Food, alcohol and gambling licences

A Premise Licence is required by anyone who intends to carry on the business of permanent alcohol sales on their premises.

If you are only operating for a short time (for example, catering a wedding reception) you need an Occasional licence. If you intend a permanent business but your premises have not been built or are in the course of construction or conversion, you need a Provisional premises licence.

Fees

There are two fees for this licence:

1. The initial application fee is paid based on the rateable value of the premises. If your application is refused the fee is not refunded or reduced.
2. After the Licence is granted, you must pay an Annual Fee. It is a condition of a Premises Licence that an Annual Fee is paid. Annual Fees are due on 1 October each year or, where that date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the immediately following Monday.

Using the details contained in the notification letter sent by the Licensing Board:

How to apply

Before you apply, read our Premises Licence guidance notes. These notes explain how to complete the application and the policies and legislation surrounding this licence. We recommend you get legal advice before applying.

Complete and return a Premises Licence application document along with:

1. Operating Plan document – how the premises will operate
2. Layout Plan – eight copies of the physical layout of the premise
3. the following Section 50 certificates:

• Planning Certificate – a completed Planning Certificate application document
• Building Standards Certificate – a completed Building Standards application document
• Food Hygiene Certificate – a completed Food Hygiene application document

You will always need Certificates for Planning and Building Standards Certificate. You need a Food Hygiene Certificate (FHC) if food is to be supplied on the Premises.

Food Hygiene Certificate requirements

'Food' includes:

• drink
• substances of no nutritional value which are used for human consumption
• chewing gum
• substances used as ingredients in the preparation of food

The following Premises need a Food Hygiene Certificate:

• shops where food is sold for off-sales consumption, for example a shop at the end of a distribution chain, supplying food prepared elsewhere or sealed packages or tins containing food, without the staff directly handling the food
• some hot food shops (for example chip shops or kebab shops) where the food is prepared and served on the Premises but the food is taken away by customers and consumed elsewhere
• restaurants, public houses and other eat-in Premises where food is prepared, served and consumed on the Premises.

Disabled access and facilities statement

You must include a disabled access facilities statement document.

Next stages

Application details will be entered onto the Licensing Register. Applications are considered at a Licensing Board meeting.

We consult with Police Scotland, the Health Board, the Community Council and council departments, and notify neighbours within four metres of the proposed premises. Your application will be advertised on this website for 21 days to allow members of the public to make any objections or representations.

It may take two to three months to process your application. If you haven’t heard from the Licensing Office within a reasonable period, contact us.

Premises licence conditions

All Premises Licence have conditions set by law ('Mandatory Conditions'). These are set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, Schedule 3.

The Board cannot change these. The Board can add conditions which reflect the Board's local policies, so the Board applies 'Standard Conditions'. These are based on the 'Mandatory Conditions' but include local additions.

These have been revised since first adoption in 2008. The most recent edition is Standard Conditions - Edition 5 - amended 18 March 2014 document.

If you already have a Licence with an earlier edition, it is at:

• Standard Conditions - Edition 5 document - amended 1 September 2009
• Standard Conditions - Edition 4 document - amended 23 June 2009
• Standard Conditions - Edition 3 document - amended 10 February 2009
• Standard Conditions - Edition 2 document - amended 2 December 2008
• Standard Conditions - Edition 1 document - adopted 20 May 2008

The Licensing Board can apply the newest edition to older Licences. This will only happen after you have had a chance to make representations to the Board.

A Provisional Premises Licence (PPL) is for an alcohol business where the premises are still under construction or conversion.

How to apply

Before you apply please read our Premises Licence guidance notes. These notes explain how to complete the application and the policies and legislation surrounding this licence. We strongly recommend you get proper professional advice before applying.

Complete and return a Provisional Premises Licence application document.

Your application must also include the following documents:

• Operating Plan document – how the premises will operate
• Layout Plan – seven copies of the physical layout of the premises
• a Provisional Planning Certificate

You cannot trade until your PPL is Confirmed - it is not enough to have a Board decision granting the PPL initially. Find out how to confirm your PPL below.

Fees

There are three fees for this licence:

1. Your initial application fee is £200. If your application is refused the fee is not refunded or reduced.
2. After the PPL is granted, you must pay an annual fee.
3. When you later apply for Confirmation (which must be granted before you start trading), you pay a fee based on the Rateable Value of the premises minus the initial fee you have already paid. At that time, the fee is related to your Rateable Value.

Next stages

Once we’ve accepted your application, details will be entered onto the Licensing Register kept by the Licensing Board. Your application will be considered at a Licensing Board meeting.

We will consult with Police Scotland, the Health Board, the Community Council and council departments, and notify neighbours within four metres of the proposed premises. Your application will also be advertised on this website for 21 days to allow members of the public to make any objections or representations.

Confirm your Provisional Premises Licence

Your Provisional Premises Licence (PPL) will not come into effect until it is Confirmed. Confirmation only affects the Alcohol licence. You might need other consents, such as Planning Permission, or a Completion Certificate or Temporary Occupation Certificate as well.

A PPL lasts four years. If there is no decision to Confirm in that time, the PPL will lapse. The original decision to grant the PPL is made by the Board after a Hearing, but the later decision to Confirm the PPL is usually made by the Clerk to the Board, without a Hearing.

The Clerk can only make a Confirmation decision if either:

• no differences between the proposals initially approved by the Board and the final state of the Premises
• any differences are only 'Minor Variations'

'Minor' has a limited meaning set by the legislation, so a change which might be called 'minor' in ordinary conversation might not be classed as a 'Minor Variation'. If the change is not a 'Minor Variation', the decision to Confirm can only be taken by the Board. This means that the opening of your Premises will be delayed until after the next Board Meeting. Contact us to find out more.

You can ask the Board for an extension of the four-year period, but that application must be lodged in time for a Board Meeting before the four years expire.

Apply for Confirmation of Provisional Premises Licence document.

View North Ayrshire Licensing Board agendas and minutes.

You need a variation application if you're proposing to change or delete any of the following licence details:

• licence conditions
• information contained within the operating plan
• information contained or referred to in the licence
• layout plan

A variation application must be accompanied by the original Premises Licence or a statement of the reasons for failure to produce the licence.

Types of variation

There are two main kinds of variation:

• minor variation
• standard variation

Minor variations

The term minor variation is set by legislation. It is not asking whether the change would be "minor" in ordinary language.

Minor variations:

• can be granted quickly, without a board hearing
• are cheaper (£20 or £31 depending on what you want)

An example of a minor variation is where you have to amend the Premises Licence to substitute a new premises manager. You may want the variation to have immediate effect, which costs £31.

In the legislation, minor variation means:

• variation which increases restrictions of the terms of entry to under 18s
• variation of licence information of the premises manager
• reduction to licensed hours or capacity
• variation of the layout plan that doesn’t result in inconsistency with the current operating plan

A proposal to increase the capacity, resulting in an inconsistency with the Operating Plan would constitute a standard variation.

For on-sales premises this means a proposal to increase the number of customers.

For off-sales premises this means a proposal to increase the off-sales display capacity.

Standard variations

A standard variation is any other variation other than a minor variation.

Standard variations:

• can only be granted after a board hearing
• are subject to the same procedures for a Premises Licence application
• have the same fee as the annual fee

Examples of a standard variation might be:

• adding an outdoor drinking area
• varying or removing licence conditions (although some of these are based on legislation and can't be changed by the board).

How to apply

If the only change you propose is to appoint a new Premises Manager, you should apply to appoint a:

To request any other changes to your current Premises Licence complete our:

If the proposal is for a mixture of minor and standard variations, it is a good idea to include all the changes requested in a single application form meaning only one fee is required.

If you are asking for a standard variation, please be aware of and refer to the scheduled Licensing Board dates.

Next stages

This depends on whether your application is for a minor variation or a standard variation. For standard variations, your application will be advertised on this website for 21 days to allow the public to make any objections or representations. Thereafter, the application will be allocated to the Licensing Board for their consideration. Minor variations will be determined under delegated powers.

You must send back the original Premises Licence, or give the board a written statement of the reasons for failing to produce it.

A Premises Licence holder can request Extended Hours for their Premises.

How to apply

Before you apply, read Section 7 of the Board's Licensing Policy Statement document.

See our Policy for FIFA World Cup Extended Hours document.

Complete our form to apply for:

Your application must include a description of the premises and a description of the activities to be carried out in the premises.

