Liquor licences

If you want to apply for a premises licence (extended hours), please contact us to ask for an application form:

Once you receive the application form please print off the form, fill it in, sign it and enclose the correct fee before sending it to us at the address on the form.

Please make sure you read any notes before you apply.

All applications received by the Licensing Board that need to be published under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 are available online. 

View current Liquor licence applications.

The proper process to lodge a competent objection or representation regarding an application is detailed below.

All existing licensed premises that want to operate in terms of the new licensing regime after 1 September 2009 must apply to the board for a new type licence. Where an application type is noted as "conversion", this is an existing premises and no substantial changes have been applied for relating to proposed size, capacity, nature of operation, trading hours or forms of entertainment available on the premises.

If you want to sell alcohol in an unlicensed premises, for example for a special event or occasion, you must apply for an occasional licence. this could include a wedding reception for a non-member at a members' club.

For this you must be either a premises licence holder or a personal licence holder unless you are applying on behalf of a voluntary organisation.

View current Occasional Licence applications

The proper process to lodge a competent objection or representation regarding an application is detailed below.

Overview

You can make an objection or representation in relation to certain licence applications submitted to the Licensing Board.

This includes applications for:

• a Premises Licence
• a Provisional Premises Licence
• a Non-Minor Variation of an existing Premises Licence

Each application is subject to a 28-day consultation period, during which comments may be submitted.

Consultation period

During the consultation period:

• anyone may submit an objection or representation
• a public notice will be displayed at the premises for 21 days
• the notice will include details of the application and the deadline for submissions

Your submission must be received by the Board no later than the final date of the consultation period.

Late submissions may only be considered where there is a valid reason, as determined by the Clerk to the Board.

Grounds for objection

An objection must relate to one or more of the statutory grounds for refusal under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

These include:

• the premises are excluded premises
• a previous application has been refused within the last 12 months (without Board approval to reapply)
• the application seeks 24-hour opening without exceptional justification
• the application seeks off-sales outwith permitted hours (before 10am or after 10pm)
• granting the application would be inconsistent with one or more of the licensing objectives:
  • preventing crime and disorder
  • securing public safety
  • preventing public nuisance
  • protecting and improving public health
  • protecting children from harm
• the premises are unsuitable, having regard to:
  • the proposed activities
  • the location, character, and condition of the premises
  • the likely persons who will use the premises
• granting the application would result in overprovision of licensed premises in the locality

Representations

You may also make a representation about an application.

A representation can:

• support the application
• suggest amendments to the operating plan
• propose conditions to be attached to the licence

Unacceptable submissions

The Licensing Board will not consider objections or representations that are:

• frivolous, or
• vexatious

How to submit an objection or representation

Your submission must:

• include your name and contact details
• clearly explain the nature of your objection or representation
• include the address of the premises or application reference number

Anonymous submissions will not be accepted.

Submit by post or in person:

Clerk to the Licensing Board
North Lanarkshire Council
Civic Centre
Windmillhill Street
Motherwell ML1  1AB

Submit by email:

LicensingBoard@northlan.gov.uk

What happens after you submit

• You will receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt
• A copy of your submission will be provided to the applicant (and their agent, where applicable)

How your personal Information will be used

Your personal information will be processed by the Council as part of its statutory licensing functions under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

This processing is carried out on the basis that it is:

• necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest; and
• necessary for compliance with a legal obligation

Further information on how your personal data is handled can be found in the Council’s Licensing Privacy Notice.

Disclosure of your information

If you submit an objection or representation:

• your name and address will normally be disclosed to the applicant

This is in terms of section 22(3)(a) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 to ensure a fair and transparent process.

In addition:

• your information may be included in reports, agendas and minutes
• these may be considered at a public Licensing Board hearing
• information discussed at a public meeting may enter the public domain, including reporting by third parties

If you have concerns about your safety, you should contact the Licensing Team. In limited circumstances, steps may be considered to reduce wider disclosure; however, the applicant will normally still be informed of your identity.

Licensing Board hearing

Where relevant, your objection or representation will be considered by the Licensing Board:

• you may be invited to attend a hearing
• you will receive at least 14 days’ notice of the hearing
• you will have the opportunity to speak in support of your written submission
• you may only speak to matters raised in your original submission.

The applicant will also have the opportunity to respond.

Important information

Licensing is a public regulatory process. This means that:

• information submitted as part of an objection or representation may become part of the public record
• once information is in the public domain, it may not be possible to fully restrict further use or disclosure.

You should consider this before submitting personal information.