Department for Culture Media and Sport
The Licensing Act 2003 details fees payable to licensing authorities. Fee levels are set centrally by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. They allow licensing authorities to recover the costs of administrating and enforcing the Act.
Setting fees centrally makes fees consistent across England and Wales. DCMS set the current fee package 2005, following extensive consultation with:
The fee is to fully recover the administration, inspection and enforcement costs of licensing authorities, which come from carrying out their licensing functions under the Act. This avoids council tax payers needing to subsidise these costs.
The fees were set centrally by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, following public consultation.
Why have fees been set centrally?
The central setting of fees removes the considerable and widespread regional inconsistencies that previously existed in relation to the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshment. For example, the cost of a public entertainment licence under the previous system varied by as much as 600% between neighbouring authorities.
Are there any exemptions to the payment of the fees?
There is an exemption from the payment of fees in relation to the provision of regulated entertainment at:
Costs for these licences will be met by central Government. However, if the licence also authorises the use of the premises for the supply of alcohol or the provision of late night refreshment, a fee will be required for those activities.
Schools and sixth form colleges are also exempt from the fees associated with the authorisation of regulated entertainment, where the entertainment is provided by and at the school or college and for the purposes of the school or college.
How are premises allocated to fee bands?
The non-domestic rateable value (NDRV) is used to decide premises’ fee bands. NDRV is considered the fairest method of allocating fee bands because it:
You can check your non-domestic rateable value at the Valuation Office Agency website. Types of premises which do not have non-domestic rateable values are allocated to Band A.
What premises pay the multiplier charge?
The multiplier charge is applied to premises in bands D and E, used exclusively or primarily for the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises, when applying for the grant or variation of a premises licence. The multiplier charge does not apply to club premises certificates.
Does it cost more for a premises licence to be authorised for the provision of regulated entertainment or late night refreshment as well as the sale or supply of alcohol?
No. The fee for a premises licence or club premises certificate stays the same whether you applying for it to authorise one, two or all of the licensable activities.
What is the fee for temporary event notices?
Temporary event notices (TENs) cost £21 per event. They replace the previous system of occasional permissions and licences.
What is the fees for variations and other notices?
Fees for variations (excluding changes of name and address etc or changes of designated premises supervisor) are between £100 and £635, depending on the rateable value band.
Will the fees stay the same forever?
Ministers are committed to monitor fee levels to ensure that they continue to meet the cost of the efficient exercise of local authority functions under the 2003 Act.
When does the "additional" premises licence fee and annual fee apply?
Exceptionally large events with over 5,000 attendees at any time which give rise to exceptional considerations and licensing authority costs may incur a higher licence fee. For example major festivals, which often involve the building of substantial temporary structures. In these circumstances, may be charged an extra fee in addition to the standard application and variation fee. Venues that are permanent, purpose built or structurally altered for the activity are exempt from the additional fee.
Some premises may be able to obtain a permanent premises licence and pay an additional annual fee. This would involve drawing up plans for the parts that do not vary each year, and an operating schedule that satisfies responsible authorities and interested parties.
Regulations prescribe that the additional fee for large scale events would not be payable where the premises is a structure which is not a vehicle, vessel or moveable structure, and has been constructed or structurally altered to allow:
Full details about the additional fee are given in Regulation 4(5) of the The Licensing Act 2003 (Fees) Regulations 2005. If you are unsure about whether the additional fee will apply, contact your local licensing officer.
When will I have to pay the annual fee?
The annual fee for premises licences and club premises certificates will become due and payable each year on the anniversary of the date of the grant of the licence or certificate.
If you are unsure about when your annual fee is due, you should contact your licensing authority to check.
What will happen if I don't pay my annual fee?
If you do not pay your annual fee, the fee will be recoverable as a debt by the licensing authority.
Can I pay in instalments?
No. The fee will be payable in full at the time of application and when the annual fee is due.