A club certificate authorises a qualifying members’ club to carry out the licensable activities:
Alcohol is only supplied to members on the premises on behalf of or by the club. In a qualifying club there is technically no sale by retail of alcohol (except to guests) as the member owns part of the alcohol stock and the money passing across the bar is merely a mechanism to preserve equity between members where one may consume more than another. A members’ club with a club certificate is exempt from the need to be licensed for late night refreshment.
Unless a limited duration is specified in the operating conditions, a club certificate will be valid indefinitely, unless revoked. An annual fee is payable on the anniversary of the grant of each licence.
If there any alterations to the rules or name of the club before an application is determined or after a certificate is issued, the club secretary must give details to the local licensing authority. If a certificate is in place this must be sent to the licensing authority when they are notified.
If a certificate is in place and the registered address of the club changes the club must give notice to the local licensing authority of the change and provide the certificate with the notice.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes, except for the application for a minor variation. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period, provided the application was correctly made.
For the minor variation application, it is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online here if you applied through the UK Welcomes service (this page opens in a new window) or use the contact details below.
Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
A failed applicant will receive notice of the refusal of an application for a certificate or variation of a certificate from the local licensing authority.
If an application is rejected, the applicant may appeal the decision.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
If a local licensing authority refuses an application for a variation the licence holder may appeal the decision. A licence holder can appeal against a decision to put conditions on a certificate or to exclude any club activity. Appeals may also be made against the variation of any condition.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.
A club may appeal against the withdrawing of a certificate.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (this page opens in a new window) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (this page opens in a new window).
A club member may request a review of the certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Other Redress
Any interested party may make representations to the local licensing authority before the certificate is granted or before amendments to a certificate are granted. If representations are made a hearing will be held to consider the application and the representations. Notices will be made by the local licensing authority detailing the reasons for any outcome. Interested parties who made representations will receive notice of a failed application.
An interested party is:
- a person living near the premises or a body representing such a person
- a person involved in a business near the premises or a body representing such a person
An interested party may request a review of the club premises certificate. The local licensing authority will give reasons for their response to the application in a notice.
An interested party may appeal if they argue that a certificate should not have been granted or that different or additional conditions or limitations on activities should have been made. They may also appeal against any variation of a condition.
Appeals against the decision of a review can be made.
Appeals must be made to the local Magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision appealed.
Trade Associations
If you have any questions or require assistance, please visit or contact the Licensing Unit.
Licensing
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Fax: 01483 444546
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk