Transfer a premises licence

A premises licence transfer is the formal process of changing the named licence holder on an existing premises licence. It does not create a new licence, and it does not alter the licensable activities or the conditions already attached to the licence. Instead, it allows responsibility for the premises to pass from one person or business to another.

Transfers are most commonly needed when:

• A business is sold to new owners.

• A company holding the licence is restructured.

The purpose of a transfer is to ensure there is always a clear, accountable person or organisation in day-to-day control of the licence. This helps maintain continuity of trading while making sure the licensing authority knows who is responsible for compliance with the Licensing Act 2003.

In most cases, a transfer can be processed quickly (often within a few working days) so that business operations are not disrupted.

Transferring the licence is NOT the same as changing the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). See our page on Appointing a new Designated Premises Supvervisor for more explanation of what a DPS is and how to appoint a new one.

Anyone who would normally be eligible to hold a premises licence can apply. This includes individuals, companies, or partnerships. The proposed transferee must be 18 or over and must not be legally disqualified from holding a licence.

The application must be made by the person or company who will become the new licence holder. You apply to transfer the licence to yourself, not to transfer it away from yourself.

You should apply as soon as possible after taking over the premises. You can apply before you take over, or immediately afterwards.

If alcohol is being sold, it is important to ensure that a valid licence is in place under the correct holder at all times, as the licence holder is legally responsible for authorising and supervising those sales.

You must submit:

• A completed application to transfer a premises licence (form available on GOV.UK or your local council’s website).
• The consent of the existing licence holder (unless the applicant can demonstrate they tried but couldn’t obtain it).
• The original premises licence (or a statement explaining why it is not included).
• The appropriate fee (currently £23).
• Applications made by individuals must also be accompanied by proof of the right to work in the UK.

You can usually apply online via your local authority’s website or by sending the application directly to them by post.

You can still apply, but you must explain why the consent was not included—this might apply if the previous licence holder has absconded or is uncontactable.

The licensing authority and police will consider your explanation when reviewing the application. In general, you will need to show that you have made serious attempts to find the previous licence holder, providing evidence where you can.

Yes. If you request that the transfer has immediate interim effect, you may take over the licence straight away. This allows licensable activities to continue without interruption while the application is being determined.

The police and the Home Office are consulted. They have 14 days to object to the transfer if they believe allowing you to become the licence holder would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder licensing objective.

If there are no objections, the transfer is usually granted within 14 days. If the police or Home Office object, a hearing will be held by the licensing sub-committee within 20 working days.

You will be notified if your application needs to be put before the licensing sub-committee.

Yes. If the transfer is granted, the licensing authority will issue an updated premises licence showing the new licence holder’s name.

No. Transferring the licence does not automatically change the DPS. If you also need to change the DPS, you must submit a separate application to vary the DPS.

See our page on Appointing a new Designated Premises Supvervisor for more explanation of what a DPS is and how to appoint a new one.

If your application is refused following a police or Home Office objection, you can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days of receiving the decision.

Appeals must be made to the court directly, not to Worcestershire Regulatory Services. You can find a court on the GOV.UK website.