Licensing Solicitors

Licensing Act 2003

At Eric Robinson Solicitors we have the expertise to advise clients on the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.  Often this need may arise as part of a larger commercial transaction when a client purchases new commercial premises, perhaps venturing into the hospitality industry for the first time.  Alternatively, it can be a stand-alone transaction for a client who simply needs a variation to their existing Premises Licence. 

At Eric Robinson Solicitors we are happy to provide as much, or as little, help and guidance as you require, whether that means:

• obtaining a new Premises Licences;
• varying existing Premises Licences;
• advising on the process of obtaining the necessary Personal Licence; or
• assisting clients with transferring Premises Licences and changing Designated Premises Supervisors, either when they purchase a new venture or when there is a change of personnel. 

We can also advise on whether or not gaming machines are covered by your Premises Licence.

We liaise with all other relevant bodies in relation to applications, such as the Police, Trading Standards, Child Protection, Environmental Health, Planning and the Fire Service. 

The hospitality industry is heavily regulated. Businesses including hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs need licences to operate and there is a strict process to follow and maintain. If you’re starting out then you need to get to grips with this quickly, and make sure that systems are in place to meet the terms of your licences from day to day.

Our pricing

Our fixed fees relate to businesses applying for a new premises licence or to vary a premises licence to allow those premises to be used for one or more licensable activities.

These fees cover two types of applications – applications for a premises licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 and applications to vary a premises licence under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Fixed fee for an application for a new premises licence (simple application) or a variation

Fixed fee of £1500 plus VAT (£300)

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as the application fee. We will pay the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

• Application fee (payable to licensing authority) from £190.00*
• Advertising fee £300.00-750.00*

*These fees vary depending on the individual premises and where it is located. The fees can on occasions be higher than the ranges given above. We will give you an accurate figure for each item as soon as we are able to do so.

Our fee includes:

• Taking your instructions and advising you as to how you can promote the licensing objectives within your application
• Advising you as to 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 alongside suitable plans. You must provide suitable plans.
• Providing guidance on the fee levels 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.
• Arranging with you for you to display the notice(s) advertising the premises licence application and advising as to 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 yourself.
• Checking the licence once granted and correcting any errors with the licensing authority.

The fee does not include:

• obtaining suitable plans
• attending pre-consultation meetings with the Licensing Authority or Responsible Authorities, nor their fee for this meeting.
• dealing with or advising you in relation to queries or representations received from either the responsible authorities or other interested parties
• advising on varying the licence
• attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee hearing of the responsible authority. If representations are received and attendance and representation at a licensing sub-committee is required, then we will provide a separate fee estimate for this work which will be charged at an hourly rate.
• applications which are of medium or high complexity. Factors affecting complexity may include: whether there is a cumulative impact policy in place; the type, size, and history of the premises; whether it is in a residential area; whether it is a large scale public event; and the size and nature of any objections. In such cases a bespoke quotation will be provided to you, which may also be a fixed fee, that is agreed with you.

How long will my application take?

Matters usually take 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of full instructions from you. This is on the basis of the application being relatively straightforward and you being able to provide all the necessary documents promptly. If your matter is more complex, for example, if there is substantial opposition from interested parties, or if there is a delay in receiving the documents we need, it may take longer.

Here are our 10 top tips for getting this right.

To speak to us and find out more, get in touch with one of our local branches at the following locations: Southampton, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Lymington, or Richmond Upon Thames.