After your inspection
What to do after your inspection
Whether you passed with flying colours or received a lower rating than expected, here is what to do next.
If you passed
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Note your licence expiry date
Add it to your calendar with reminders at 12 weeks, 8 weeks and 4 weeks before. StarReady tracks your renewal automatically — add your expiry date in your dashboard.
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Save your inspection report
Keep a copy of any written feedback from your inspector. It tells you exactly what they checked and what they noted.
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Review your star rating
If you received 3 or 4 stars, run the gap analysis now to see what would get you to 5 stars at your next inspection.
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Update any documents flagged
If your inspector noted anything in your documents, update them now while the details are fresh. Use the edit feature in your dashboard.
If you received a lower rating than expected
A lower rating is not the end. Most operators who address the specific issues raised go on to achieve 4 or 5 stars at re-inspection. Here is what to do.
1
Get the report in writing
Ask your council for a written copy of the inspection report. You need to know exactly what was flagged before you can address it.
2
Separate documentation issues from premises issues
Some issues are document-related and can be fixed immediately. Others require physical changes to your premises. Focus on documents first.
3
Regenerate your full document pack
Go back through the StarReady wizard and update any answers that reflect the issues raised. Regenerate your full pack with the corrected information.
4
Run the gap analysis
Check your updated documents against the higher standards to confirm the specific issues are now covered before you request a re-inspection.
5
Request a re-inspection
Once you have addressed all documented issues and any physical premises issues, contact your council to request a re-inspection. There is usually a fee.
If your application was refused
A refusal is rare and usually follows a serious welfare concern or repeated non-compliance. You have the right to appeal.
1
Request the full refusal notice
Your council must provide a written notice explaining the grounds for refusal. This is your starting point for any appeal.
2
Note the appeal deadline
You typically have 28 days to lodge an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal. Do not miss this deadline.
3
Address every point raised
Your appeal will be much stronger if you can demonstrate you have addressed every specific issue in the refusal notice.
4
Consider professional advice
For a formal appeal, consider speaking to a solicitor who specialises in licensing law. The tribunal process is formal and evidence-based.
Ready to update your documents?
Go back through the wizard with your updated answers and regenerate your full pack.