Licensing & Permits

The Licensing Team deal with a wide variety of issues across the district. These can range from the Sale of Alcohol, Taxi Licensing and even Scrap Metal Registration.

Licences are necessary for many reasons but foremost, is ensuring the safety of the Public using the services being offered. A Licence issued by a Local Authority acts as a certificate of trust allowing the Public to feel confident in the services they receive, knowing that the Licence Holder has been suitably vetted.

The Licensing website is broken down into the sections listed below, please browse through these lists to find the section relevant to your enquiry.

Licensing Act 2003 & Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles Consultation

As a result of Local Government Reorganisation, the new Unitary authority for Cheshire West & Chester has produced a new draft statement of principles for both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005 which are both currently undergong public consultation. For more details, please click on the relevant link below.

Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Principles Consultation.

Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles Consultation.

Important Reminder When Making An Application!

The Licensing Team try to offer as accomodating a service as we can however, due to the sheer number of customers we deal with, we must operate an appointments only system. If you would like to submit your application in person; please always call us in advance to arrange an appointment to avoid dissapointment. You can call between 8.30am and 4.45pm on 01244 402 300, 402 138 or 402 646.

If you do not have an appointment, we may not be able to see you.

What's New...

Click the link below to see information on changes to Licensing in Chester.

Whats New in Licensing

Licensing Public Register

Please click the link below to visit out Public Register. This contains information on all the Licences we issue.

Click here to visit the Public Register.

Licensing Act 2003

Click here to visit the Licensing Act 2003 section

• Premises Licences / Club Premises Certificates
• Personal Licences
• Temporary Events Notices

For information on the Licensing Act and how it may affect your business, please call 01244 402 646 or 402 138 or alternatively you can e-mail to licensing@chester.gov.uk.

Gambling Act 2005

Click here to visit the Gambling Act 2005 section

• Premises Licences
• Gaming Permits
• Lotteries

For information on the Gambling Act and how it may affect your business, please call 01244 402 646 or 402 138 or alternatively you can e-mail to licensing@chester.gov.uk.

General Licensing

Click here to visit the General Licensing section

• Animal Licences (Pet Shops, Dangerous Animals, Riding Establishments, Animal Boarding etc)
• Artists Licences
• Charitable Collections (Street & House to House Collections)
• Scrap Metal Dealers
• Sex Establishments

For information on the above Licences and how they may affect your business, please call 01244 402 646 or 402 138 or alternatively you can e-mail to licensing@chester.gov.uk.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences

Click here to visit the Hackney & Private Hire Licensing section

• Drivers Licences
• Vehicle Licences
• Operators Licences

For information on the above Licences, please call 01244 402 300 or alternatively you can e-mail to licensing@chester.gov.uk.

Licensing Enforcement Policy

Click here to visit the Licensing Enforcement Policy section

A break down of Chester City Council's policy on Enforcing the relevant legislation.

Street Trading

Click here to visit the Street Trading Licensing section

Guidance on the Street Trading Laws in Chester and application forms available for download.