Licensing Applications for Business Premises Fees

When applying for a new premises licence or to alter an existing licence, the costs will vary based on the merits, location and history of behaviour at the premises. The licensing authority involved will also have different local policies, which can again lead to varying fees and scales. Therefore, any fee indication given would have to be on the basis of initial research, but the following range can be applied:

• Simple application: approximately 3-4 hours at an hourly rate of £275 – £350, plus vat
• Medium complexity: approximately 4-5 hours, at an hourly rate of £275 – £350, plus vat
• High complexity: approximately 5-10 hours, an hourly rate of £275 – £350, plus vat

The complexity of a matter will be decided on receiving the details of the matter, and it is worth noting that in some cases that the complexity of a particular local authority of the location of the premises being applied for may be of a high degree, despite the application itself appearing initially straight-forward.

Further, if the matter is required to be heard by a sub-committee, it should be noted that the hours required for this could be extensive and would be impacted on by the presence of objectors, including the responsible authorities, and whether they are represented or calling witnesses.

If this were to happen, preparation for a contested hearing may require between 3 and 15 hours, followed by a similar number of hours for advocacy, depending on the nature of the case.

Stages of the Process

• Taking the client’s instructions and advising as to how they can promote the licensing objectives within the application
• Advising on the type of plans that are required to submit with the application.
• Completing the application form for a new premises licence (including the operating schedule) in accordance with the instructions and submitting this to the local licensing authority alongside suitable plans provided by the client.
• 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 the client to display the notice(s) advertising the premises licence application and advising as to where and how this should be done 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 the client.
• 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 the client 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 6-8 weeks from receipt of full instructions from the client. This is on the basis of the application being relatively straightforward and the client being able to provide all the necessary documents promptly.

If the matter is more complex, for example, if there is substantial opposition from interested parties, or if there is a delay in receiving the documents required, it may take longer.

For a precise quote, please contact a member of our Licensing team on mail@woodfines.co.uk