Premises Transfers

If you wish to take over a premises licence granted under the Licensing Act 2003 from its current licence holder, you will need to apply for a transfer.

Who can apply for a Premises Transfer?

Any of the following may apply for transfer of a premises licence:

• anyone who uses carries on a business in the premises to which the application relates
• a recognised club
• a charity
• a health service body
• a person who is registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 in relation to an independent hospital
• a chief police officer of a force in England and Wales
• anyone discharging a statutory or function under Her Majesty's prerogative
• a person from an educational institute
• any other permitted person

Applicants must not be under 18 years of age.

How do I apply?

When a licence is transferred, the operation schedule and conditions of the original licence remain the same and must be adhered to. If you wanted to vary any of these afterwards you would need to apply for a variation to the licence. Click the relevant link in the navigation list on the left, for more information on licence variations. The Police are able to object to transfer applications.

To apply for a transfer you will need to send to the council:

• a completed transfer application form;
• a consent form from the current licence holder or a statement as to why it is not included;
• a copy of the current premises licence or a statement as to why it is not included;
• the appropriate fee, which is currently £23.

Can I start trading before I receive my transfer? (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 transfer of a premises licence from the Council.

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 licence?

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 these. Notices will be made by the 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.

Contact
Licensing Service
Public Protection Division
Islington Council
222 Upper Street
London N1 1XR
Tel: 020 7527 3031

licensing@islington.gov.uk
Islington Police
Islington Police Station
2 Tolpuddle Street
London N1 0YY