What Is the Rough Cost of a Premises Licence?

If you’re planning to sell alcohol legally in England or Wales, understanding the cost of a premises licence is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down the key fees, highlight additional expenses, and help you budget confidently. For expert support, visit Premises Licensing.

💰 Application Fee: What You’ll Pay Upfront

Premises licence fees vary based on your business’s rateable value. The government places each property into a band:

• Band A (£0–£4,300): £100
• Band B (£4,301–£33,000): £190
• Band C (£33,001–£87,000): £315
• Band D (£87,001–£125,000): £450
• Band E (Over £125,000): £635

📌 Tip: You can find your business’s rateable value on the official VOA website.

📆 Ongoing Annual Fees

Once licensed, your business must pay an annual fee based on the same band:

• Band A: £70
• Band B: £180
• Band C: £295
• Band D: £320–£640 (depending on premises type)
• Band E: £350–£1,050

As a result, small businesses typically spend around £250–£500 per year all-in.

📝 Extra Costs to Consider

Besides government fees, many applicants invest in additional services to avoid delays or objections:

• Newspaper notice (public ad): £200–£400
• Personal licence training (APLH Level 2): £100–£200
• DBS background check: £18
• Professional application support: £500–£1,500
• Premises plans (to scale): £100–£300

Although these services are optional, they can save significant time and frustration.

👨‍⚖️ Should You Hire a Licensing Consultant?

You don’t need a solicitor to apply. However, many business owners use consultants to prevent mistakes, especially when operating near residential areas or schools. For example, an incorrectly placed blue notice can invalidate your application.

“Even a small error on your form could cost you weeks in delays or a complete rejection.”

📊 Total Cost Overview

On the whole, here’s what most applicants can expect to spend:

• Application fee: £100–£635
• Annual fee: £70–£1,050
• Other services: £300–£1,500

Therefore, your total cost may fall between £300 and £2,000+ depending on your premises size and whether you get professional help.

🔍 Need help calculating your fees? Visit www.premises-licensing.co.uk for expert guidance.

✔️ Final Thoughts

To sum up, a premises licence isn’t prohibitively expensive, but it does require careful budgeting. For personalised advice or help with paperwork, Premises Licensing offers expert support tailored to your business.