Applying for an Approved Premises Licence

Licence summary

The licence is granted through the Marriage Act 1994 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and is granted for a period of 3 years.

Conditions are attached to a licence

You will need to consult your local planning authority to ascertain whether planning consent is required and that it is content that the premises may be used for marriages or civil partnerships. 
 
The cost of a licence is currently £1,375.00 which will run for 3 years less one day from the date of issue.

Eligibility Criteria

For eligibility criteria please see Guidance and Conditions

Applications must be accompanied by:

• Payment of £1,375
• A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment relating to the named premises, further information can be found on the Hereford  & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service website.
• Three copies of a plan of the premises showing all the room(s) in which it is intended marriages or civil partnerships will take place
• Any current Licences under The Licensing Act 2003 including a premises license
• Any Other current Licences
• Written evidence that planning permission is not required (see below)

Pre Inspection
If you are unsure whether your venue meets the criteria to become an approved premises a pre inspection can be carried out for a fee of £75. This amount will be deducted from the fees payable when your completed application is submitted.

Planning Permission
You will be required to consult your local planning authority to ascertain whether planning consent is required and that it is content that the premises may be used for marriages or civil partnerships.

The Planning Authority will require the following information:

• What the premises is currently used for
• What you intend to use if for
• The proposed number of ceremonies per year

Application Evaluation Process

The application is checked to ensure all conditions have been met

A public notice is placed in a local publication published at least weekly

A copy of the plan, risk assessment and application is sent to the Fire & Rescue Service for comment and any recommendations

A formal inspection is undertaken by the Local Authority to ensure all aspects of the conditions can be met

A room can be added by completing the Change application form and submitting it together with £200 and a plan of the room. The room must be included in the current fire risk assessment.

For further information:

email: registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk

Telephone:  0845 603 2859

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of 70 working days. 

If you have not heard from us in 20 working days, please contact us at registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk

Apply online (You will need Version 9 (or higher) of Adobe Reader

• Apply for an Approved Premises licence
  
• Make changes to an existing Approved Premises licence

Failed Application Redress

Contact the Registration and Coroner Services Manager, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP or via registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk    

Licence Holder Redress

Contact the Registration and Coroner Services Manager, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP or via registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk

Consumer Complaint

Contact the Registration and Coroner Services Manager, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP or via registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk

Other Redress

Please contact us in the first instance

Public Register

A public register of all premises approved is available to view at County Hall, Worcester

Trade Associations

http://www.ips.gov.uk/cps/rde/xchg/ips_live/hs.xsl/index.htm