The new Licensing and Gambling Acts have had a significant impact on many businesses in the hospitality sector. We have advised many restaurants, bars, clubs and venues on their licensing requirements, including applications for new premises licenses and applications to vary existing premises licenses.
We can provide advocacy at licensing hearings and negotiate with key parties prior to the hearing, with a view to reaching agreement on as many areas of the application as possible.
The team is also able to assist with any other authorities, consents or applications that are required for your business from government or other bodies. We are able to deal with the local or central government agencies on your behalf, drawing on our experience acting for the regulators themselves.
Our team
- Licensing cases are handled by our highly-regarded Professional Regulation specialists, working closely with our commercial property team.
- Matt Bosworth, our licensing advocate, is an experience regulatory solicitor and advocate and has a strong record in licensing hearings. As well as presenting the case effectively, where possible Matt will negotiate with key parties prior to the hearing, with a view to avoiding any unpleasant surprises at the Licensing Committee stage.
- In the area of alcohol and entertainment licensing we have successfully pursued applications for innovative licensing concepts including a wine tasting shop and an outdoor "city beach".
- Jo Rengger, a solicitor in our commercial property Team, advises on the sale or acquisition of licensed premises including pubs, restaurants, bars, hotels and nightclubs.