Club Premises Certificate - Grant

Club Premises Certificates may be applied for to permit the following licensable activities:

  • Supply of alcohol
  • The provision of regulated entertainment

Regulated entertainment includes the following activities:

a)    a performance of a play
b)    an exhibition or a film
c)     an indoor sporting event
d)    boxing or wrestling entertainment
e)    a performance of live music
f)     any playing of recorded music
g)    a performance of dance
h)    entertainment of a similar description to e), f) or g)

The licensing objectives

Under the Act there are four key licensing objectives of:

  • Prevention of crime and disorder
  • Protection of children from harm
  • Public safety
  • Prevention of public nuisance

When you make an application you must show how your proposed activities will not have an adverse effect on the licensing objectives. Likewise if individuals or businesses wish to object to your application they can only do so on the grounds of one or more of the four licensing objectives. Responsible Authorities who must be sent copies of your application can also only object on the grounds of one or more of the licensing objectives.

Application Evaluation Process

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, which will the local authority where the premises are situated.

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.

Fees may be payable for any type of application relating to a club premises certificate.

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Failed Application Redress

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.

Licence Holder Redress

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.

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.