Planning guidance for premises licence applications

If you are applying for a premises licence, find out what planning documents you need to submit.

The plan of the premises needs to meet the requirements set out in the Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and club premises certificates) Regulations 2005, SI 2005/42. 

You should include the plan of the premises with your application and send a copy to us as well.

The premises plan needs to include:

  • The extent of the boundary of the building, and any external and internal walls of the building. If these are different, the perimeter of the premises.
  • Points of access and exit from the premises, or the location of escape routes.
  • If the premises is used for more than one activity covered under the licence, the area used for each one.
  • Fixed structures and furniture or similar objects (even if temporarily fixed) which may obstruct the use of exits or escape routes.
  • If the premises includes a stage or raised area, the location and height of each one or area relative to the floor.
  • If the premises includes any steps, stairs or lifts, the location of these.
  • If the premises includes any room or rooms containing public conveniences, the location of these.
  • The location and type of any fire safety and other safety equipment including marine safety.
  • The location of any kitchens on the premises.
  • External smoking areas, beer gardens or patios.
  • Any CCTV cameras both inside and outside the premises.

You don't need to include any areas that are not part of the premises you are licensing. Under the general description of the premises, you should describe any areas that you want to provide for people to consume alcohol that you sell or supply.

You also need to clearly mark the licensed area in red and make sure they include fixed bars and structures.

Unless you have previously agreed with us in writing on another scale plan, the plan should be drawn in standard scale, where 1 millimetre represents 100 millimetres. You can also include a key of symbols to illustrate areas the plan.

You don't have to have your plans professionally drawn. What is important is that they are accurate and meet the licence requirements.