Next stages

Once received, we will consult with Scotland Police and Licensing Standards Officer. If there is no adverse comment, and is within the Board's Policy, the application can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the Application will be granted by the Clerk, without a Hearing at the Licensing Board.

If there is any adverse comment, or is outside the Board's Policy, the application must be referred to a Hearing of the Licensing Board. View the Licensing Board meeting schedule. You will be told of the Hearing and will be able to make representations in favour of your application.

Timings

Apply at least 28 days before the date requested.

For more information read our statement of practice document.

Licence conditions

By law, if the premises are open after 1am:

• a First Aider must be present from 1am
• you must operate a 12.30am curfew

View North Ayrshire Licensing Board agendas and minutes.

An Occasional Licence is issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 to allow unlicensed premises to sell alcohol for occasions such as parties and other social functions. These occasions are usually one-off events and last only a few hours.

To apply for an Occasional Licence, please read the following guidance before completing an online application.

See our policy for FIFA World Cup 2026 Occasional Licences document.

Application guidance

An Occasional Licence is only available where the premises are not already licensed for the sale of alcohol.

A licensed private members club can apply for an occasional licence if they intend to provide a function, or event, that is open to non-members.

The Licensing Board needs at least 28 days from the date of lodging before it can grant the Licence. Applications that give less than 28 days notice will be subject to the Board's 'Late Policy'.

The process is likely to take longer than 28 days, if any of the following happens:

• objections or representations
• comments from the Police or Licensing Standards Officer
• the applicant wants the Board to change the Standard Conditions. The Board cannot change the Schedule 4 Conditions

as the application must be considered by the Board and there is the possibility of proceedings in the Sheriff Court.

Fee

A £10 application fee must be paid at time of application.

The fee is non-refundable if the licence is refused, or if you decide to withdraw the application.

Temporary structures

If a temporary structure (like a tent) is to be used, you will need to include a plan showing the area to be licensed. The Occasional Licence covers both the temporary structure and a roped area beside it reserved only for this purpose.

The Licence Holder must follow the instructions of any officer of North Ayrshire Council prior to, and throughout the duration of the Occasional Licence.

Statement

Where alcohol is to be sold for consumption on the Premises, the Act requires that a statement be made on whether children (under 16) and young persons (aged 16 or 17) are to be allowed entry, and if they are, a statement of the terms on which they are allowed entry.

Who can apply

Only the following may apply for an Occasional Licence:

• the holder of a Premises Licence (including clubs which hold a Premises Licence)
• the holder of a Personal Licence
• a representative of any voluntary organisation

A voluntary organisation can only have an Occasional Licence for an event taking place in connection with its activities.

Staff training

All staff, selling or serving alcohol, should have the same level of training required on other Licensed Premises. This requirement applies to all Occasional Licences including those granted to voluntary organisations.

Limits to the number of applications

There are limits to the number of Occasional Licences that can be applied for by voluntary organisations and clubs. In any 12 month period there can be no more than:

• four with a duration of four days or more
• 12 with a duration of less than four days
• 56 days in total

Clubs which have given up their Section 125 status are not subject to these limits.

The Licensing Board's Policy on hours

Alcohol sales should not start before 11am and should not continue after:

• 12 midnight on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• 1am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Applications for hours outside these times are referred to a full meeting of the Board. Applicants must demonstrate to the Board that the additional requested hours are appropriate in the circumstances.

Due to the Board's timetable it is possible that the meeting would not be until after the date of your proposed event.

In some cases, where an event is to be held on council property, the time covered by the Occasional Licence may be less than the period applied for. This is to allow for clearing of the premises at the end of the event.

Apply for an:

Next stages

Where the Board receives the application it:

• tells Police Scotland
• tells the Board’s Licensing Standards Officer
• advertises the application on this website for seven days

Police Scotland and the Licensing Standards Officer can comment on the application. Any person, for example a local resident, can make objections or representations.

Any Occasional Licence will be subject to Parts A & H (and any other relevant sections) of the Board’s Standard Conditions document and include obligatory conditions set by Law (Schedule 4 to the 2005 Act). They are reviewed from time to time and the version which will apply will be the most recent version.

Notices for display

During an Occasional Licence, you need to display the:

• S110 notice document
• Challenge 25 poster

You need this if you propose to operate a business for the sale of food to the public, between the hours of 11pm and 5am.

