Solicitors specialising in all forms of regulatory licensing, including liquor sales, music, plays, films, food, vehicles, property and animals. In particular, we represent clients in making applications for licences, defending reviews and prosecutions. The firm is independantly recognised as leaders in this area of law by the Chambers Guide to the legal profession and the Legal 500.
Served areas
- England, Scotland, Wales
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Operating throughout the whole of England and Wales, our lawyers specialise in regulatory UK licensing law. We are a recognised leader in licensing law and deal with most types of statutory licensing, including alcohol sales, music, theatre, film, gambling, taxi and private hire vehicles, mobile homes, housing and street trading.
In order to undertake certain activities in the UK, it is necessary to obtain some form of authorisation from the local Council. There are a number of exemptions and in order to check that you are legal, it is sensible to obtain professional legal advice from a solicitor who is an expert in licensing law.
If the police take the view that the sale of alcohol is taking place in a premises which is associated with serious crime and/or serious disorder, they can apply for an expedited (also called 'summary') review. An expedited review takes place very quickly after it is applied for: Within 48 hours, the authority must give the licence holder a copy of the application and decide what steps, if any, it wishes to take. These steps come into immediate effect and cannot be appealed, although the authority can be asked to reconsider them at a hearing.
Licence Reviews are a way that an interested party or a Responsible Authority can ask the Council to place limitations on a licence that has already been issued in relation to alcohol sales, entertainment or gambling, to suspend it or to revoke it all together. With alcohol sales, there is also the option of the expedited review.
We act for licence holders who are faced with an expedited or full review, irrespective of whether or not we have assisted in obtaining the licence from the outset. Our experience shows that is vitally important that you prepare properly for the hearing. Once served with an application for a review, you have a period of 28 days in order to deal with any issues that have been raised and seek support, unless the application is for an expedited review.The Council is obliged to put up a notice near or on your premises which explains that a review has been applied for and that anyone with an interest can comment on it.
Reviews (2)
Fireworks Sale
Feb 17, 2022
Mike Southby
Apr 23, 2016