Massive increase in cost of licence

Pubs and bars face a massive increase in the cost of applying for a drinks licence, it was announced today.

The changes will see some large city centre pubs paying a ?1,905 one-off drinks licence fee on top of a £1,000 a year charge towards local policing costs.

Originally, ministers had proposed a maximum application fee of ?500. But today it was announced the cost of a new licence will be between ?100 and ?635 depending on the rateable value of the property. Pubs and bars will also have to pay an annual fee of as much as ?350.

The largest town and city centre pubs, in a band E zone, will face a fee at ?1,905 and ?1,000 in annual charges. The aim is to help councils "deliver tougher protections" against drink-fuelled disorder.