A Late Night Refreshment Licence is required for any business that supplies hot food or drink to the public between 11:00pm and 5:00am, whether on or off the premises. This includes cafés, takeaways, restaurants, bars, pubs, food stalls, and delivery services operating during these hours.

The licence is regulated under the Licensing Act 2003 and is designed to ensure that late-night trading is conducted safely, responsibly, and in accordance with local authority conditions.

Licensing professionals manage the full Late Night Refreshment Licence application process, ensuring your operation remains compliant and legally authorised to trade during restricted hours.

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Who Needs a Late Night Refreshment Licence

You’ll need this licence if your business:

Serves hot food or hot drinks to customers between 11pm and 5am
Operates as a takeaway, café, restaurant, bar, or delivery service during those hours
Provides late-night catering at temporary events or food stalls

This applies regardless of whether consumption takes place on the premises or is taken away.

The Application Process

Eligibility and Requirements
Licensing professionals assess your business operations to determine whether a Late Night Refreshment Licence or an exemption applies.
Preparation of Application Documents
The application includes operating schedules, plans of the premises, and details of management controls to address the licensing objectives.
Submission to the Licensing Authority
The application is submitted to the Local Licensing Authority and shared with relevant Responsible Authorities, such as Environmental Health, Fire Safety, and Police Licensing.
Public Consultation and Determination
The authority advertises the application for a 28-day consultation period. If no valid objections are received, the licence will be granted and issued.

Exemptions

You may not need a Late Night Refreshment Licence if:

You are a hotel or guesthouse providing food/drink only to residents and guests
You operate a vending machine selling hot drinks
You provide refreshments at a private members’ club for members only
Your activity is part of a temporary event authorised under a Temporary Event Notice (TEN)

A Late Night Refreshment Licence allows your business to operate legally and confidently during late trading hours. Licensing professionals ensure your application meets all legislative requirements, protecting your business and promoting responsible late-night operations.

Council Application Fees

The application fee is set by your local council and depends on the rateable value of your premises:

Band Rateable Value Application Fee

A £0 – £4,300 £100

B £4,301 – £33,000 £190

C £33,001 – £87,000 £315

D £87,001 – £125,000 £450

E Over £125,000 £635

Note: If your premises mainly sell alcohol (for example, a pub or bar), higher fees apply:

Band D: £900

Band E: £1,905

We can check your rateable value for you.

Additional Costs

In addition to the council fee, there are other costs that may apply depending on your requirements:

Public Notice Advertising (in local newspapers and on-site notices)
Professional Plans and Drawings
Liaison with Responsible Authorities or Objectors

Our fixed charges for these services are:

Service Fee

Legal Notices £400*

Professional Fee £500

*Occasionally, newspaper advertising fees may be higher.

Typical Total Cost

Most premises fall within Band B.
A typical total cost for an average application would be:

Item Cost

Council Application Fee £190

Legal Notices £400

Professional Fees £500

Total £1,090

If Objections Are Raised

Service Fee

In-Person Hearing (including attendance) £700

Online Hearing £500

Travel £0.50 per mile

Reasonable accommodation costs (if required) At cost

Need Help?

We provide tailored, professional support to ensure your application is completed correctly and efficiently.
Contact us for a personalised quote based on your premises and circumstances.

Late Night Refreshment Licence