The District Court handles applications related to the sale of alcohol, such as extending the opening hours of licensed premises and transfers of licences. You can also apply for off-licences, lottery or bingo licences and gaming certificates in the District Court.
The majority of licensing applications are made in the District Court. Annual or renewal applications are normally heard at the annual licensing court.
Where to apply
Where you make your application depends on where the premises or business is based. You will need to identify the correct district using the map of District Court areas.
When your application is heard
If you are a legal practitioner who has submitted your application online, CSOL (Courts Service Online) will provide you with the dates of the upcoming licensing sittings in your district.
If you are a member of the public and have applied manually, you can contact your local court office for the dates of the upcoming licensing sittings.
How to prepare for court
You are required to notify certain people or organisations when you make a licensing application. They are known as notice parties. The court and An Garda Síochána always have to be notified. The HSE and the fire authority may also need to be notified for certain applications.
Each application requires different supporting documents or "proofs". A judge or district may have their own additional requirements. You should contact your court office for more information.
What happens in court
You may be required to give evidence to support your application. You may also be asked questions about your application by the judge.
For most applications, An Garda Síochána will have to inform the judge that they have no objection. If the HSE or fire authority are also a notice party, they have to do the same.
The judge will adjourn the application if they require more information about your application.
District Court licensing applications
Below you will find information on the most common applications that can be made in the District Court and downloadable forms.
- Special exemption order
This application allows a licence holder to serve alcohol and extend opening hours of their 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 or 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 a licence
This application allows for the transfer of a licence in certain circumstances.
- Exemption for special event or area
This application allows premises in an area to be licensed for later hours without applying for a special exemption.
- Monthly public dance licence
This application grants a dance licence for one month or less so that dancing activities can be carried out at a venue.
- Club authorisation
This application allows a club (sports or social) to apply for permission to open outside of regular hours, such as on Christmas day.
- Spirit, beer or wine retailer's off-licence
This application allows a licence holder to sell alcohol in small quantities for consumption off the licensed premises.
- Gaming certificate
This application allows you to apply for a gaming licence from Revenue once a certificate is granted in court.
- Temporary music and singing licence
This application allows the court to grant a music and singing licence for less than one year or for less than fourteen days.
