Licence to run a private club

• Apply for a new club premises certificate
• Apply for a minor variation to a club premises certificate
• Apply for a variation to a club premises certificate
• Tell us about a change to your existing details or club rules
• Tell us about a change to your existing club premises
• Renew your existing club premises certificate

See licensing fees (PDF).

A club can apply for a club premises certificate for any premises which are occupied and used regularly for club purposes.

Applications should be made to the local licensing authority for the area in which the premises are situated.

Applications should be duplicated by the applicant and all the responsible authorities must receive a copy of the application on the same day the application is submitted to the Licensing Authority.

The applicant/s must display a public notice consecutively for 28 days, starting on the day after the day on which the application was given to the relevant licensing authority. by displaying a notice, which is

• Of a size equal or larger than A4
• Of a pale blue colour
• Printed legibly in black ink or typed in black in a font of a size equal to or larger than 16

There must also be a notice published in a local newspaper or, if there is none, in a local newsletter, circular or similar document, circulating in the vicinity of the premises. This must be published on at least one occasion during the period of 10 working days starting on the day after the day on which the application was given to the relevant licensing authority.

Applications should be submitted with a plan of the premises which must be in a specific format, a copy of the rules of the club and a club operating schedule.

A club operating schedule is a document which must be in a specific format and which includes information on:

• The activities of the club
• The times the activities are to take place
• Other opening times
• If alcohol supplies are for consumption on or off the premises or both
• The steps that the club propose to take to promote the licensing objectives
• Any other information that is required

If there any alterations to the rules or name of the club before an application is determined or after a certificate is issued, the club secretary must give details to the local licensing authority. If a certificate is in place this must be sent to the licensing authority when they are notified.

If a certificate is in place and the registered address of the club changes the club must give notice to the local licensing authority of the change and provide the certificate with the notice.

A club may apply to a local licensing authority to vary a certificate. The certificate should accompany the application.

The local licensing authority may inspect the premises before an application is considered.

Guidance Notes

• Applying for Club Premises Licence - guidance note 17 (Word)
• Application to Vary a Club Licence - guidance note 19 (Word)

A qualifying club must satisfy these general conditions:

• A person may not be given memberships or as a candidate for membership to any membership privileges without an interval of at least two days from their membership application or nomination and their membership being granted
• That club rules state that those becoming member without nomination or application cannot have membership privileges for at least two days between them becoming members and being admitted to the club
• That the club is established and conducted in good faith
• That the club has at least 25 members
• That alcohol is only supplied to members on the premises on behalf or by the club

Additional conditions in relation to the supply of alcohol must be complied with. These conditions are:

• That alcohol purchased for and supplied by the club is done by members of club who are over 18 years of age and are elected to do so by the members
• That no person at the expense of the club receives any commission, percentage or other similar payment in regard to the purchase of alcohol by the club
• That there are no arrangements for anyone to receive a financial benefit from supplying alcohol. Apart from any benefit to the club or to any person indirectly from the supply giving a gain from running the club

Registered industrial and provident societies and friendly societies will qualify if the alcohol purchased for and supplied by the club is done under the control of the members or a committee of members.

Regulation summary

See summary of the regulation relating to this licence on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if no representations have been received within 28 days of submitting your application.

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the licensing team in the first instance.

A failed applicant will receive notice of the refusal of an application for a certificate or variation of a certificate from the local licensing authority.

If an application is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision.

Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.

Licence holder redress

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the licensing team in the first instance.

If a local licensing authority refuses an application for a variation the licence holder may appeal the decision. A licence holder can appeal against a decision to put conditions on a certificate or to exclude any club activity. Appeals may also be made against the variation of any condition.

Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.

A club may appeal against the withdrawing of a certificate.

Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, GOV.UK gives advice on your consumer rights. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

A club member may request a review of the certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.

Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.

Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.

Other redress

Any interested party may make representations to the local licensing authority before the certificate is granted or before amendments to a certificate are granted. If representations are made a hearing will be held to consider the application and the representations. Notices will be made by the local licensing authority detailing the reasons for any outcome. Interested parties who made representations will receive notice of a failed application.

An interested party is:

• A person living near the premises or a body representing such a person
• A person involved in a business near the premises or a body representing such a person

An interested party may request a review of the club premises certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.

An interested party may appeal if they argue that a certificate should not have been granted or that different or additional conditions or limitations on activities should have been made. They may also appeal against any variation of a condition.

Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.

Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.