In August 2009 the Government introduced a simplified system for making minor variations to premises licences. The minor variations process can only be used for variations that could have no adverse impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives.
It cannot be used to:
- Extend the period for which a licence has effect (i.e. a time limited licence)
- Transfer the licence from one premises to another
- Specify, in a premises licence, an individual as a premises supervisor.
- To add the sale by retail or supply of alcohol as an activity authorised by a premises licence
- To authorise the sale by retail or supply of alcohol at any time between 11pm and 7am
- To authorise an increase in the amount of time in any day during which alcohol may be sold by retail or supplied
It could be used to:
- Make minor changes to the structure or layout of a premises
- Make small adjustments to the licensing hours
- Remove of out of date, irrelevant or unenforceable conditions
- Add licensable activities
Guidance on making a minor variation is provided in the guidance note on the right of this page.
If you are planning to make an objection to a minor variation application please see the webpage on making a representation. Please note the consultation period for a minor variation is ten working days.
Representations
As a minor variation is intended to be used in cases where the variation would not have an adverse impact on the licensing objectives, the only decision the Licensing Authority needs to make is whether the proposal is eligible to be treated as a minor variation. Therefore there is no requirement on the applicant to advise the responsible authorities of their application. Instead the Licensing Authority asks the bodies they think are relevant for their opinion.
However there is a requirement for the applicant to advertise their application by way of a white site notice which must be displayed at the premises for 10 days. People living in the vicinity are able to make representations against minor variations, but they are strongly recommended to view the application first. Details of the applications can be found on the Licensing Register, or by phoning Entertainment Licensing on 0113 247 4095.
Apply online
Apply for a minor variation to a premises licence
Notification of a change of name or address