Club Certificates

Club premises certificates will be granted to premises occupied by, and used habitually for the purposes of a recognised club.

Meeting the criteria and standards

Clubs must meet a set of criteria if they are to qualify:

• there must be an interval of two days between a member's application/ nomination and their admission
• clubs must have a minimum of 25 members
• clubs must be established and conducted in good faith as a club (in matters such as the accounts of the club and the frameworks and procedures in place)

Furthermore, club premises must meet certain standards if they are to be granted a premises licence:

• the only alcohol supplied at the club is that served by the club itself
• the purchase of alcohol for the club is managed by a committee, consisting of members of the club who are over 18 years of age and have been elected to the committee by members of the club
• no individual directly benefits at the expense of the club, from the supply of alcohol to members and visitors. The club as a whole may benefit in financial or non-financial terms

Where any of the usual licensable activities take place at a recognised members’ club, they are categorised as qualifying club activities. They must be authorised by a club premises certificate.

Application Evaluation Process

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.

You can download the list of fees payable for any type of application relating to a club premises certificate by choosing the link below.

Can I start trading before I receive my Club Certifcate (i.e. Will tacit consent apply?)

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period

How to apply

You can apply by any of the following means:

• Download a copy of the application form below
• Apply on line via Business Link Licences and regulations UK Welcomes Business
• By contacting us in writing, telephone or email to request an application form

The council prefers to receive electronic applications and offers a choice of fee payment options the details of which are contained in the application pack.

Payments can now be made by Debit or Credit cards by telephoning the Licensing team on 020 7527 3031.

How do I complain about the outcome of my application?

Please contact 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 Licensing Team in the first instance.

If the Council 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.

How do I complain about a premises with a Club Certificate?

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, Consumer Direct will give you advice. 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 Council 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.