Guidance for Extended Hours

Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Guidance on Applying for Extended Hours

Before lodging your Extended Hours Application please ensure that you have read the following guidance.

What is an Extended Hours Application?

The Licence Holder of a current Premises Licence issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 can apply to the Licence Board for an extension of their licensed hours under section 68 of the 2005 Act.

The application can specific a duration of up to one month and can only be made in relation to

• a special event or occasion to be catered for on the premises; or
• a special event of local or national significance.

Who can apply?

An application can only be made by the Licence Holder of the relevant Premises Licence or their Registered Agent.

Is there a policy on what hours I can apply for? 

The Licensing Board is required to publish a Licensing Policy Statement setting out how it will exercise its functions under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

The policy statement can be viewed using the following link.

The policy statement sets out the Board's generally approach to Extended Hours including the timescale for lodging applications, the nature of events that the Licensing Board will consider 'special events or occasions' and the hours that the Board may grant.

Are there restrictions on how often you can apply to extend licensed hours?

The Licensing Board has concerns in relation to the frequency with which a number of premises apply for extended hours. In order to protect its policy on extended hours and the relevant Licensing Objectives, the Board places a restriction on the number of applications for extended hours which will be granted to individual premises each calendar year.

Generally the Licensing Board considers that it would not be appropriate to grant licensed premises extended hours on more than 10 days in each calendar year, or on a pro-rata basis in respect of new licensed premises. The maximum of 10 days is in addition to any extended hours for days covered by the policy on Festive Period Extensions referred to in the policy statement or any general extension of licensed hours granted by the Board under section 67 of the Act.

How do you Apply?

To apply for a Licence you should complete the Online Application Form with the relevant fee and, if necessary, with supporting documents.

What needs to accompany the application?

There is no requirement to provide specific documentation with every application. If your application relates to an event, such as a music or comedy festival taking place in multiple premises across the City, it may be helpfully to provide evidence of your involvement such as brochure or programme of events.

In certain circumstances the Licensing Board may request that further documentation is provided prior to the application being determined.

How much is the Application Fee?

The fee for an Extended Hours Application is set by the Scottish Government and cannot be changed by the Licensing Board. The current application fee is: £10. 

Payment for your application must be made by electronic banking (i.e. BACS) to the Licensing Board account detailed below. Payments should be made to the Licensing bank account (quoting your licence reference number if you are a current licence holder) as follows:-

Account Name: Glasgow City Council - Licensing
Account No. 00116224
Sort Code: 83-44-00
Reference: GCxxxx/Application Type

How will the a application be processed?

Once an application has been received copies are sent to Police Scotland and the Council's Licensing Standards Officer for reports. Both have 10 days in which they may respond to the Licensing Board.

Once reports have been received the application will be reviewed by the Clerk to the Licensing Board.  The Clerk will consider the terms of the application and any policy issues highlighted by the reports before deciding whether or not to grant, amend or refuse the application. If the Clerk cannot determine the application, it will be referred to the Licensing Board.

Please be aware that if an objection or representation is received then your application will not be reviewed by the Clerk. Instead it will be referred directly to a meeting of the Licensing Board for consideration. If this happens you will receive a Recorded Delivery letter requesting your attendance at the meeting and explaining the reason you are being called. Although you are not legally required to attend it is recommended that you do so. We will contact you, in writing, after the meeting to advise you of the Licensing Board's decision.

How long will it take to process the application?

The Licensing Board received around several thousand applications for extensions per year. Given the volume of applications and the complexities involve in processing and considering applications, most applications will be considered around one to two weeks prior to their intended start date.

What happens after my application is granted? 

If you have provided an email address you will receive an email advising that your application has been granted and attaching a Certificate of Extended Hours. If no email address has been provided, we will issue the correspondence by post.

What happens if my application if refused?

If you have provided an email address you will receive an email advising that your application has been refused. If no email address has been provided, you will receive a letter advising of the decision.

Are there conditions attached to the Licence?

The Licensing Board may attach or vary existing conditions if it considers it necessary. You will be expected to comply with every condition; failure to do so may constitute a criminal offence or result in a potential review of your Premises Licence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

How long does it take to Submit a Form at the Licensing Service Desk?

The Service Desk is often very busy and you should expect to have to queue. It normally takes about 10 to 15 minutes to submit the application form and pay; this includes waiting times. The peak times for the Service Desk are 10am to 11am and the lunch period of 12 Noon to 2.30pm. If you visit the Service Desk during these hours it may take longer to deal with your application. As licences expire at the end of each month, the last few working days of the month can be very busy and lengthy queues are likely.

What are Licensed and Unlicensed Premises?

"Licensed Premises" hold a Premises Licence issued under the 2005 Act that allows them sell alcohol on a daily basis - traditional public houses, nightclubs or dedicated off sales are examples of "Licensed Premises". "Unlicensed Premises" simply refers to any premises other than those that are "Licensed" to sell alcohol on a continual basis.

Get Further Information?

If you have any further questions about the application process the Licensing Team will be happy to assist you. Please note that whilst the Licensing Team can provide guidance, the team cannot offer you legal advice. You can contact us by phone on 0141 287 5354, or Email or write to:

Licensing Team
City of Glasgow Licensing Board
City Chambers
George Square
Glasgow G2 1DU