Deadline of September 11th to file for Annual Licensing renewals
The Courts Service of Ireland have announced the annual licensing dates for 2023. Licensing for the sale of alcohol in Ireland is based on annual licences which must be renewed each year. Retail to consumer licences are renewed mostly in September. Business to business wholesale dealer licences are typically renewed in June of each year.
Holders of licences such as seven-day ordinary on-licences for pubs and the holders of special restaurant licences can renew directly with the Irish Revenue Commissioners without the need for a Court application, via the online portal Revenue Online Service – ROS. Other types of licences such as the Dance, Music and Club licences and Restaurant Certificates are subject to a Court application for renewal in September or October of each year.
If any seven day ordinary on pub licences were approved for transfer of ownership during the licensing year, applications must be lodged with the Court for the end of year Certificate of Transfer at the annual date.
The dates set for annual licensing applications in 2023 are as follows:
- Thursday 28 September 11.00 a.m – Confirmations, Pub objections, General exemptions.
- Thursday 28 September 2.00 p.m. – Clubs
- Monday 2 October 11.00 a.m. – Dance
- Wednesday 4 October 11.00 a.m. – Music & Singing
- Friday 6 October 11.00 a.m. – Restaurants
Applications to be lodged no later than Monday 11 September 2023 @ 12:30 P.M.
Clubs and Dance licence holders are reminded that the advertisements must be published in a national newspaper no less than 21 days before the relevant date of application and prior to lodgement of the necessary paperwork with Court. For dance licence applications the local Fire Officer should receive no less than 30 days’ notice.
Renewals by parties who fail to meet the deadline for lodgement in September will be adjourned to the 23rd November and/or 7th December. For nightclubs and holders of Dance Licences this may affect their ability to secure late night exemptions up to this later date for renewal.
As experienced licensing solicitors in Dublin we are happy to advise and assist with annual renewal applications. If your business requires assistance on any licensing matter, please get in touch.