Licensing

If your business provides licensable activities such as:

• Selling or supplying alcohol

• Providing regulated entertainment (e.g., music, film, theatre)

• Serving hot food or drink between 11 pm and 5 am

…you’ll need a premises licence.

Licensing applications are governed by four key objectives:

1. The prevention of crime and disorder

2. Public safety

3. The prevention of public nuisance

4. The protection of children from harm

We help you promote these objectives in your application, giving you the best chance of success from the outset.

• Advise on the best strategy for your application

• Assist with application forms and required documentation

• Review plans and advise on safe occupancy and layout

• Handle objections from responsible authorities or the public

• Represent you at Licensing Committee hearings

• Manage appeals to the Magistrates’ Court, if needed

• Legal fees: Typically, between £1,500 and £3,000 (based on our hourly rate of £261 + VAT)

• Disbursements (payable to third parties):

  • Application fee: £100–£635 (or £1,905 for alcohol-led venues)

  • Public notice advert: approx. £75

  • Notice posting agent: £100–£300

  • Special delivery/posting fees: £10–£15

We’ll confirm exact costs specific to your premises early in the process.

• Advice on promoting the licensing objectives

• Completion and submission of the application and plans

• Drafting and submitting public notices

• Guidance on Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) consent

• Checking the granted licence and correcting any errors

• Producing venue plans

• Pre-consultation meetings with authorities

• Addressing objections or making representations

• Licence variations or sub-committee representation (separate fee estimate will be provided if needed)

On average, a straightforward licence application takes 2–4 months from instruction to decision. More complex cases, such as those involving objections or significant delays, may take longer.

If there are concerns that your premises is not promoting the licensing objectives, the licence can be reviewed.

This could be triggered by:

• Local residents or businesses

• The police or other statutory bodies

Possible outcomes include:

• Reduced trading hours

• New conditions

• Temporary suspension

• Full licence revocation

In serious cases, such as those involving crime or disorder, a summary review can be triggered by the police, leading to a fast-tracked hearing within 48 hours.

We provide expert advice and representation at review hearings and appeals. Early legal input is essential if your licence is under threat.

Breaches of licensing law can result in criminal prosecution, with penalties ranging from fines to loss of your licence. Common issues include:

• Selling alcohol to underage customers

• Breaching licence conditions

• Operating without proper approvals

Local authorities may issue warnings, fixed penalties, or initiate full prosecutions. We can help:

• Negotiate with the authority to avoid prosecution

• Advise on your legal position

• Represent you in court if needed

• Minimise the impact on your business and licence