It is difficult to give a precise estimate as to the costs of such an application, as the pricing depends on a number of factors including the size of the premises, whether the premises is in an area of cumulative impact and/or whether there is any or alleged history of an existing source of crime and disorder.
In broad general terms, to apply for a straight forward licence where there are no extenuating circumstances, our fees are approximately £2,000.00 plus VAT.
In the event the application attracts representations and a full hearing is required, then the fee for a hearing and preparation is normally around £1,750.00 plus VAT, however this may have to be agreed once the nature of the hearing is determined and the time that the solicitor is to be engaged.
In addition to our hourly costs, the disbursements added to these costs will be a newspaper advertisement, if required,(usually in the range of £350 plus VAT) and the fee for the premises and this is a banded exercise based on non-domestic rateable value. The table below gives an indication of likely fees.
| Band | A | B | C | D | E |
| Non domestic rateable value |
None to £4,300 |
£4,301 to £33,000 |
£33,001 to £87,000 |
£87,001 to £125,000 |
£125,000 plus |
| Premises Licences* | |||||
| New application and variation | £400 | £600 | £1,000 | £1,250 | £1,250 |
| Multiplier applied to premises used exclusively or primarily for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises (Bands D & E only) | NA | NA | NA | X2 (£2,000) | X2 (£2,500) |
| Annual Charge* | £70 | £180 | £295 | £320 | £350 |
| Annual charge multiplier applied to premises used exclusively or primarily for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises (Bands D&E only) | NA | NA | NA | X2 (£640) | X3 (£1,050) |
| Club premises certificates | |||||
| New application variation | £300 | £380 | £650 | £1,250 | £1,250 |
| Annual Charge | £70 | £180 | £295 | £320 | £350 |
*There are additional fees for premises licence applications, and the annual fee for exceptionally large scale events (5,000+), unless certain conditions apply. Please read Regulation 494) and 4(5) of the Licensing Act 2003 (Fees) Regulations 2005
These disbursements do not attract VAT.
In terms of the team who provide licensing services at Ashfords, two of its members have experience of advising licensing committees and licensing authorities over a number of years and the team is supplemented by a solicitor who is gaining experience in licensing matters as part of the wider team.
