Select a licence type for forms to apply in Eastbourne to transfer, vary or renew licences for alcohol and entertainment. You can make changes including licensees, opening hours, the activities you are licensed for, or structural alterations to premises.
Do You Need a Variation for Entertainment?
Did you apply for a straight conversion of your old liquor licence during the transitional period up to 6 August 2005 without making a variation?
Did you only have a liquor licence, and not have a separate public entertainment licence (PEL) under the old system?
Did you use the old '2 in a bar' exemption to have live music with up to 2 performers without needing a PEL?
Under the new licensing system all musical entertainment has become a licensable activity.
The '2 in a Bar' Exemption has been Removed
Musical performance by up to 2 musicians was previously exempt from a licence at premises that sold alcohol unless there was also public dancing or karaoke (the '2 in a bar' rule).
However, under the new system this exemption has been removed and a licence variation must be applied for if you converted your previous liquor licence during the transitional period without any variation and did not hold a public entertainment licence.
Playing recorded music has also become a licensable activity, but you do not need to apply for a variation.
For more about regulated entertainment, go to Providing Entertainment.
Conversion of Licences from the Old System has Ended
All Justices liquor licences previously issued by Magistrates Courts under the Licensing Act 1964 lapsed on 24 November 2005. You can no longer transfer or convert them to the new system. You need a new licence - go to Forms to apply for a new licence.
'Grandfather rights' to convert or vary old liquor licences ended on 6 August 2005. This also applies to public entertainment, theatre, cinema and late night refreshment licences previously issued by the Council.
