Applications are heard at the Transfer Sessions and although nonotice period is specified it would be sensible to give at least 21 daysnotice. A fee is payable by the successful applicant. Every so often, licensees wish to apply to Magistrates for the licensing hours of their particular establishment to be increased. Such applications are known as Extensions of Hours or Special Orders of Exemption. Such applications are usually for Christmas and New Year, but can also include extending the licensing hours on behalf of private parties, weddings etc.
Magistrates tend to vary in procedure, which they use to grant such applications.
Some Magistrates only wish them to be dealt with at the full transfer sessions and others are happy to have them dealt with by Magistrates who do not necessarily sit on the Licensing Committee. If such an application is to be pursued, then it would be prudent to make contact with the local Magistrates Court for the area in which the premises are located in order to find out exactly what procedure they adopt. The application can be in the form of a letter, setting out the reasons why an extension to the licensing hours is sought. The licensee should attend the Court hearing, and be prepared to give an indication as to how many guests will be attending the function and what the function is in aid of. It is rare for the Magistrates to grant licence extensions to anything beyond 12.30 am.