used to:

  • add the retail or supply of alcohol to a licence
  • extend licensing hours for the sale or supply of alcohol at any time between 11pm and 7am;
  • increase the amount of time on any day during which alcohol may be sold or supplied;
  • extend the period for which the licence or certificate has effect;
  • transfer the licence or certificate from one premises to another, or vary substantially the premises to which it relates

The Home Office Guidance for applicants on minor variations can be found on the Gov.UK website.

This costs £89.00, the consultation is only 10 working day and there is no requirement for a newspaper advert but you must place a white notice at the premises.

Applications for Minor Variation of Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate can now be done online via the Gov.UK website. Alternatively, you can fill in the attached Application for a minor variation to a premises licence or club premises certificate [137KB]

Vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

If a Premises Licence authorises the sale of alcohol a designated premises supervisor (DPS) must be named on the licence. If the DPS leaves you must apply to have a new personal licence holder named on the licence before you can sell alcohol. This application costs £23.00, only the Police are consulted and it can take immediate effect.

To vary or remove a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) from a premises licence, you can now apply online via the Gov.UK website. Alternatively, you can fill in the attached Application to vary a DPS  or Notice under s.41 Licensing Act 2003 to remove notifying personal licence holder as DPS on a Premises Licence [48KB]

Transfer

If a business changes hands the licence must be transferred into the new name. Until this is done the existing licence holder will remain responsible for any issues at the premises and the annual maintenance fee. This application costs £23.00, only the Police are consulted and it can take immediate effect.

Applications to transfer a premises licence can now be done online via the Gov.UK website. Alternatively, you can fill in the attached

Application to transfer a premises licence [217KB]

Applications to Consent to transfer can now be done online via the Gov.UK website. Alternatively, you can fill in the attached Consent to Transfer Form

Change of name or address of Licence Holder or Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)

If you change your name (for example get married) or move house then you must notify the Licensing Authority of that change so that your licence can be amended. This application costs £10.50 and a new document will be issued. NOTE: If you hold a personal licence you will also need to update the Licensing Authority that issued it. For more information please see our Personal Licence to Sell Alcohol page

Consents

Applications for Form of consent given by the person whom the applicant wishes to be the premises supervisor (Schedule 2) can now be done online via the Gov.UK website.

Alternatively, you can fill in the following New Premises Supervisor Consent Form

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