Pricing for Licensing Applications

How we charge for our services
Licensing applications (business premises)

Team Members and Supervision

The Licensing team members are independently recognised as experts in the widely respected legal directories; Chambers and Legal 500, and the team is frequently recommended by existing clients, many of whom have a long standing relationship with the firm, as well as by professional intermediaries such as licensing authorities.

Details of the individuals within the team and their qualifications and experience can be found in their profiles.

Fees and Charging Structures

The fee information set out in this document relate specifically to those services in the ‘Services’ section and is indicative only. Once the full details relating to your particular matter are understood, we will provide a specific fee proposal which, upon confirmation of our instruction through a signed client engagement letter and terms of business, will form the contractual basis upon which we will deliver our services.

During the progress of any matter it is possible that fees may change, up or down, due to change in your instructions, or because it is necessary to reassess the level of complexity of the matter should new information come to light or circumstances change. Should this be the case, we would discuss this with you at the time and agree any changes before progressing.

The fees below are for a single application. We would be happy to discuss licensing for your estate and provide an indication of costs based on multiple applications.

Any additional services required outside those set out in the Services section would be quoted separately on an individual basis.

Services

  • New Premises Licence
  • Variation (full) to a Premises Licence

Key stages in delivering these services

  • Taking your instructions.
  • Advising on how to promote the licensing objectives within the application.
  • Advising on type of plans required to accompany the application and you arranging for provision of same.
  • Establishing who will take on the role of the Designated Premises. Supervisor and that this person is suitably qualified for the role by being a personal licence holder.
  • Completing and submitting the application including service on the responsible authorities.
  • Making arrangements for the necessary advertising of the application.
  • Following the conclusion of the consultation period ascertaining the outcome of the application and advising you.
  • Receiving the premises licence and forwarding to you.

How long will my application take?

Matters usually take approximately 8-12 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 and fees when requested promptly. Each application will involve a minimum 28 clear days consultation period during which time the public notice is published in the local newspaper and continuously displayed on site; any issues which cause a delay in dealing with either of these aspects can result in the consultation period being extended or the application being rejected. If your matter is more complex, for example if there is substantial opposition from interested parties or responsible authorities, if it is listed for hearing or if there is a delay in receiving the documents we need, it may take longer.

How we would charge for these services

We have set out below our range of fees, relating to differing complexities of application:

  • Simple application (£1,200-£2,250)
    A new restaurant application where alcohol is sold ancillary to a table meal with terminal hours not exceeding midnight and not within a special policy or cumulative impact area.
  • Medium complexity (£2,250-£3,000)
    An application for mixed use premises (both alcohol and food sold) with terminal hours not exceeding midnight and within a business or commercial area where there is no cumulative impact or special policy area identified within the licensing authority’s policy statement.
  • Medium-high complexity (£2,750-£5,000)
    An application within a sensitive area or cumulative impact area where careful consideration is required in drafting the operating schedule to promote licensing objectives taking in to account the licensing authority’s Statement of Licensing Policy and model conditions.
  • Complex application (£4,000+)
    This would include large scale events, outdoor musical events, events where an Event Management Plan (EMP) would be expected or where the premises have previously held a licence which has been revoked or has a history of troubles or issues, where issues relating to the proposed use or operator are likely to result in any application being highly contested.

Factors affecting complexity may include if there is a cumulative impact policy, the type and size of the premises, the type of licensable activities required, the hours of operation, if it is in a residential area, if there are representations and if the application goes to hearing. The price above does not include dealing with any representations, hearing or appeal.

What our fees include

  • Taking instructions and keeping you informed primarily by email.
  • Advice on how to promote the licensing objectives within the premises licence application and advising on council policy.
  • Advising on the format of plans required to accompany the application. You must arrange for the preparation of plans and pay architects direct.
  • For a new licence application, providing a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) consent form for signature by a personal licence holder proposed by yourself.
  • Completing the application form for a new premises licence or variation (including the operating schedule) in accordance with your instructions and submitting this to the local licensing authority together with your plans.
  • Serving copies of the application on the responsible authorities
  • Drafting the notices advertising the premises licence application and submitting the notice for publication in the local press.
  • 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.
  • Following up with the licensing authority at the end of the consultation period as to the outcome of the application and advising you of the same.
  • Checking the licence once granted and correcting any errors with the licensing authority.
  • Forwarding certified copies of licence (or original if required) to the site with documentation and notes to assist with licensing compliance.

What our fees do not include

  • Obtaining suitable plans, you must arrange this and provide plans.
  • Attending on any site visit at the premises.
  • Attending pre-consultation meetings with the licensing authority or responsible authorities, nor their fee for this meeting.
  • Any ancillary or related planning advice or relevant planning investigation.
  • Any advice relating to the property acquisition including terms of lease.
  • Dealing with or advising you in relation to queries or representations received from either the responsible authorities or other interested parties.
  • Attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee hearing of the licensing 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.
  • Third party costs in dealing with display of public notices and supporting documentation.
  • Advice on appeal or any subsequent appeal made if the licence is refused or granted on unacceptable conditions.

Disbursements

Disbursements are additional costs related to your matter that would typically be incurred by us on your behalf to ensure that the matter progresses in an efficient manner and would be added to your bill for payment together with your fees.

The disbursements that you could expect to be charged in respect of these matters include:

  • Licensing authority fees which are based on the non domestic rateable value (NDRV) of the premises. This can range from £70 – £635. If the premises are to be used primarily for the sale of alcohol or for a large scale event, the fees will be higher. We can provide you with the correct scale fee as soon as we are able to ascertain the NDRV.
  • Newspaper advertisement – approximately £200 to £400 + VAT
  • Enquiry agent fee to display public notice (if you are unable to arrange this yourself). This fee is variable dependent on the fees of a third party agent and we will need to obtain a specific quotation based upon the individual circumstances of the particular application. It is likely to involve payment of VAT.

The above 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 can give you an accurate figure for each item, if required, as soon as we are able to do so.

VAT

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all of the fees and disbursements referred to would be subject to VAT, payable in addition, calculated at the standard rate of 20%.

Assumptions

  • That information and documentation requested from you is provided in a timely manner and in the format required.
  • That you will deal with the display of the public notices on the site.
  • That you already have a personal licence holder willing to be Designated Premises Supervisor.
    That the premises concerned are in England or Wales.

Contact Trethowans today to discuss your premises licensing needs on 0800 2800 421.

 

Answers are a click away