Minor variations are classified as small changes to the licence/certificate that will not affect the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm. This new process came into effect from 29th July 2009 and can apply to both Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates.
How if differs from a normal variation:
- The application will be determined in 15 working days instead of up to 2 months;
- Local residents and businesses only have 10 working days to comment rather than the usual 28 consecutive days;
- No hearings are necessary as minor variation requests are either granted or rejected by the Food Safety & Licensing team;
- No press advertisement is needed, only a white (instead of the usual blue) notice needs to be displayed on the premises;
- The licence/certificate holder does not have to serve the application on responsible authorities as the Licensing Officer will contact them and seek feedback on whether the licensing objectives are likely to be affected;
- Conditions can not be imposed under this process but can be volunteered as part of an application or after discussion with the responsible authorities. A minor variation may ask for existing conditions to be amended, or even removed, where the licensing objectives would be unaffected by it.
Are there any exclusions:
Yes. The following can NOT be considered minor variations:
- Adding sale and supply of alcohol as an activity or increase the amount of time during a day that alcohol may be sold;
- Authorising any sale or supply of alcohol between 11pm and 7am;
- DPS can not be varied under this process;
- Substantial variations or extending period licence has effect for.
Other requests will be assessed on a case by case basis. Pre application discussion with responsible authorities is highly recommended.
You will need to apply as a full variation (or sometimes a new application) where the licensing objectives may be affected by your proposals. In the event of a rejection, the Licensing Officer will advise you of the reasons why. Fees can not be refunded if your application is rejected.
