Craig Gee, Director and Senior Solicitor, will take your initial instructions, advise you on the proposed application and oversee the matter throughout.
Key Stages
The exact process will depend upon the type of licence or application required. We will explain the relevant procedure and requirements at the outset.
Personal Licences
If you wish to apply for a Personal Licence to authorise the sale of alcohol, you will normally need to hold an appropriate accredited licensing qualification and obtain a basic criminal record disclosure.
We can advise you on the requirements and direct you to an appropriate training provider where necessary.
We can also assist with the preparation and submission of the application.
Premises Licences
For a new Premises Licence application, we can prepare and submit the application to the relevant Licensing Authority.
The application process will usually include:
- Preparing the application and operating schedule
- Advising on the licensing objectives and appropriate conditions
- Reviewing the plans to be submitted with the application
- Submitting the application to the Licensing Authority
- Serving the application on the relevant Responsible Authorities where required
- Preparing the statutory notice to be displayed at the premises
- Preparing the required newspaper advertisement
- Advising on the appointment of a Designated Premises Supervisor where alcohol is to be sold
The statutory application fee payable to the Licensing Authority depends upon the rateable value of the premises.
Following submission, there is generally a 28-day period during which Responsible Authorities and other persons may make relevant representations.
If no relevant representations are received, the application can usually proceed without a hearing.
If representations are received and cannot be resolved through negotiation, the application may be referred to a Licensing Sub-Committee for determination.
What Is Included in Our Standard Premises Licence Service?
Our standard service can include:
- Taking your instructions
- Advising you on the licensing objectives and how these should be addressed in the application
- Advising on the type of premises plan required
- Preparing the Premises Licence application and operating schedule
- Submitting the application to the Licensing Authority
- Advising you on the statutory application fee
- Serving the application on the Responsible Authorities where required
- Preparing the statutory premises notice
- Preparing the required newspaper advertisement
- Providing the appropriate Designated Premises Supervisor consent form where required
- Reviewing the licence once granted and raising any apparent errors with the Licensing Authority
What Is Not Included?
Unless agreed separately, our standard application fee does not include:
- Preparing or obtaining architectural or survey plans
- Attendance at pre-application meetings with the Licensing Authority or Responsible Authorities
- Dealing with substantive representations or objections
- Negotiating amendments or conditions following objections
- Applications to vary an existing licence
- Attendance or representation at a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing
- Appeals following a Licensing Authority decision
If additional work becomes necessary, we will explain this to you and provide an estimate of the further costs before carrying out that work.
Where representation at a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing is required, work will be charged at our current hourly rate of £240 plus VAT, unless an alternative fee has been agreed.
How Long Will My Application Take?
Once we have received complete instructions and all of the information required, we will aim to prepare the application promptly.
Following submission of a new Premises Licence application, there is normally a 28-day period for representations.
If no relevant representations are received, the Licensing Authority can usually determine the application once that period has expired.
If relevant representations are received and cannot be resolved, the matter may proceed to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing. The hearing will generally take place within 20 working days after the end of the representation period.
Timescales can vary depending upon the nature of the application, the premises and the Licensing Authority involved. We will keep you informed throughout.within 30 days thereafter. We shall of course advise you further in that eventuality.
| Type | Solicitors Costs | Disbursement Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Licence | £300 + VAT = £360 | * Basic DBS: £21.50 * Application Costs to Council: £37 |
| Premises Licence | £500 + VAT = £600 | * Council fee: £100–£1,905 depending on rateable value/type of premises; * Newspaper advertisement: cost varies; *Premises plans/surveyor: cost varies |
| Variation of Licence | £400 + VAT = £480 | Council fee generally based on the same statutory fee bands for a full variation; newspaper advert and plans where required: cost varies |
| Personal Licence & Premises Licence | £700 + VAT = £840 | * Basic DBS: £21.50 * Personal licence fee: £37; premises licence fee according to applicable band; advertising/plans where required |
- VAT is charged at 20%
- Legal fees are not inclusive of any disbursements
- Hearing and Appeals or Preparations for Hearings and Appeals are not included in the price
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