Time to Review and Renew Your Liquor Licence

2022 is a licensing renewal year, with all liquor licences in Northern Ireland to be renewed at the end of September. Licensees are advised start thinking about that process now to avoid any issues closer to the time.

For the majority of operators, the renewal process should run smoothly. The application is submitted to the court, police and local council and subject to the police and council not having any objections, the court will usually grant the renewal administratively without the need to attend court. Some judges do have custom of physically dealing with all renewals in court at the one time and if the police or council have aired any objections, then the application will certainly need to be dealt with in court.

When a licensee submits their application, they are confirming that there have been no unauthorised works to the premises prior to the renewal. With the difficulties encountered by the hospitality trade over the past two years, many operators will have carried out works to their premises in order to create more space, use an outdoor area etc. If it is the case that you have made such alterations without court consent and this isn’t rectified before your renewal, it could potentially jeopardise your renewal and subsequently your licence.

If that situation applies to you, you are best getting the matter rectified as soon as possible and experience would show most judges are sympathetic to such applications. Going before the court to ask for forgiveness is better than not going at all and shows an element of responsibility and professionalism.

With planning permission and building control approval often required for changes to premises, both of which can take some time, it is imperative that licensees review their premises and operations in the event they should have to make an application to rectify their plans prior to the renewal application itself.

The renewal process is also relevant to any landlords of licensed premises. In the majority of cases, the liquor licence will belong to you and is leased to your tenant along with the property. It’s therefore in your interest to make sure the licence is properly renewed as above.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your hospitality business, please contact our licensing team: