18 Feb 2014

Proposed changes to alcohol licence could mean higher fees for sports clubs with bars

Proposed changes to alcohol licence could mean higher fees for sports clubs with bars news article image

The Home Office has launched a public consultation proposing a move from centrally-set to locally-set fees for alcohol licences.

The purpose of the consultation is to allow local authorities to recoup the costs associated with carrying out their licensing functions.

Sports clubs which have bars that sell alcohol are required to pay for a licence. The consultation proposes removing the current annual licence fee levels and replacing them with a higher cap.

As such, local authorities would be free to set licence fee levels for clubs (provided they come beneath the cap) – meaning that some clubs could be required to pay more than they are currently.

The Alliance will be making representations to Government opposing the proposed increases, while it will also be looking to secure exemptions from the proposals for sports clubs and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) where possible.

National governing bodies and clubs may wish to submit their own individual responses as well prior to the closing date on 10 April.

View the alcohol licence consultation document.

For more information please contact David Foster.

Latest News

31 Jul 2025

A United Voice for Sport and Recreation: Alliance launches new five-year strategy

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today published its new five-year strategy, titled ‘A United Voice for Sport and Recreation’.

Read more Arrow Right
30 Jul 2025

Government announces support for women’s sport – but where will they play?

The Government recently announced new plans that aim to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ sports teams at Government-funded facilities across England, following the success of the Lionesses in Switzerland.

Read more Arrow Right
18 Jul 2025

Alliance showcases recent achievements with launch of Impact Report 2024/25

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today released its 2024/25 Impact Report, highlighting some of the organisation’s key achievements from the last 12 months.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo