Application timescales
For some licence applications It can take up to a year to fully determine an application, but we aim to deal with all applications as quickly as possible.
It normally takes about 72 days to deal with most applications. However an application will not be processed until the correct fee and all required supporting documentation has been submitted.
Applications which are not straightforward (e.g. where we receive objections or representations to the application) have to be referred to Licensing sub-committee and normally take 5 to 7 months to process. This is due to the volume of applications that the Committee can consider at each meeting.
When applying check whether your business may need planning permission.
Current average timescales
- taxi driver - 9 months
- street trader - 9 months
- market operator - 9 months
- late hours catering - 9 months
- second hand dealer - 9 months
- short term lets - 9 months
- public entertainment - 9 months
- private hire car driver - 9 months
- House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) - 10 months
Temporary licence applications
The average timescales above to not apply to temporary licence applications. Applications for temporary licences must be submitted no later than 60 days before the date a licence is expected to start.
Getting updates
If we've taken longer than our average timescales to get back to you please contact us.