- What does this application do
- How much does this application cost
- How to prepare
- How to apply
- What supporting documents / "proofs" are required
What does this application do
A Special restaurant licence in Ireland allows a restaurant to sell all types of alcohol for consumption on the premises with a substantial meal, but it does not permit a bar or the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.
This licence allows the holder to sell alcohol for one additional hour after those permitted by a standard licence, but only from 12:30pm onwards.
The court will assess the applicant's character and the suitability of the premises. The licence also requires specific standards for dining area appointments and the number of toilets.
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 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.
- Copy of plans with the area to be licensed outlined in red.
- You may be expected to call your Engineer and Architect into evidence.
