Club Premises Certificates

What is a Club Premises Certificate?

It authorises the supply of alcohol and regulated entertainment in a qualifying club.

In a qualifying club, there is technically no sale by retail of alcohol (except to guests) as the members own 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.

In order to constitute as a qualifying club, you must also satisfy the various requirements set out in the Licensing Act 2003.

What are the conditions of the club premises certificate?

Clubs must be qualifying clubs. A qualifying club has general conditions it must satisfy, these are:

• a person may not be given membership or any membership privileges without an interval of at least two days from their application or nomination and their membership being granted
• that club rules state that those becoming a member without nomination or application cannot have membership privileges for at least two days between them becoming members and being admitted to the club
• that the club is established and conducted in good faith
• that the club has at least 25 members
• that alcohol is only supplied to members and guests of members on the premises on behalf or by the club.

Additional conditions in relation to the supply of alcohol must be complied with. These conditions are:

• that alcohol purchased for and supplied by the club is done by members of the club who are over 18 years of age and are elected to do so by the members
• that no person at the expense of the club receives any commission, percentage or other similar payment in regard to the purchase of alcohol by the club
• that there are no arrangements for anyone to receive a financial benefit from supplying alcohol, apart from any benefit to the club.

Registered industrial and provident societies and friendly societies will qualify if the alcohol purchased for and supplied by the club is done under the control of the members or a committee of members.

How much will it cost?

The cost of a club premises certificate depends upon the non-domestic rateable value of the premises.

For details of the cost of club premises certificates, see our Premises licence fees .

If the application is granted there will be an annual fee due the same date each year.

How do I apply for a New Club Premises Certificate?

Application form

You can download the application form and club premises declaration below and submit the application, supporting documents and fee to the address below.

• the appropriate fee
• an operating schedule
• a plan of the premises
• copy of the rules of the club

Copies of the application must also be sent to the relevant responsible authorities

You must also place an advertisement at the premises and in a local newspaper.

How long will it take you to process my application?

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 5 working days.

Once we receive a completed application form we will advise you of the outcome following the 28 day consultation period.

Contact us

Email: Licensing@sstaffs.gov.uk

Or write to:

Licensing Team
South Staffordshire Council
Codsall
Wolverhampton
WV8 1PX