Barnab launches campaign to fight unfairly high costs of advertising and convince the government to remove the obligation to advertise premises licence applications in local newspapers
In the beginning of August 2024, Barnab has written to the Home Office, The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Gareth Thomas MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports, the House of Commons Business and Trade Select Committee, and called on the government to review the exorbitant fees charged by local newspapers for advertising premises licence applications.
It is apparent that local newspapers are exploiting applicants, taking advantage of their legal obligation to place such advertisements. These fees pose a significant financial barrier to many small businesses and individuals who are attempting to start their own business and include alcohol sales as part of their offerings. Around 81% of alcohol retailers are small firms (with fewer than 50 employees). The vast majority of these have fewer than 20 employees (74% of the sector).
The UK hospitality sector is already grappling with high business costs, and the excessive fees for newspaper advertisements exacerbate this issue. The businesses we work with—cafes, restaurants, takeaways, new pubs, and bars—frequently express their shock and frustration over these high costs. There is no economic justification for the current level of prices for placing a tiny notice in a newspaper — these high prices pose a significant barrier and a financial strain for SMEs which intend to apply for a premises licence.
Therefore, we called on the UK government to remove the obligation to advertise in the newspaper included in the Licensing Act 20003. Assuming that the average cost of the newspaper advertisement is £350-£450, the total estimated annual savings for the business would be £6.3m-£8.2m.
Right from day one, Barnab had our back. Alek and team really get what you need, and they're with you all the way. Got our licence in a month, no drama with hearings or anything. Couldn't recommend them enough.
Seriously, 5 stars aren't enough for Barnab. Thought getting a premises licence would be a nightmare, but they made it so simple. Alek was a star, kept me in the loop every step. Alcohol licences? Sorted. You guys rock.
I can’t recommend enough the service Barnab provided. My application was turned around and approved in a matter of weeks, with full support and guidance from Alek (who has been superb!). Super efficient, cost effective and slick!
Getting my license with Barnab was a breeze. They’re professional, but also really friendly and straight to the point. Big shoutout to Alek for all the help. Took 1 day to put the whole thing together. Really knows his stuff...
Needed a premises licence and went with Barnab. Best. Decision. Ever. Alek was super helpful and made everything easy. I didn't have to do anything but provide documents and answer some questions. Highly recommend!
Barnab was fab from start to finish. Helped us get the plans sorted, dealt with the council, and even sorted out the licence conditions. They kept us updated the whole time, even did the heavy lifting while we were away.
Working with Barnab was an absolute breeze from the get-go! Alek was super attentive and on the ball, every piece of paperwork was spot-on, making the whole process a walk in the park... a solid 10/10 experience!
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