Alcohol licensing fees
Last updated: 1 July 2022
The application fee applies to applications for new licences, renewals of licences and variations to licences. Application fees are payable on date of application.
In the case of a new licence, the annual fee must be paid prior to the issue of the licence and subsequently must be paid on the anniversary of the date the licence was issued.
In the case of an existing licence, the annual fee is payable on the most recent of the following:
- the date on which the licence was issued;
- the date on which the licence renewed; and
- the date on which a variation of the licence was granted.
Pursuant to Regulation 6(4) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013 the Council may in its discretion and in response to particular circumstances assign a fees category to premises that is one level lower than the fees category determined.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act) was fully enacted on 19 December 2013.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013 associated with the Act include a fee regime for licensed premises and other types of licensing applications. In addition, it includes a risk-based fee structure for licensed premises which includes both an application and annual fee component.
Dependent on changes to the operation of the premises or enforcement actions undertaken against a licensee or manager, the fees may change each year. The fee categories represent a risk rating for types of premises, their trading hours and if they have had enforcement actions taken against them. They are calculated in accordance with Regulation 4 to 8 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013.
Definitions of an event which the Territorial Authority believes on reasonable grounds will have patronage of a:
- large event – more than 400 people;
- medium event – between 100 and 400 people;
- small event – fewer than 100 people.
Pursuant to Regulation 10(2) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013, the territorial authority may, in its discretion and in response to particular circumstances, charge a fee for a special licence that is one class below the class of licence that is issued.