PSC Frequently Asked Questions
Licence and Storage Certificate
Do I need to confirm the details on the PSC application form?
Yes. If you do not report any errors in the pre-filled application form, incorrect information may be entered onto your PSC, which could invalidate the certificate.
I have more than one site but haven’t received a PSC application form for all of them. What happens to those licences?
Due to the high volume of applications, PSCs are being issued on a rolling basis using the previous licence renewal date. Your site will be considered compliant until the PSC is issued.
What should I do with the certificate if I hand the site over to a new occupier?
You must pass the PSC to the new occupier as soon as they take responsibility for the site.
Do I need to provide evidence to the PEA before receiving a PSC?
No. Existing licensed premises do not need to submit further documentation. However, if you want to add tank compartments currently used for other fuels, you must provide evidence of their suitability.
I have not received a PSC for my site yet, I still have a licence, but I wish to transfer the site to a new occupier, do I still need to use a transfer form?
No. Since October 2014, the new regulations apply. You must notify the PEA at least 28 days before leaving the site. After the specified date a storage certificate will be issued in place of the licence. The incoming occupier must also notify the PEA at least 28 days before taking over.
Keeper of Petrol
What is a ‘keeper’?
A keeper is the person responsible for storing petrol at a certified dispensing premises. They must ensure the site is operated safely and complies with all legal requirements.
Is this the same as a licensee?
Yes. The term ‘licensee’ is being replaced with ‘keeper’. The current licensee will typically become the keeper.
What happens if I sell the site?
There is no formal transfer process. The current keeper must notify the PEA at least 28 days before leaving the site. The PSC is based on a premises rather than a person (formerly the licensee)
What should the new occupier do?
The new occupier must notify the PEA of their intention to take over the site at least 28 days before doing so.
Why do I need to notify the PEA if I’m leaving, even though my name isn’t on the certificate?
As the keeper, you are legally responsible for the site and must inform the PEA if you are vacating the premises.
What are my responsibilities if I’m closing the site?
You must inform the PEA. If the site will no longer operate as a dispensing premises, the petrol installation must be made safe. Guidance is available from:
- PELG–PETEL 12 (Energy Institute)
- Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration)
Statutory Fees
What happens at the end of the payment period I selected?
We will contact you before the end of the period to confirm how many years you wish to pay for next. An invoice will then be issued.
Can I get a refund if I leave the site early?
No. Fees are non-refundable. The payment remains valid for the new occupier until the end of the selected period.
What if a new occupier takes over before the end of the payment period?
The site remains covered until the end of the current payment period. After that, the new occupier will be asked to pay for the next period. Notification procedures must be followed.
How do I pay the fee?
An invoice will be issued after the PSC is granted. You will need to provide a purchase order number and invoice address. This process repeats at the end of each payment period. You can reduce admin by choosing a longer payment period.
I have more than one site. Do I need to choose the same payment period for all of them?
No. Each site can have its own payment period, which can be reviewed and changed at the end of each term.