What the Kent Licensing Agency Does
The Kent Licensing Agency is the local body responsible for issuing and managing licenses for businesses and activities across Kent. The agency handles applications for premises licenses (for serving alcohol or providing entertainment), personal licenses (for individuals who sell alcohol), and other trade-specific permits depending on what your business does.
The agency does not issue all licenses — some fall to other bodies like environmental health or planning — but the licensing team can tell you which agency handles what. They also enforce license conditions, respond to complaints about licensed premises, and manage the licensing register, which is open to the public.
If you need a license or want to object to someone else's process, you will deal with the licensing team at your local district council or unitary authority in Kent. The specific office depends on which part of Kent your premises or business is located in.
Key Takeaways
- The Kent Licensing Agency is run by your local district council or unitary authority, not a single countywide office, so you contact the council for your area.
- Most license applications go online through the council's website, and you will need to provide proof of identity, premises details, and sometimes a floor plan or operating schedule.
- The licensing register is public, so you can search for existing licenses and see what conditions are attached to them.
- If you object to a license process, you must do so in writing within the statutory consultation period, usually 28 days from the process date.
- Processing times vary by council and by license type, but most decisions take between four and eight weeks after the consultation period closes.
Finding Your Local Licensing Authority
Kent is divided into several district councils and unitary authorities, each with its own licensing team. The main ones are Ashford Borough Council, Canterbury City Council, Dartford Borough Council, Dover District Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council, Swale Borough Council, Thanet District Council, and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
To find the right office, identify which district or unitary authority covers your premises or business location. You can do this by entering your postcode on the Kent County Council website or by searching "[your town] licensing" plus "Kent council". Once you know which council, go to their website and look for the licensing section — it is usually under business, planning, or regulatory services.
Each council publishes its licensing policy, which sets out how it handles applications and what it expects from applicants. Reading your council's policy before you explore saves time and helps you understand what the licensing committee will consider.
How to Submit a License process
Most Kent councils now accept license applications online through their websites. You will typically create an account, fill in an process form, upload supporting documents, and pay a fee. The fee depends on the license type and the rateable value of your premises — alcohol licenses for larger premises cost more than those for small venues.
Before you start, gather the documents you will need. These usually include proof of identity (passport or driving license), proof that you have the right to occupy the premises (lease, tenancy agreement, or ownership documents), a floor plan showing the layout of the premises, and an operating schedule that describes what you will do, when, and how you will manage potential problems like noise or antisocial behaviour.
Some applications also require a personal license holder to be named — this is someone who has passed the licensing qualification and will be responsible for day-to-day compliance. If you do not have a personal license, you will need to get one first, which involves passing a test and paying a separate fee.
After you submit, the council will check that your process is complete. If it is missing information, they will ask you to provide it within a set time. Once it is complete, they will publish it on the licensing register and begin a consultation period, usually 28 days, during which anyone can object.
The Consultation Period and Objections
When an process is published, the council notifies nearby residents, businesses, and statutory consultees like the police and environmental health. Anyone who has concerns can submit a written objection during the consultation period. Objections must be based on one of the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, or protecting children from harm.
If no objections are received, the council will usually grant the license without a hearing. If objections are received, the process goes to a licensing committee hearing, where the applicant and objectors can present their case. The committee then decides whether to grant, refuse, or grant with conditions.
If you want to object to an process, write to the licensing team at your council with your name, address, and the specific reasons for your objection. You must submit this before the consultation period ends. Generic complaints or objections not linked to the four licensing objectives are unlikely to carry weight.
What Happens After a Decision
Once the licensing committee makes a decision, the council notifies the applicant and any objectors in writing. The letter sets out the decision, the reasons for it, and any conditions attached to the license. If the license is granted, the applicant can collect it or have it sent to them, and they can then begin operating under the license.
If the process is refused, the applicant has the right to appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days. If you objected and disagree with the decision, you also have limited grounds to appeal, though this is less common.
Once a license is in force, the licensee must comply with all conditions and with the licensing law. The council's enforcement team can inspect premises, respond to complaints, and take action if conditions are breached — this can include issuing warnings, suspending the license, or revoking it entirely.
Searching the Licensing Register
Every Kent council maintains a public licensing register that lists all current licenses, applications, and decisions. You can search this register online to see what licenses exist in your area, who holds them, what conditions are attached, and what enforcement action has been taken.
The register is useful if you want to check whether a premises is licensed before you visit, if you want to see what conditions a similar business operates under, or if you want to track an process you have objected to. The register is usually searchable by premises name, address, or license number.
Common Reasons Applications Are Refused or Delayed
Applications are most often refused because the applicant cannot demonstrate how they will meet the licensing objectives, or because objections from the police or environmental health raise serious concerns. Incomplete applications — missing floor plans, operating schedules, or proof of identity — are the most common reason for delays.
Processing can also slow if the council receives many objections and has to schedule a hearing, or if the applicant needs to provide additional information after submission. Some councils have longer backlogs than others depending on staffing and demand.
If your process is taking longer than expected, contact the licensing team at your council and ask for a progress update. They can tell you whether it is waiting for information from you, whether objections have been received, or whether a hearing date has been set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate without a license while my process is being considered?
No. You must not begin the activity that requires a license until the license is granted. Operating without a license is a criminal offense and can result in fines or prosecution. You can only start once you have the license in your hands.
What if I disagree with a condition the council has attached to my license?
If the condition was imposed by the licensing committee after a hearing, you can appeal to the magistrates' court within 21 days. If you agreed to the condition as part of your process, you would need to show that circumstances have changed significantly to have it removed or varied.
How much does a license cost?
Fees vary by council and by license type. Alcohol premises licenses typically range from £100 to £1,000 or more depending on the rateable value of the premises. Personal licenses usually cost between £37 and £100. Check your council's licensing fees page for exact amounts.
Do I need a license if I only sell alcohol occasionally or at events?
It depends on the scale and frequency. Small events may fall under temporary event notices, which are simpler and cheaper than full licenses. Contact your local licensing team to describe your situation — they can tell you whether you need a full license, a temporary notice, or no license at all.
What happens if someone complains about my licensed premises?
The council's enforcement team will investigate the complaint. If they find that you have breached a license condition or broken licensing law, they can issue a warning, take formal action, or in serious cases suspend or revoke your license. You have the right to respond to any allegation before action is taken.