A premises licence authorises the use of any premises for licensable activities. There are four licensable activities contained within the Licensing Act 2003.

They are:

• the sale of alcohol by retail
• supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or to the order of, a member of a club
• the provision of regulated entertainment
• the provision of late-night refreshment (the 2003 act affects premises such as night cafes and take away food outlets where people may gather at any time from 11pm and until 5am. Supply takes place when the hot food or hot drink is given to the customer and not when payment is made.)