Comment on or view an alcohol or entertainment licence application

Find the application on our public register and submit your comments online.

Some review applications for licences in the former Northampton area may not appear on the public register while we complete a data migration.

These applications are listed in the public notices section on the premises licence or club premises certificate page.

For these applications, email your representation to [email protected] by 11:59pm on the date shown in the notice.

What to include

Your representation must include:

• your name
• your address and contact details
• the name and address of the premises
• an explanation of how the application could affect one or more of the licensing objectives

If possible, also include:

• supporting evidence, such as a diary of incidents
• any suggestions for resolving the issue

Submit your representation before the deadline

We must receive your representation before the legal deadline:

• within 28 days of the application being made
• within 14 days for a minor variation application

You can check the deadline:

• on our public register
• on the notice displayed at the premises
• in the local newspaper notice (except for minor variation applications)

You cannot usually make a representation anonymously.

This is because we need to understand how you may be affected if the application is granted.

Who can see your information

Your name and address will be shared with the applicant.

A copy of your representation, including your reasons for supporting or objecting to the application, will also be sent to the applicant. This allows them to respond to the issues raised.

If you are concerned about your safety

If you believe sharing your details could put you at risk of intimidation or reprisals, contact the licensing team before making a representation via email [email protected].

Making a representation through someone else

You can ask someone to act on your behalf, including:

• a legal representative
• a friend
• your local ward councillor
• your parish councillor
• your MP

You will normally still need to be identified unless there are genuine concerns about your personal safety.

If your representation is relevant and valid, we will invite you to a licensing hearing.

Hearings are normally held within 28 days of the end of the consultation period.

You do not have to attend. If you choose not to attend, the Licensing Sub-Committee will consider your written representation.

If we cannot accept your representation, we will explain why.

Licensing hearing reports

All valid representations are included in a report for the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The report will include:

• your representation
• your name
• your address

Your telephone number, email address and other contact details will not be published.

The report is published on the council website and is usually available up to 5 working days before the hearing.

Before submitting your representation, make sure you are happy for its contents to be published. Avoid including unnecessary personal information about yourself or other people.

Public hearings

Licensing hearings are normally held in public.

They may be:

• live streamed online
• held in person and open to the public

If you attend or speak at a hearing, this will usually be part of the public record.

Meeting recordings, reports and minutes are published on the council website. Recordings are normally available for 12 months.

Before the hearing

If you feel comfortable doing so, you may wish to discuss your concerns with the applicant before the hearing.

A licensing officer may be able to help with these discussions.

If an agreement is reached, a hearing may not be necessary.

Withdrawing your representation

You can withdraw your representation in writing at any time up to 24 hours before the hearing.

You can also withdraw it at the hearing.

After the hearing

We will write to you with the decision.

If you made a valid representation and disagree with the outcome, you may have the right to appeal.

Minor variation applications are decided by council officers and do not involve a hearing.

For information about how we store and use your personal information, read our licensing privacy notice.