The minor variations process can only be used for variations that could have no adverse impact on the promotion of any of the four licensing objectives.

These are:

• the prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• the prevention of public nuisance
• and the protection of children from harm

Types of change that can be dealt with by a minor variation application:

• minor changes to the structure or layout of premises
• small adjustments to the licensing hours
• the removal of out-of-date irrelevant or unenforceable conditions or adding volunteered conditions
• the addition of certain licensable activities
• the removal of a licensable activity

The minor variations process cannot be used to:

• add the retail or supply of alcohol to a licence
• extend licensing hours for the sale or supply of alcohol at any time between 11pm and 7am
• increase the amount of time during which alcohol may be sold by retail or supplied on any day
• extend the period for which the licence or certificate has effect
• transfer the licence or certificate from one premises to another or vary substantially the premises to which it relates
• specify, in a premises licence, an individual as the premises supervisor
• add the sale by retail or supply of alcohol as an activity authorised by a licence or certificate or
• disapply the mandatory conditions relating to a designated premises supervisor (there is a separate process by which community premises can apply for this)

Many small variations to layout will have no adverse impact on the licensing objectives. However, changes to layout should be referred to the full variation process if they could potentially have an adverse impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives, for example by:

• increasing the capacity for drinking on the premises
• affecting access between the public part of the premises and the rest of the premises or the street or public way, for example blocking emergency exits or routes to emergency exits
• impeding the effective operation of a noise reduction measure, such as an acoustic lobby

Licensing Act 2003 Fees

Application for Minor Variation of Premises Licence or Club Certificate	(Word 43 KB)
Minor Variation Premises and Club Guidance	(PDF 118 KB)
Advert Notice for Premises Licence Minor Variation	(PDF 65 KB)
Advert Notice for Club Certificate Minor Variation	(PDF 65 KB)