Licensing applications in Relation to Businesses

No two licensing applications are the same and the ultimate cost will depend on the individual circumstances of each matter. We would be happy to discuss your case with you and provide you with a full case specific estimate.

We have set out below a guide as to how much our specialist service is likely to cost you when making an application for a premises licence under either Section 17 or Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Simple application: £1,380 to £2,760 (based on 6 – 12 hours at an hourly rate of £230)
Medium complexity: £2,760 to £4,600 (based on 12 – 20 hours at an hourly rate of £230)
High complexity: £4,600 to £9,200 (based on 20 – 40 hours at an hourly rate of £230)

Factors that could affect the complexity of your application will be discussed with you at the beginning of your case but factors may include whether there are any objections, the type and size of the premises, the location, whether there is a cumulative impact policy in place or if your application is forlarge scale public events or a large late night venue.

Please note the above costs do not include disbursements.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the application fee. We will pay the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Application fee – this fee is based on the rateable value of the premises and is payable to the Licensing Authority. £100 to £1,905* (+VAT)
Advertising fee – payable to a suitable newspaper or similar publication. £200 to £400* (+VAT)
Enquiry agent fees –to display public notices and will vary depending on the individual premises and where it is located. We will give you an accurate figure as soon as we are able to do so. £100 to £300* (+ VAT)
Special delivery fee – to server the application. This cost will depend on the weight of the documentation and we charged at Royal Mail Special Delivery rates at time of posting.  

*These fees vary depending on the individual premises and where it is located. The fees can on occasion be higher than the ranges given above. We will give you an accurate figure for each item as soon as we are able to do so.

The above fees include:

  • Taking your instructions and advising you as to how you can promote the licensing objectives within your application
  • Advising you as the type of plans you are required to submit with your application.
  • Completing the application form for a new premises licence (including the operating schedule) in accordance with your instructions and submitting this to the local licensing authority alongside suitable plans. You must provide suitable plans.
  • Providing guidance on the fee levels payable to the licensing authority.
  • Preparing copies of the premises licence application for disclosure to the responsible authorities and serving copies of the application on the responsible authorities.
  • Drafting the notices advertising the premises licence application and submitting the notice to the local newspaper.
  • Arranging with you for you to display the notice(s) advertising the premises licence application and advising as to where and how this should be done by you in order to comply with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.
  • Providing a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) consent form for signature by a personal licence holder proposed by yourself.
  • Checking the licence once granted and correcting any errors with the licensing authority.

The fee does not include:

  • Obtaining suitable plans
  • Attending pre-consultation meetings with the Licensing Authority or Responsible Authorities, nor their fee for this meeting.
  • Dealing with or advising you in relation to queries or representations received from either the responsible authorities or other interested parties
  • Advising on varying the licence
  • Attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee hearing of the responsible authority. If representations are received and attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee is required, then we will provide a separate fee estimate for this work which will be charged at an hourly rate.

How long will my application take?

Matters usually take 6-12 weeks from receipt of full instructions from you. This is on the basis of the application being relatively straightforward and you being able to provide all the necessary documents promptly. If your matter is more complex, for example, if there is substantial opposition from interested parties or, if there is a delay in receiving the documents we need, it may take longer.

For more information, please call us on 01622 759051 and speak to one of our experts or email us at info@gillturnertucker.com