Premises Licence Support
Help with applying for and maintaining premises licences smoothly and legally.
Do You Need Help With Your Premises Application Challenge Or Hearing?
Running a business that sells alcohol, provides regulated entertainment, or serves hot food and drink after 11pm requires a valid Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003.
While many businesses submit licence applications themselves, difficulties usually arise once the application is challenged - particularly by the police, licensing officers, environmental health, or local residents.
At Bekoe Consultancy Ltd, we specialise in supporting businesses when a premises licence becomes complex, delayed, or at risk of refusal.
When Do Businesses Usually Need Premises Licence Support?
- A Police or Responsible Authority objection is received
- The council raises concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, or public safety
- The premises is located in a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)
- Residents submit objections during the consultation period
- The application is referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing
- They want to trade later hours, sell alcohol, or provide entertainment
- A licence is at risk of being refused or granted with restrictive conditions
If your application has moved beyond basic form-filling, early professional advice can significantly improve the outcome.
Police Objections & Licensing Hearings
Police objections are one of the most common reasons premises licence applications are delayed, restricted, or refused.
Police typically object where they believe an application may undermine the licensing objectives, particularly:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
Once a police objection is made, the application cannot be granted automatically and will usually be referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing unless the objection is resolved.
How We Help With Police Objections
- Review and assess the grounds of objection
- Advise on proportionate and realistic licence conditions
- Liaise directly with police and licensing officers
- Support negotiations to resolve objections before a hearing
- Prepare written representations aligned to licensing objectives
In many cases, objections can be resolved before a hearing if handled correctly and early.
Licensing Sub-Committee Hearings
If your application proceeds to a hearing, councillors will decide whether to:
- Grant the licence
- Grant it with additional conditions
- Partially grant or restrict activities
- Refuse the application entirely
We regularly support clients through Sub-Committee hearings, ensuring:
- Your case is clearly structured
- Risks are addressed realistically
- Your business model is properly represented
A well-prepared hearing can be the difference between approval and refusal.
Our Premises Licence Services
Premises Licence Applications
- Guidance on new premises licence applications
- Advice on operating schedules and licence conditions
- Support where applications are likely to attract objections
Objections, Challenges & Negotiation
- Responding to objections from police, environmental health or licensing officers
- Liaising with responsible authorities
- Negotiating conditions to protect your business operations
Licensing Hearings & Representation
- Preparation for Licensing Sub-Committee hearings
- Clear, professional representations
- Attendance and advocacy support
Variations, Reviews & Ongoing Support
- Licence variations (hours, layout, activities)
- Advice during licence reviews
- Ongoing compliance and risk-reduction support
Why Businesses Choose Bekoe Consultancy Ltd
- Practical, business-focused advice
- Experience dealing with councils and licensing committees
- Clear explanations - no unnecessary legal jargon
- Support tailored to your premises, not generic templates
Your premises licence is not just a legal requirement - it underpins your entire business operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need help to apply for a premises licence?
Not always. Many straightforward applications are submitted without professional help. However, support is strongly recommended if your application is likely to attract objections or involve late hours, alcohol sales, or entertainment.
What happens if the police object to my premises licence?
If the police object, the licence cannot be granted automatically. Unless the objection is resolved, the application will be referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing where councillors decide the outcome.
Can police objections be resolved without a hearing?
Yes. In many cases, objections can be resolved through negotiation by agreeing appropriate licence conditions. Early engagement significantly increases the chance of avoiding a hearing.
Do I need representation at a licensing hearing?
You are not legally required to have representation, but hearings are formal and decisions can significantly affect your business. Professional support helps ensure your case is clearly presented and risks are addressed properly.
Can a premises licence be refused?
Yes. If councillors believe the licensing objectives are not adequately addressed, they can refuse the application or impose restrictive conditions.
Can I change my licence after it is granted?
Yes. Licences can be varied to change hours, activities, or layouts, though variations can also attract objections and may require a hearing.
When should I contact Bekoe Consultancy Ltd?
Ideally as soon as an objection is raised, or if you believe your application may be contentious. Early advice often prevents refusals and delays.
Need Help With a Premises Licence Issue?
If your premises licence has been challenged, delayed, or referred to a hearing, speak to us before a decision is made.
Early advice protects your licence - and your business.
Ready to get support? Use our enquiry form and we will direct your request to the right specialist.