Alcohol and Entertainment licensing

Thanet District Council has responsibility for licensing the sale of alcohol, late night refreshment and regulated entertainment.

The Council's Licensing Policy Statement explains how we do the job, act as a decision making tool and gives guidance to applicants, licensees and residents.

We work in partnership with the Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and trade groups like the Thanet Licensed Victuallers Association to make sure the best possible licensing service is provided in Thanet.

If you operate an establishment where alcohol is consumed on or off the premises such as a public house or club, an hotel or a guest house, off licence, supermarket, grocers and corner shops.  Or if you manage or own premises such as Nightclubs or other places licensed for public entertainment, sports entertainment venues, cinemas and theatres, village and community halls, cafes, restaurants and take-aways opening later than 11.00 pm

A Personal Licence

Provides the applicant with the right to sell alcohol at any licensed premises for a period of ten years. The granting of this licence is likely to be automatic if the applicant is properly qualified and has no relevant convictions.

A Premises Licence

The applicant must provide the Council with an operating schedule which includes information on:

• the premises
• mode of operation
• intended activities, opening hours
• steps to be taken to minimise the risk of crime and disorder and/or of public nuisance.

Formal notice of each application has to be given to the Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and other relevant bodies and notice displayed on the premises and in newspapers. If objections are received the application must be considered by a Licensing Sub-Committee otherwise it will be granted under powers delegated to the Council’s officers.

The licence will last for the life of the business but can be reviewed at the request of the Police and other responsible bodies, or following the complaints of residents or businesses being upheld.

• Premises Licence
• Club Premises Licence

Temporary Event Notices

An individual may give notice of their intention to use premises for a period not exceeding 96 hours.  Notice must be given within certain time limits

• Temporary Event notice

Help and advice

If you need advice or information, please phone 01843 577413 or e-mail the Licensing Department

Licensing Department

E-mail:

licensing@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577432