The District Court handles applications for certain licences, such as off-licences, club registrations. It also deals with renewals, transfers, objections, and exemptions under licensing laws.
Where to make your application
Where the premises or business is based will determine which district the licensing application will need to be made.
For applications submitted in CSOL, the legal practitioner will select the correct district. For manual applications, you will need to identify the district using the map of District Court areas.
When the court sits
If you have submitted your application via CSOL, then CSOL will provide you with the dates of the upcoming licensing sittings.
If it is a manual application, you can contact your local court office for the dates of the upcoming licensing sittings. Licensing lists are normally part of the District Civil lists
What happens in court
The applicant will usually be required to give evidence which may require swearing on oath to tell the truth and answer the judges questions. An applicant will usually be expected to have knowledge of the licensing trade.
For most licensing applications heard at the District Court, the guards will have to inform the judge that they have no objection to the application.
The judge will adjourn the matter if they require further clarification on any aspect of the application.
District Court licensing applications
- Special exemption order(s)
This application allows a licence holder to serve alcohol and extend opening hours of its premises after normal closing hours.
- Occasional licence
This application allows the court to grant a licence for the sale of alcohol from a premises that is not otherwise licensed on the occasion of a special event.
- Lottery and bingo licence
This application allows a licence holder to hold a lottery, draw or bingo where the value of the prize is over €5,000.
- Ad-interim transfer of an on-licence
This application allows for the removal or change of nominee where the licence holder is a company.
- Removal or transfer of a nominee
This application allows for the transfer of an on-licence in certain circumstances.
- Exemption for special event (area)
This application allows an area to be licensed for later hours without applying for a special exemption.
- Monthly dance licence
This application grants a dance licence for one month or less where dancing activities can be carried out at a venue.
- Club authorisation
This application allows a club to apply for permission to open outside of regular hours such as on Christmas day.
