Premises licence

You need a premises licence if you want to use a place for:

  • selling alcohol
  • selling hot food or drink between 11pm and 5am

You may also require a licence if you are putting on regulated entertainment such as live or recorded music, indoor sports events, plays, films or other events.

Our licensing policy shows how we make decisions about applications for licences that involve alcohol, entertainment and late night refreshment. It’s based on the Licensing Act 2003 and is effective from 1 August 2018 for a maximum of 5 years.

 

Before you apply

Most premises licences don’t need renewing

You only need to apply for a premises licence once, but you need to pay a fee every year.

If you have a premises licence that has an end date, you need to apply as if it was the first time.

Who can apply for a premises licence?

You need to be 18 years old or above. Individual applicants also need to have the right to work in the UK. Businesses, charities and public service organisations can apply for a premises licence.

Areas where you can get a premises licence

You’re more likely to get a premises licence in some areas in Hackney than in others. See our licensing policy.

Apply for a premises licence

You’ll need:

  • a completed application form which includes your operating schedule
  • a scale plan of the premises in the prescribed form
  • a signed copy of the designated premises supervisor consent form if you’re planning to sell alcohol
  • copies of documents that show that you and the supervisor (if that is someone else) can work in the United Kingdom
  • the relevant fee based on the rateable value of the premises as postal order or cheque made out to ‘The London Borough of Hackney’

Email your application and relevant documents to licensing@hackney.gov.uk. Payment can be taken by phone or we’ll provide a link for the payment.

After you apply

Vary or transfer a premises licence

Other information regarding premises licences

Page updated on: 11 September 2023

Licensing Service

Address

Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY

Telephone

Opening times

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am to 5pm (telephone)
  • Wednesday – 9am to 4pm (telephone)
  • Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm (visitors to Hackney Service Centre)