Licensing Pricing Information

VC LAW advise on the complete range of licensing applications.

Due to our extensive experience in preparing applications over a number of years, we can give you a clear estimate of the time it will take us to complete work for you. VAT is charged on all work at 20%.

Our standard hourly rates are:

Examples of the amount of work involved in typical a Premises Licence Application:

We cannot predict the precise number of hours it will take to prepare your application as this will depend on the circumstances of your case. Factors which will have an impact on the cost include:

• Type and size of the premises
• Size of your estate
• Likelihood of representations from either residents and / or responsible authorities (e.g. the police and fire services)

When you instruct us we will provide a written quotation. We can also offer a fixed cost service.

Our service includes:

• Taking your instructions and advising how you can promote the licensing objectives within your application;
• Advising you about the type of plans you are required to submit with your application;
• Completing the application form for a new premises licence (including the operating schedule) in accordance with your instructions and submitting this to the local Licensing Authority with suitable plans;
• Providing guidance on fees payable to the Licensing Authority;
• Preparing copies of the premises licence application for disclosure to the Responsible Authorities and serving copies of the application on the Responsible Authorities;
• Drafting the notices advertising the premises licence application and submitting the notice to the local newspaper(s);
• Advice on displaying the notice advertising the premises licence application.
• Advising where and how this should be done by you in order to comply with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003;
• Providing a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) consent form for signature by a personal licence holder proposed by you;
• Checking the licence once granted and correcting any errors with the local Licensing Authority.

Our service does not include:

• Obtaining plans;
• Advice on varying your licence;
• Attending pre-consultation meetings with the Licensing Authority or Responsible Authorities, or their fee for such a meeting;
• Dealing with or advising you in relation to queries or representations received from either the Responsible Authorities or any other interested party;
• Attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee hearing of the Responsible Authority. We can provide a separate estimate for this work.

Disbursements

In addition to our costs, you may need to pay some disbursements (associated costs payable to third parties). We handle payment of disbursements on your behalf. Examples of typical disbursements are:

• Licensing Application Fee: This will be based on the rateable value of the premises to which the application relates;
• Advertising Costs: This will depend on the newspaper in which the advertisement appears but the cost will usually be between £100 and £500 (plus VAT) per application.

Timescales

We will normally be able to prepare your application for submission within 5 working days of receiving your full supporting documents. We will let you know at the earliest opportunity if it is likely to take longer than this.

Applications usually take 5 to 6 weeks from receipt of your instructions and supporting documentation. This assumes the application is unopposed and straightforward.

If your application attracts representations and agreement cannot be reached, a hearing before the licensing committee will take place.  This will lead to the application taking longer.

We are happy to discuss your licensing needs and give an upfront indication on costs and timescale.

If you need any assistance, contact one of our solicitors at [email protected] or call 0151 318 7500 for a no-obligation discussion and for expert legal advice.​