- What does this application do
- How much does this application cost
- How to prepare
- How to apply
- What supporting documents or "proofs" are required
What does this application do
This application allows to you apply for a certificate that declares a premises suitable to be used or developed as pub, club or hotel. This application is made prior to your application for a full on licence.
The process allows applicants to confirm they will get a licence, provided the planned works meet the court's requirements and objections are not upheld. You must be in a possession of another licence to extinguish or at least have an agreement to extinguish one.
If granted the certificate lasts a year and if the applicant is not ready they can apply to extend the certificate for one year.
How much does this application cost
There is a fee of €330 per application.
Please be aware this fee is for the court application only. Revenue have a separate fee for taking out the licence.
How to prepare
You must extinguish an existing licence from another premises in order to be granted a new licence.
It is important you undertake a licensing search to show the court that the premises was never licensed before. Please see more on our licensing search page.
You should know you must arrange in advance to have the District Court clerk in the area available to give evidence in court. You should contact your District Court office well in advance to ensure the clerk is available on the date
How to apply
1. Complete your application
If you are a legal practitioner and have an account in CSOL, complete the application in CSOL. Alternatively, you can complete FORM manually.
2. Serve the notice parties
Notify or serve the relevant notice parties for the application. Please see our serving and proof of service page for more information.
For this application, the notice parties are:
- An Garda Síochána must be notified at least twenty one days prior to the court date.
- The District Court clerk must be notified at least twenty one days prior to the court date.
- The public must be notified via local newspaper advertisement at least twenty one days prior to the court date.
- The Fire Authority/Officer must be notified at least twenty eight days prior to the court date.
3. Submit your application
Submit the application via CSOL or manually at the court office. The application must be lodged at least twenty one days prior to the court date.
4. Provide proofs to the court office
Provide the required supporting documentation or "proofs" to the court office. This must be done manually, there is currently no possibility to upload the proofs listed below via CSOL.
What proofs are required
- Original notice of application with relevant stamp duty.
- Declaration of service (each to be stamped with the relevant fee).
- Full newspaper - showing advertisement (enclosed in red border).
- You may be expected to call your Engineer and Architect into evidence.
- Evidence of title to the property.
- A set of plans for the proposed premises.
