• Liquor licences, must be renewed through Revenue/Customs and Excise on or before the 30 September; and
• Entertainment licences, including Dance and Music & Singing Licences, which are renewed through the local District Court in September/October.

Liquor Licence

Publican’s Licences and Hotel Licences are renewed through Revenue/Customs and Excise.

Licence holders should ensure that:

• A valid Tax Clearance Certificate is in place;
• The required notification of 30 days has been given to the local Fire Authority;
• The HSE Environmental Health Service has been notified within the required timeframe; and
• Hotel Licence holders have a current Fáilte Ireland registration, where applicable.

Members should ensure that all required notifications and documentation are dealt with well in advance of the renewal deadline, 30 September 2026.

Entertainment Licence Renewals
Hotels may also hold entertainment licences, including Dance Licences and Music & Singing Licences, which require renewal through the local District Court. Members should check the renewal dates and requirements applicable, as District Court procedures can vary across the country.

Depending on the licence and local Court requirements, documentation may include:

• Up-to-date Companies Registration Office and company information;
• Confirmation of tax and annual return compliance from the company’s accountant or auditor;
• Company secretary confirmation, where required;
• Fire safety documentation;
• Public Liability Insurance
• CCTV and security information; and
• Relevant company resolutions for making the application.

For Dance Licence renewals, particular attention should be given to the insurance requirement. The Public Liability Insurance policy should specifically cover public dancing, and members should check their local Court’s requirements regarding the policy period and documentation required.

If You Have Missed a Renewal
Members who have not yet renewed a licence for the current licensing year (1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026), or who believe that a licence may have lapsed, should take action immediately
The consequences of allowing a licence to lapse may require an application to the Circuit Court to reinstate the licence. This can involve additional requirements and is significantly more onerous, time consuming and costly.

If you are unsure about the status of your licence or have missed a renewal deadline, do not wait until after the 30 September before seeking advice.

Licensing Support for IHF Members
Compton Solicitors’ specialist Licensing Team can assist IHF members with liquor and entertainment licence renewals, Special Exemption Orders, lapsed licence issues, and licensing requirements arising from hotel acquisitions, disposals and leases.

Members with concerns regarding their licensing position or upcoming renewals are encouraged to seek advice at the earliest opportunity.

Compton Solicitors – Licensing Team
Lorraine Compton
T: +353 1234 2678 | M: +353 86 2534 651
E:Lorraine.compton@comptonsolicitors.ie

Fiona Tonge
T: +353 1234 2678 | M: +353 89 4714128
Fiona.Tonge@comptonsolicitors.ie

Shane Dunlop
T: +353 1234 2678 | M: +353 89 4715 645
E: Shane.dunlop@comptonsolicitors.ie

Allison Howard
T: +353 1234 2678 | M: +353 89 4532732
E: Allison.howard@comptonsolicitors.ie

This bulletin is intended to provide IHF members with a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. Licensing requirements and local Court practices may vary, and members should obtain specific advice in relation to their individual circumstances.