Councils rush to comply as DCMS issues ‘long overdue' licensing plans

Proposals for licensing fees have at last been released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) but have been criticised by the industry for being long overdue.

Although the fees announced last week by the DCMS are broadly in line with expectations, senior industry figures are concerned that time is running out, especially with the consultation period continuing up to 23 December.

Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said: "I can't see everything being ready for the first appointed day on 7 February. The Government should possibly delay this date, but this in itself would take time to do."

Clive Williams, operations director at Celtic Inns, which has 50 pubs across the South-east and Wales, said: "We have had to deal with 19 councils and 50-page policy documents from each. We've had outside help, but it's been a considerable task. I suspect that there are individuals and groups that aren't prepared."

But a spokeswoman for the British Beer & Pub Association was more upbeat. "We think the councils will be ready, because it's a statutory requirement. We've contacted 364, and most of them have now produced licensing policies."

The DCMS also hasn't ruled out a price hike in future, stating that a price review will be carried out, probably within two years.

Councils will start processing licensing applications on 7 February 2005. The new system will run alongside the old magistrate-administered one until the second appointed day, in November 2005, which marks the end of old licensing law in England and Wales.

Licensing Fees - Premise licence fees are divided into six bands based on the non-domestic rateable value of the business.

• Charges range from £80 to £500, with an annual fee of £40 to £225.
• The majority of pubs are expected to pay £150.
• Large hotels could pay £500.
• Personal licences cost £37.