Licensing applications
Licensing applications
We can represent you in your Licensing applications matter on a Fixed fee basis with flexible payments.
Where we agree a fixed fee with you from the outset of the case, you will know how much your case will cost exactly. The Fixed Fee agreed will depend on:
1. The complexity of the case
2. The amount of supporting evidence that we need to considerThe estimates described below represent the range of the fees for most standard applications. Upon our initial assessment of your situation, we may agree on a fixed fee.
If a fixed fee is agreed upon and your matter or transaction does not reach a conclusion or you decide to withdraw instructions, we reserve the right to charge for the work done on your case using our hourly charging basis.
Our charges do not include VAT, which we will add to your bill at the prevailing rate which is at 20%.
Our Fixed fee for legal cases covers all the work written and oral work for the stage of the legal matter for which you have instructed us.
Please be advised that our fees do not cover the third-party charges e.g., land registry searches.
Some disbursements noted below attract VAT. VAT on a Disbursement is charged at 20%, unless otherwise noted below.
All our Licensing application work is carried out by Sunny Patel and Manik Miah who are both Solicitors & Directors at Crystal Law Solicitors.
Nicola Plumb, Laura Edington, Saher Rashid and Zainab Girach support the department with Paralegal and Administration duties.
Client Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Court Fees, Interpreters, Independent reports and not included in our fixed fee prices. We will however handle the payments of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. You will be notified of the Disbursement amount well in advance and your agreement will be sought before these disbursements are incurred.
Court Fees may be applicable depending on your case. Where case fees are requiring the amount, you will be informed in advance. Court Fees are likely to range from £35 - £600. VAT if not payable on Court Fees.
Counsel fees will be agreed with you in advance before counsel is instructed on your behalf. Costs for the barristers are likely to be in the range of £700 - £2,500 plus VAT if payable.
Independent expert reports e.g. medical experts are not required in many cases: we will let you know as soon as possible if we consider an expert report is necessary in your case and the disbursement to be incurred will be agreed with you in advance of us instructing expert on your behalf.
Independent expert reports will be agreed with you in advance before instructed on your behalf. Costs for the Independent expert reports are likely to be in the range of £700 - £2,500 plus VAT if payable chargeable at 20%.
Electronic money transfer fee is charged at £40, plus VAT which is charged at 20%.
£3-£6 Land Registry Office Copies £3-6.; or, between £20.00 and £910.00 to register the transfer depending on property value and whether the property is registered (VAT not applicable).
Other Searches may include geographically specific or property specifics searches, such as evidence of historic mining for coal, limestone and tin. The list and costs will be dependent on the transaction, plus VAT chargeable at 20%.
The number of hours needed for interpreters will vary on the complexities of the case and the number of words when documents are translated. Often clients will bring a friend or another community figure to assist with interpreting. Clients do not always have to use an interpreter of our choosing when providing us with instructions.
Interpreters’ fees from £25-£40 per hour excluding VAT which is charged at 20%. Most kinds of applications will normally require between 2 - 10 hours of client contact with an interpreter, depending on the complexity of your case.
For Document translation, the fees range from £95 - £120 (per 1000 words) excluding VAT which is charged at 20%.
If there is an interview and we do attend with you, there will be additional disbursements in respect of our mileage/travel expenses. Travel mileage is currently charged at 45p per mile.
The licensing authority application fee (the amount is dependable upon the rateable value of the premises). Clients will be informed in advance.
Fees for newspaper advertisements arranges from between £250 - £400 plus VAT at 20%.
In all cases we will agree fees prior to undertaking any work and these fees will be set out in a letter of engagement. All licensing applications are different and the ultimate costs will depend upon the individual circumstances of each matter and upon the level of support that is required.
In the majority of matters we charge clients by way of fixed fees however we are also willing to charge for work carried out by way of hourly fees if this is preferred. If this is the case, then we will give an estimate of the cost at the outset and provide regular costs updates as the case proceeds.
Fixed Fees
In all cases we will agree fixed fees prior to undertaking any work and these fees will be set out in a letter of engagement. All licensing applications are different and the ultimate costs will depend upon the individual circumstances of each matter and upon the level of support that is required.
In the majority of matters we charge clients by way of fixed fees however we are also willing to charge for work carried out by way of hourly fees if this is preferred. If this is the case, then we will give an estimate of the cost at the outset and provide regular costs updates as the case proceeds.
Hourly Rate
Our Solicitors hourly rate is £250 plus VAT charged at 20%
Time Scale
Once an application is submitted, it has to be advertised for 28 days during which time any relevant representations can be made. If there are no objections or representations, then the application is deemed to have been granted and we will liaise with the licensing authority in relation to them issuing the premises licence. If there are any objections or representations, then a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing will be required, unless an agreement can be reached. The hearing should take place within 20 working days after the end of the consultation period referred to above.
1. New Premises Licence Application (Under s17 Licensing Act 2003)
Standard Application - £750 - £1,500 plus VAT at 20% and disbursements. Generally, a matter is considered to be a standard application if no prior consultation with the licensing authority or responsible authorities is required, if the premises is not situated in a cumulative impact area and/or the application is unlikely to have an impact upon any of the licensing objectives.
Medium complex application - our fees will be between £1500 -£2500 at 20% plus VAT and disbursements.
Highly complex application - £2500 - £5000 at 20% plus VAT and disbursements.
Whether a matter is straightforward or more complex will depend on a number of things such as the size and location of the site or the premises and the impact that any such application is likely to have upon the surrounding area. Other factors will include whether the premises is in a residential area, in a cumulative impact area (where the presumption is to refuse the application) and whether any pre- application meetings are required with the Licensing Authority or other responsible authorities.
2. Variation of Premises Licence (s34 Licensing Act 2003)
For an application for a full variation rather than an application for a minor variation we charge a fixed fee of between £750 - £2500 plus VAT at 20%. The price will depend upon a number of factors including the nature of the application and whether any consultation with the licensing authority, other responsible authorities or residents is likely to be required.
What is included in a Fixed Fee
- Taking initial instructions – this is for an appointment at the office during office hours. We can offer an appointment with a client at the premises, however, this will incur a further fee, dependent upon the location of the premises and this would be advised at the time if this should be necessary.
- Advising on promoting the licensing objectives.
- Advising on plan that is required to accompany the application. This does not include obtaining suitable plans for which further advice can be given if required. Any further fee for this advice would be discussed in advance.
- Completing and submitting the application, including the consent to be designated premises supervisor and schedule of conditions so as to promote the Licensing Objectives
- Disclosing the application to the Responsible Authorities either online or by post as required by the relevant licensing authority.
- Providing the relevant notice for the client to advertise the application at the premises and arranging for the application to be advertised in the relevant local newspaper.
Further Fees
Any further work may incur an additional fee. This will be discussed and agreed with you prior to undertaking such work. Additional work may include the following:
- Site visit to the premises
- Any pre or post consultation with the licensing authority, responsible authorities or residents, by way of telephone, email/post or face to face meeting;
- Any negotiations following the receipt of any relevant representations against the application;
- Preparing for and attending any hearing if necessary