Many private members’ clubs operate bars and provide food, drink and entertainment for the members and their guests. In these circumstances, it might be that the club in question requires a club premises certificate rather than a standard premises licence.
At TV Edwards, our licensing solicitors provide expert advice on club premises licensing, helping organisations understand whether or not they qualify under the Licensing Act 2003 and ensuring their licensing arrangements support how the club operates in practice.
Whether you are applying for a certificate, varying an existing one or responding to enforcement action, early legal advice helps avoid disruption to club activities and protects the long-term future of your organisation.
I have found the solicitors to be a very committed group of individuals who have a genuine desire to act in the very best interest of their client.
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Need Advice on a Club Premises Licence or Certificate?
Determining whether your organisation qualifies for a Club Premises Certificate or instead requires a premises licence can be complex. Our licensing solicitors provide clear guidance and practical solutions tailored to your organisation’s structure and activities.
What Is a Club Premises Certificate?
A club premises certificate allows qualifying clubs to supply alcohol, provide entertainment and offer late night refreshment to members and their guests without needing a standard premises licence.
Commercial businesses that operate for profit generally do not qualify as clubs under the Licensing Act and must instead obtain a premises licence. In some cases, an organisation may choose to hold both a club premises certificate and a premises licence where parts of the premises are hired out to the general public.
Club Premises Certificate Rules Under the Licensing Act 2003
To qualify for a certificate under the Licensing Act 2003, a club must meet several conditions, including having at least 25 members and operating in good faith for the benefit of its members.
The club must operate according to formal membership rules and it must also comply with specific requirements relating to membership admission, alcohol supply and club management. Licensing authorities have powers to either review or withdraw certificates where the clubs fail to comply with these rules.
Obtaining advice at an early stage is crucial for ensuring that club constitutions and operating arrangements comply with the legal requirements before an application is made.
Alcohol Supply and Guests at Club Premises
A club premises certificate permits alcohol to be supplied to members and, subject to specific conditions, to their guests. Rules governing club premises certificate guests are important, as the alcohol supply must remain genuinely linked to club membership rather than operating as a public bar.
Certificates may also permit alcohol supply to associate members and their guests, providing that the membership arrangements comply with licensing law. Failure to follow these requirements can result in enforcement action or certificate review.
Advantages of Holding a Club Premises Certificate
There can be a number of advantages to holding a club premises certificate compared with a premises licence. For example:
- No personal licence holder is required for alcohol supply
- Late night refreshment can be provided to members without separate authorisation
- Premises are treated as private rather than open to the general public
- Police and authority entry powers may be more limited
- Clubs may be exempt from certain closure orders affecting licensed premises
However, certificates must be operated strictly in accordance with licensing law, and authorities can review or revoke them if the club is not run in good faith.
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How Our Licensing Solicitors Can Help
Applying for or maintaining a club premises certificate often requires detailed consideration of how a club operates. Questions often include:
- Does your organisation qualify under the Licensing Act 2003?
- Should you instead apply for a premises licence or both?
- How should membership and associate membership rules be drafted?
- How can you demonstrate the club is run in good faith?
Our licensing solicitors can help you determine the correct licensing route, prepare applications, vary certificates and represent your organisation in reviews or appeals. We also advise clubs on drafting rules and operating procedures so they remain compliant with licensing law.
We recently acted for an organisation whose club premises certificate had been revoked following a dispute between members. By pursuing an appeal and assisting with a new premises licence application, we enabled the organisation to continue operating while internal issues were resolved.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Immediate emergency support – call us on 0203 440 8000
- Specialist representation – police station advisers, solicitors, and higher court advocates
- Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
- Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English
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Club Premises Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a club premises certificate and a premises licence?
A club premises certificate allows qualifying members’ clubs to supply alcohol and entertainment to members and guests without operating as a public venue. A premises licence is required where alcohol or entertainment is provided to the general public.
What are the main club premises certificate rules?
Clubs have to meet strict membership, governance and operating requirements under the Licensing Act 2003. Failure to comply can lead to review or withdrawal of the certificate.
Can guests buy alcohol at a club premises?
Alcohol may be supplied to members and their guests, but supply must remain genuinely connected to club membership. Clubs must ensure the guest arrangements comply with licensing law.
Can a club premises certificate be revoked?
Yes. Licensing authorities may review and withdraw certificates where clubs are not run in good faith or if they breach licensing conditions. Legal advice can help prevent or challenge revocation decisions.
