We can represent you in all types of licensing matters whether applying for a new licence, varying an existing licence, appealing a decision to refuse an application or fighting enforcement action.
Please note our fees exclude VAT.
| Applications for new premises licence or full variation to the premises licence |
Fee Estimate |
| Simple application (e.g. a small convenience store or restaurant with standard hours, premises which are not located within a cumulative impact area and with no contentious circumstances i.e. no history of complaints by residents and involvement by responsible authorities) |
£1,550-£1,750 (+ VAT at 20%), plus disbursements
(see below)
|
| Medium complexity application (e.g. a medium sized restaurant wishing to extend the area for licensable activities but still within standard hours and non-contentious conditions being applied for, which may or may not attract representations) |
£1,750-£2,250 (+ VAT at 20%), plus disbursements
(see below)
|
| High complexity application (e.g. a premises which falls within a cumulative impact area, representations are likely and negotiations with interested parties, non-standard hours are being applied for, the premises is located within a residential area e.g. a large-scale festival event with residents in the locality) |
£2,250-£2,750 (+ VAT at 20%), plus disbursements
(see below)
|
| Application for a minor variation to premises licence |
Fee Estimate |
| This would include a minor variation to the layout of a premises such as the removal of seating or the removing outdated and obsolete conditions from the premises licence. |
£1,350-£1,800 (+ VAT at 20%), plus disbursements
(see below)
|
Hourly rates range from £385 (excluding VAT) for Associates to £685 (excluding VAT) for Partner level assistance.
The fee quoted will include the following work:
- Taking your instructions and advising you on how to promote the licensing objectives within any new premises licence application or variation of an existing licence
- Advising on what documents are required in support of / to accompany the application
- Completing and submitting the application to the Licensing Authority
- Disclosing the application to the relevant responsible authorities
- Making arrangements for the necessary advertising of the application.
The fee doesn't include:
- Obtaining suitable plans
- Attending any pre-consultation meetings with the Licensing Authority or responsible authorities
- Dealing with or advising on any queries or objections received from the responsible authorities or interested parties
- Attendance at any Licensing Sub-Committee hearing
- Disbursements
Disbursements
Disbursements are payments to third parties, and may include:
| Premise Licence application fee |
£100-£1,905 (depending on rateable value of premises) |
| Personal License application fee |
£37 |
| Application for minor variation |
£89 |
| Application to transfer premises licence |
£23 |
| Application to vary Designated Premises Supervisor |
£23 |
| Plan Fees |
Prescribed fee (plus VAT at 20%) |
| Advertisement in local press |
Prescribed fee (plus VAT at 20%) |
| Firearms Certificate fee |
£62-£200 |
If the work required doesn't fit the service carried out on the above fixed fee, we can discuss an alternative pricing structure and fees involved.
Key stages of the alcohol licensing process
The application process will depend on what license or change you're applying for, but in general:
- You may need to successfully complete a training course before you can apply for a license
- You may need request a criminal records check
- Complete and send off your application
- There may be a waiting period while the licensing authority checks your information and collects any objections
- You may need to advertise your application so people can register any objections
- If you meet the criteria, your information is correct, and there are no objections, you receive your application.
This just a general guide and the exact process for your application may be different. We'll advise on how your application will progress once we've heard more details during a consultation.
How long will my application take?
The amount of time licence applications take depends on:
- What you're applying for
- How quickly you provide the required information and documentation
- How quickly the licensing authority processes the application
- Whether there are any objections.
Applications for new alcohol licenses typically take between two and five months.
Applications for betting/gaming licenses typically take between four and five months.
The time taken to resolve taxi licensing and shotgun licensing matters also varies.
Our solicitors can advise on an estimated resolution time for your matter once we've heard more details during a consultation.
