What is an annual fee
All premises that hold a premises licence or club premises certificate granted by Hertsmere Borough Council under the Licensing Act 2003 must pay a statutory fee each year on the anniversary of the date their licence was granted.
When to pay the fee
The date of grant is displayed on the licence which you are required to keep on your premises. You must pay by that date. You may pay at any time before the date the fee is due.
How much is the fee
The fee is set by the government and varies depending on the non-domestic rateable value of the premises. A table is below.
How to pay the fee
You can pay online via gov.uk: Pay Hertsmere Annual fee
You will be required to download and submit a PDF document. This document does not open in a web browser and you MUST right click and save it to your computer and then open it up in Adobe Acrobat or another updated PDF viewer.
If this does not work you can download this form:
Annual Fee Payment form
- Annual Fee Form (opens in new tab)pdf file[162KB]
Alternative Ways to Pay
You can also pay on the Council's own web facility here: Annual Fee payment - Hertsmere.gov.uk
If you pay this way you should submit the above PDF document by email with a copy of the receipt or email the receipt with your name and the licensed premises address. Our email address is licensing.services@hertsmere.gov.uk
If the fee is not paid
If the fee is not paid the Council has an obligation to suspend the premises licence or club premises certificate. This means that licensable activities cannot lawfully be carried out.
Does the Council send out invoices or reminders
The Council will endeavour to remind you when the fee is due and the amount. However, it is your responsibility to pay it as it is a legal obligation set by statute. You do not need an invoice. We do not send invoices but if a business wishes to receive one there will be an additional charge of £10.00
Usually the Council will send to premises a Suspension notice - this informs a premises the fee is due, the date it is due by, and the date the licence will be suspended if its is not paid.
Whilst titled as a suspension notice, it is in effect a reminder, but alleviates the costs to the council of sending first a reminder and then a suspension notice.
Changes in ownership
The fee is due to be paid by whomever the premises licence holder is on the date the fee is due. If you take over a business you should check when it is due and make arrangements with the current licence holder if necessary for it to be paid. You should ensure you transfer the premises licence in good time to receive reminders and suspension notices.