A letter saying your premises licence is under review is one of the most stressful things a licence holder can receive. A review can end with new conditions, a suspension or the loss of your licence. But it can also end with no action at all, if you prepare properly. Here is how the process works in England and Wales.
What is a licence review?
A review is a formal process under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003. It lets the council look again at a premises licence when there are concerns that the business is undermining one of the four licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm
Who can apply for a review?
- Responsible authorities, such as the police, environmental health, trading standards, the fire service, the licensing authority itself or child protection services.
- Any other person, such as a local resident or nearby business. Their application must be relevant to the licensing objectives and must not be frivolous, vexatious or repetitive.
Common triggers include noise complaints, violence or disorder linked to the premises, underage sales found during test purchases, breaches of licence conditions, and illegal working.
The timeline
- Application served: You receive a copy of the review application.
- 28 days for representations: A blue notice is displayed at the premises for at least 28 consecutive days. During this time, responsible authorities and other persons can send representations supporting or opposing the review.
- Hearing date set: The hearing must start within 20 working days after the representation period ends.
- Notice of hearing: The council must give you notice at least 10 working days before the hearing. You will be asked to confirm whether you will attend and who will speak for you.
- The hearing.
This means you usually have around six to eight weeks from the application to the hearing. That time is valuable. Use it.
What happens at the hearing?
The review is heard by a licensing sub-committee, usually three councillors, advised by a legal officer. A typical hearing runs like this:
- The licensing officer introduces the report.
- The applicant for the review explains their concerns.
- Others who made representations speak.
- You, or your representative, respond and present your case.
- Members ask questions of all parties.
- The sub-committee retires to decide, and the decision is announced or sent in writing.
The sub-committee can only consider matters relevant to the licensing objectives. It is not a court case, but it is formal, and how you present your case matters.
What can the sub-committee decide?
The sub-committee can take no action, issue a warning, or take one or more of these steps:
- modify the conditions of the licence
- exclude a licensable activity from the licence, for example late-night alcohol sales
- remove the designated premises supervisor (DPS)
- suspend the licence for up to three months
- revoke the licence
The decision does not take effect until the 21-day appeal period has passed, or until any appeal has been decided. This means you can usually keep trading while an appeal is ongoing.
Summary reviews: when the police act fast
If a police superintendent certifies that the premises is associated with serious crime or serious disorder, the police can apply for a summary review. This process is much faster:
- The council must consider interim steps within 48 hours, such as suspending the licence or removing the DPS. These steps can take effect immediately.
- A full review hearing must take place within 28 days.
If you face a summary review, get professional advice the same day.
Appealing a decision
You can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days of being notified of the decision. The court will hear the case again and can confirm, change or overturn the council's decision. Appeals are costly and the outcome is uncertain, so the best chance to protect your licence is usually at the hearing itself.
How to prepare
- Act early. Do not wait for the hearing date. Read the review application carefully and understand exactly what is being alleged.
- Talk to the responsible authorities. Many reviews are resolved, or the outcome softened, by agreeing new conditions with the police or environmental health before the hearing.
- Fix the problem and show it. Update your operating procedures, train your staff, and keep records.
- Gather evidence. For example, CCTV, incident and refusals logs, staff training records, Challenge 25 records, and noise management plans.
- Consider changes. A new DPS, reduced hours or extra conditions can show the sub-committee that you take the concerns seriously.
- Attend the hearing. Never stay away. A sub-committee is far more likely to revoke a licence when the holder does not engage.
- Get representation. An experienced licensing consultant knows what sub-committees look for and how to present your case clearly.
Frequently asked questions
What can trigger a premises licence review?
Any responsible authority, such as the police or environmental health, or any local resident or business can apply for a review. The grounds must relate to one or more of the licensing objectives. Common triggers include crime and disorder, noise complaints, underage sales and breaches of licence conditions.
What would be a reason for a licensing hearing?
A hearing is held when relevant representations are made against an application or variation, or when someone applies for a review. If the representations can be resolved beforehand, for example by agreeing extra conditions, the hearing may not be needed.
What are the licensing objectives?
In England and Wales there are four: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
What happens if a premises licence is revoked?
The premises can no longer carry out licensable activities such as selling alcohol. Revocation does not normally take effect until the 21-day appeal period has ended or any appeal has been decided.
Where should licensing hearing appeals be made?
To the magistrates' court, within 21 days of being notified of the licensing authority's decision.
What are the consequences of breaching premises licence conditions?
Breaching a licence condition is a criminal offence that can lead to an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison. It can also lead to a licence review.
Facing a licence review?
Anka Group represents restaurants, bars, shops and takeaways at licence review hearings across England and Wales. We review the evidence, negotiate with the police and council, prepare proposed conditions and speak for you at the hearing. We also work in Turkish.
Contact us today or see our licensing hearing representation service.
This guide is general information and correct as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Every review is different, so get advice on your own case.