Private Members' clubs do not need to have public entertainments licences unless on occasions through the year they are open to the public.
An example would be a club hiring its function room to another group to have a dinner dance. This is entertainment which requires a public entertainment licence .link to pid 393
But if a private members club wishes to extend its permitted hours it can apply to the Licensing Justices for a special hours certificate under Section 78 of the Licensing Act 1964. This is expressed in identical terms to section 77 but instead of a public entertainments licence having to be in force in respect of the premises a 'Certificate of Suitability' has to have been granted under Section 79.
This certificate of suitability says that the premises would be suitable for public entertainment and the conditions are identical to those for public entertainments licences.
These certificates are granted by the local authority and applications are treated in a very similar way to Public Entertainment Licence applications.
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