Club premises certificate

When you need a club premises certificate, who can apply, how to apply, costs and fees.

A club premises certificate is required for any member's club that supplies alcohol, provides regulated entertainment or late night refreshment under the Licensing Act 2003.

This applies to private member's clubs such as:

  • working men's clubs
  • political clubs
  • sports clubs
  • social clubs

Visit GOV.UK Entertainment Licensing guidance.

A qualifying club must meet the following conditions:

  • it has premises that are occupied and used regularly for club purposes
  • the club rules state a person must wait at least 2 days from their application before getting membership privileges
  • alcohol and entertainment are only provided to members and their guests
  • only someone over the age of 18, and elected to do so, can purchase and serve alcohol
  • there is no arrangement for anyone to benefit financially by buying and selling alcohol
  • the club is established and conducted in good faith
  • the club has at least 25 members

For more information, visit GOV.UK Club premises certificate guidance.

How to apply for a club premises certificate

Your application must include:

  • a plan of the premises
  • a copy of the club rules
  • details of the club operating schedule (the club activities and timings)

We may inspect your premises as part of the application.

You do not need a designated premises supervisor (DPS) if a club premises certificate is in place.

Apply

Complete and submit the club premises certificate application form. You must include your supporting documents with your application.

Visit Premises licence for more information.

Costs and fees

Visit the Cumberland Council fees and charges webpage.

You can pay your fee by debit or credit card.

Telephone: 0300 373 3730

We no longer accept cheques or cash.

After you've applied

We will review your application and may inspect your premises. If there are no objections, your certificate will be issued.

Advertising your application

You must advertise your application by:

  • displaying a notice at the premises
  • publishing a notice in a local newspaper

Notifying responsible authorities

You must send copies of your application to the relevant responsible authorities:

  • Cumbria Police
  • Environmental Health
  • Fire Service

We will confirm who needs to be notified when you apply.

Objections to the certificate

If objections are raised during the consultation period, we will notify you.

A hearing may be arranged to consider the objections before a decision is made.

Duration of the certificate

A club premises certificate lasts indefinitely, unless:

  • it is surrendered
  • it is revoked
  • the club stops meeting the qualifying conditions

Vary a club premises certificate

You must apply to vary your club premises certificate (licence changes) if there are changes to the:

  • club rules
  • layout or structure of the premises
  • types or timings of licensable activities

Visit Premises licence for more information.

Application for a minor variation to a premises or club licence online

Downloads:

Where to send your applications

You can send your application by email.

Email: licensing1@cumberland.gov.uk

Email: licensing@copeland.gov.uk