Licensing Of Business Premises

It is important to ensure that, if your business ventures involve alcohol and entertainment, you hold the correct license in order to avoid regulatory investigation and fall foul of the law. We can provide advice in relation to all matters connected with alcohol and entertainment licensing including the following:

  • Applications for a new premises license.
  • Applications for temporary event notices.
  • Applications for variation of existing licenses.
  • Dealing with licensing reviews.
  • Defending closure orders.
  • Representation in connection with licensing breach cases, revocations and appeals.

Howard Willis has extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with all licensing matters. Our charges depend on the nature and complexity of each particular type of work but unless your matter involves anything out of the ordinary our charges are within the following ranges:

  • Applications for new premises license – £1,000 to £1750 plus VAT @ 20% and an application fee of up to £635.
  • Applications for new premises license (where there are objectors and there is a hearing) – £3,000 to £5,000 plus VAT @ 20% and an application fee of up to £635.
  • Applications for temporary event notices – £250 to £500 plus VAT @ 20% an an application fee of £21.
  • Applications for variation of existing licenses – £1,500 to £2,000 plus VAT @ 20% and an application fee of up to £635.
  • Dealing with license reviews – £3,000 to £5,000 plus VAT @ 20%.
  • Defending closure orders – £3,000 to £5,000 plus VAT @ 20%.
  • Representation in connection with licensing breach cases, revocations and appeals – £3,000 to £5,000 plus VAT @ 20%.

The amount charged will depend on the nature and complexity of each matter.

The application fees are not subject to VAT. They are payable to the local authority and the amount depends upon the rateable value of the business premises.

Howard Willis – Partner and Solicitor

Howard qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and has 25 years’ post qualification experience in licensing work.

Howard’s recent notable jobs include obtaining a new Premises Licence for a new South Stand at Headingley Stadium, which involved a contested hearing given local objections. He has advised on a number of Premises Licence applications recently where there have been objections and submitted Temporary Event Notices (TENS) on behalf of a number of clients.

Howard’s hourly rate for licensing matters is £250 plus VAT @ 20%.