Ask the Collective

Where should we publish our premises licence application notice and what is the process?

You are required to publish your premises licence application notice in a local newspaper serving your area. Members report that this is a mandatory but frustrating step in the licensing process. **Local newspaper publication:** - **Lewisham Gazette** — used by at least one member in South London; noted as expensive and operating with archaic processes, but necessary for compliance in that area. Members recommend identifying the equivalent local paper for your region (typically the main newspaper circulating in your local authority area) and contacting them directly about their licensing notice fees and timelines. **Caveats:** Members emphasised that the premises licensing system overall is outdated and frustrating. Budget for publication costs, which appear to be substantial. The process is a legal requirement so cannot be skipped.