Licensing and the courts
Licensing in the courts broadly refers to the regulation of the sale and consumption of alcohol. This applies to licensed premises such as pubs, nightclubs and hotels and in private clubs that sell alcohol such as GAA or rugby clubs.
You can also apply for a licence or certificate for hospitality or other activities, for example, music and singing.
It is important to know that the ordinary (7-day) publicans licence is renewed annually through Revenue.
The following acts govern licensing in Ireland:
- Intoxicating Liquor Acts 1833 to 2011
- Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2003
- Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019
Licensing in Ireland can be complicated. You should consider getting legal advice to better understand what is involved.
How to make your licensing application
If you have a registered account, you can apply online using CSOL (Courts Service Online). Currently only legal practitioners can access CSOL.
If you are a member of the public, you can make your application by post (forms available for download on each application page) or by contacting your local court office.
Which courts deal with licensing applications
District Court
The majority of licensing applications are made in the District Court. The types of applications include applications for extended opening hours or events. It also deals with lottery licences, off-licences and the transferring of licences.
Learn more about licensing in the District Court >
Annual licensing court
The annual licensing court takes place every September in the District Court. It mainly deals with the renewal of activity based licences for example dance, music and singing and gaming. It also deals with certificates for clubs (sports and social) and restaurants. The confirmation of licences transferred during the year and objections to licences are also heard at the annual licensing court.
Learn more about the Annual Licensing Court >
Circuit Court
For a new first-time licence for a pub or hotel, applications are heard at the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court also deals with applications to change the size of an existing licensed area or applications to revive a licence where it has not been renewed.
Learn more about licensing in the Circuit Court >
Licensing register
The court office maintains a register of licences and register of clubs (sports and social). If you need to find out the name of a licence holder, or basic information on a licence, you can search the register. To find out more, please see our dedicated page.
