What Is the Rough Cost of a Premises Licence?

If you’re planning to sell alcohol in England or Wales, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does a premises licence cost? While the application itself isn’t expensive, there are other related fees and professional costs to consider.

This guide breaks down the typical costs of applying for a premises licence, including government fees, legal support, and optional extras like personal licence training.

💰 Premises Licence Application Fee

The application fee is based on your business’s rateable value—similar to how business rates are calculated. Here’s the current fee structure in England and Wales:

• Band A (rateable value £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

📌 Not sure what your rateable value is? You can check it on the UK Government website.

📅 Annual Licence Fee

Once your premises licence is granted, you’ll also pay an annual renewal fee—which matches your original application band:

• Band A: £70
• Band B: £180
• Band C: £295
• Band D: £320–£640
• Band E: £350–£1,050

If you’re in Band D or E and your premises primarily sell alcohol (like a pub or bar), a higher fee applies.

🧾 Additional Costs to Budget For

• Advertising the application: £200–£400 for a local newspaper notice
• Personal Licence course (APLH Level 2): £100–£200
• Basic DBS check: £18 (for Personal Licence)
• Professional help (optional): £500–£1,500 for a licensing consultant or solicitor (we charge £599+Vat)
• Plans/drawings: £100–£300 if you need them professionally prepared (but for basic plans we provide them free of charge)

These aren’t required by the council, but they can help avoid delays or objections.

⚖️ Can I Apply Without Legal Help?

Yes—you can submit a premises licence application yourself. However, many businesses choose to hire a specialist to avoid mistakes or deal with complex objections.

“The council fee may be as low as £100, but the real cost of a premises licence is in getting it right the first time.”

✅ Summary: Typical Costs

• Application fee: £100–£635 (based on rateable value)
• Annual fee: £70–£1,050
• Other fees (training, adverts, advice): £200–£1,500

🔍 Always check your local authority’s licensing pages for the most up-to-date fees and guidance in your area.

Still unsure how much your licence will cost? Reach out to us at www.premises-licensing.co.uk or ask your council’s licensing team for a fee estimate based on your premises.