Apply for a premises licence to sell alcohol

Any person aged 18 or older can apply for a premises licence.

A licensed premises must have a designated 'premises manager'. An individual can't be the premises manager of more than one licensed premises and must also hold a personal licence.

How to apply

You should submit your completed application and all required documentation and fee at the earliest possible date:

• Download a premises licence application [DOC - 154KB]
• Download guidance on submitting an application [PDF - 127KB]
• Download guidance on submitting a layout plan [PDF - 148KB]
• Download a S50 Building standards certificate application [PDF - 97KB]
• Download a S50 Environmental standards certificate application [DOC - 40KB]
• Download a S50 Planning certificate application [PDF - 177KB]

You'll need to provide:

• information about who is applying
• a description of the premises
• 2 paper copies and 1 electronic copy of a layout plan [PDF - 148KB] of the premises which complies with the Premises Licence (Scotland) Regulations 2007
• certificates of suitability from Planning, Building Control and Environmental Standards under Section 50 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 [PDF - 97KB]
• an operating plan of the premises which includes:
  • a description of the activities to be carried out on the premises
  • a statement of times during which it is proposed that alcohol should be sold on the premises
  • a statement as to whether that alcohol is to be sold for consumption on or off the premises, or both, and the times at which it is to be sold either on or off sales (which may be different)
  • a statement of the times at which any other activities (in addition to the sale of alcohol) are to be carried out
  • the proposed capacity of the premises
  • information about the 'premises manager'
• the appropriate fee

Fee and payment

You need to pay a fee when you submit an application as well as an annual fee once you have a licence. Both fees are based on the rateable value of the premises:

• Download a leaflet about licensing fees [PDF - 31KB]

There are a few ways to pay:

• Send cash or a cheque (payable to Dumfries and Galloway Council) when you submit your application
• Call 01387 245922 and pay by credit or debit card

What happens next

We consider all applications in line with local licensing policies and principles. We also consult with Police Scotland, Licensing Standards Officers, NHS and other statutory agencies and publish licensing notices online so interested parties can submit objections or representations.

In addition, you will be required to display a notice at your premises advising members of the public of your application and advising how and when objections or representations must be lodged.

All applications for new Premises Licences require to be considered by the Dumfries and Galloway Licensing Boards .

A licence will be issued at the earliest possible date after an application has been granted.