North Ayrshire Council has a policy of only granting licences open up to 1am.

If you close at, or before, 11pm you do not need this licence.

How to apply

Complete and return a Late Hours Catering Licence application document.

Next stages

When we have received your Application and fee:

• you will have to display a 'Notice of display' at or near the Premises, so that the public can see what you want
• applications advertised allow the public to make any objections or representations
• we will inspect premises to make sure they meet the required standards

If there are no objections, and it is within the council's policy, it can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the decision to grant the Licence is made by a designated officer of the Council. This is rather than waiting for the next Licensing Committee meeting.

If there is any adverse comment, the application must be referred to a Hearing of the Committee. You will be told about the Hearing and will be able to make representations in favour of your application.

Licence length

If granted, this licence lasts for three years from the date of issue. The licence can be renewed.

If you want to renew the licence, you should apply before the current licence expires. If you do, you can continue trading after the expiry date stated until the council decides on the renewal.

If you're a Personal Licence holder, you should contact a training provider now to arrange a training course. View the renewals advice note document.

This licence is issued by the Licensing Board. It allows an individual to supervise, or authorise, the sale of alcohol. It is a mandatory condition of a Premises Licence that there should be a Premises Manager that should have a valid Personal Licence.

How to apply

Applicants must:

• be 18 years of age, or over
• hold a licensing qualification/training certificate from an accredited trainer. For example, the SQA Scottish Certificate for Personal License Holders.

Next stages

The Licensing Board will provide Police Scotland with a notice of the application. Police Scotland must respond with a notice stating that either:

• so far as they are aware, the applicant has not been convicted of a relevant or foreign offence, or
• specifying the applicant’s convictions for any such offences.

In the event that the latter notice is provided, the application must be considered by the Licensing Board.

In all other cases applications can be granted under 'delegated powers'. This means that the decision to grant the Licence is made by a designated officer of the Council.

Licence length

If granted, this licence lasts for 10 years from the date of issue, unless revoked earlier by the Licensing Board. Licences can be renewed.

Refresher training must be undertaken every five years.

Refresher training

The following information does not take account of the particular circumstances of an individual case. You should take independent legal advice. The Board does not warrant that the view of the Law shown here will be shared by the Courts.

The Law

1. All Personal Licence Holders must be trained initially. Thereafter, they must obtain refresher training at intervals of five years. The required refresher qualification is 'the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (Refresher) at SCQF Level 6'.
2. Each holder must, no later than three months after that five year period expires, give the Board the original Refresher Certificate.
3. There is no hearing before the Licence is revoked, the Board has no discretion and cannot allow more time.

Each individual Personal Licence holder will have two specific deadlines for the competent completion of the Refresher Training requirements detailed at 1 and 2 above. If both requirements are not met by the specific deadlines the Board is legally required to revoke the Licence: Section 87(3).

Individuals that have had their licence revoked, due to the training rules, have the option to reapply immediately as the five-year bar is no longer in force.

If you have any queries, contact the Licensing Department for further information.

It is a mandatory condition of a Premises Licence that there should be a Premises Manager, and that he/she should have a valid Personal Licence. There are a few exceptions. If the licence conditions are breached then the Police may charge anyone selling alcohol, and the Board may Review the Premises Licence (potentially revoking or suspending it).

Revoked personal licenses

To check the validity of Personal Licences, refer to our public Licensing Register.

This licence is for the use of Premises for any sort of gaming and gambling on their premises, for example:

• casinos
• bingo premises
• betting premises (including tracks)
• adult gaming centres
• family entertainment centres

The Gambling Act 2005 controls gambling licensing in the UK. This is completely different from the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 which is for the sale of alcohol.

How to apply

Contact us to find out how to apply and for fees.

The legislation setting the procedures for applying, the forms and fees is complicated. You are strongly recommended to take independent legal advice before applying.

Next stages

We will arrange to carry out an inspection on your premises to make sure they meet the required standards.

Applications advertised allow members of the public to make any objections or representations.

Statement of Principles

Our Statement of Principles document is effective on 4 February 2019, under Gambling Act 2005 Section 349. The Board is the Licensing Authority for the purposes of the Act. The board is required to adopt and publish a Statement of Principles. This is reflecting its views on the policies which should be considered in exercising any function under the Act.

For more information visit the Gambling Commission website.