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Club premises certificate

Here you can find guidance on qualification for club status and how to apply for a premises licence.

How to apply

You can do this online and also pay by debit or credit card. For details of fees, see: Licence fees.

New club premises certificate: Apply online

Vary a club premises certificate: Apply online

Notify a change of details or club rules: Apply online

Minor variation to a premises or club licence: Apply online

Make an annual payment for a club licence: Pay online

Additional requirements

Before completing any of the below, please read: 

Club premises certificate declaration form.

This form must be displayed on the Premises and printed on pale blue paper:

Notice 1: Public notice of application for grant/variation of premises licence/club premises certificate.

This form is to be completed and placed in the relevant newspaper:

Notice 2: Notice of application for grant/variation of premises licence/club premises certificate.

This is a declaration of posting of a Public Notice:

Notice 3: Certificate of posting a public notice.

This is a declaration that the attached application is correct. (This must be returned to the Licensing Unit):

General information

The certificate is a licence that grants 'qualifying club' status to premises.

Clubs that qualify:

  • Where members have joined together for specific social, sporting or political purposes;
  • and supply alcohol for members and their guests only.

Some examples are:

  • Labour, Conservative and Liberal clubs.
  • The Royal British Legion and other ex-service clubs.
  • Working men's clubs and miner's welfare institutions.
  • Social and sports clubs.

To qualify, applicants must comply with these rules:

  • At least 48 hours must pass between:
    • People being admitted to membership;
    • or as candidates for membership and their admission to the club.
  • If members are admitted without a nomination, the club rules must state that:
    • They will not be admitted to the privileges of membership until 48 hours have elapsed from them becoming a member.
  • The Club must be conducted in good faith (see below).
  • The Club must have at least 25 members.
  • Applicants must not:
    • Supply or intend to supply, alcohol to members on the premises otherwise than by (or on behalf of) the Club.

A certificates last for the lifetime of the business, unless:

  • The licence application is for a shorter period;
  • or the licence holder details change.

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