Off-licence

Tips for success

• Access potential – Investigate and assess the trading area and potential of the business
  
• Details to the solicitor – Explain the situation fully. The solicitor will then advise you of available dates for licensing sessions – decide a date and remember that the clerk to the licensing justices requires all details 21 days before the hearing
  
• Plan of location – Prepare a plan of the shop – show where all types of drinks will go. You will stand a better chance of obtaining a licence if you have your range of spirits behind the main counter
  
• Plan a map of the area – Indicate the location of your shop and using a compass draw two circles (one to a half mile radius another to a mile) around your shop as well as indicating all the off-licences within both circles. This should include pubs and each type of licensed business in the area
  
• Plans to the solicitor – Send at least six copies of your plans to your solicitor before the 21 day deadline
  
• Your solicitor’s job – Your solicitor will hand in your application to the court and send copies to the police and fire brigade as well as submit the announcement to local newspapers as required by law and send you a notice to place in your shop window leading up to the hearing
  
• Day of application – Make sure you consult your solicitor about the time and place of your court date
  
• Never assume – The magistrates can still decide against your case, so don’t spend too much money presuming you will get it
  
• Publicity – Once everything has gone through advertise as heavily as you can by telling the local population, leaflets drops
  
• Renewal – Licences can be renewed for a period of up to three years