A popular pub restaurant was faced with having to close in December. The owners had carried out alterations to enlarge the premises, and then been told by the council that as a result a new Premises Licence would be required, a process which can take up to 2 months, during which the place would be closed.

Stephen was able to find a solution. In return for agreeing to remove vertical drinking from the licence so that the total capacity was not increased, the application was allowed to proceed as a Minor Variation. To save the Christmas trade, Temporary Events notices were lodged. Stephen was even able to give the client a refund as the Minor Variation was less expensive.

In another case, the client was not so lucky. Council representatives visited a premises and found that substantial alterations had been made, and in this case a full new Premises Licence was required. Stephen was able to keep the premises open in the meantime with Temporary Events notices, but with much reduced hours.

The moral of the story is – when planning alterations, always consult the council in plenty of time. If the alterations increase capacity by 25% or more, a full new licence may be required.