Licensing

Whether you operate a pub, restaurant, club, hotel, wedding venue, sports venue, concert venue, off licence, supermarket or want to hold a weekend festival, our team of licensing specialists are here to help you every step of the way.

Key contact

Heath Thomas

Partner, Head of Insurance, Risk and Regulatory and Thames Valley Office
+44 3301 075 810
+44 7966 492 929

From world-famous department stores to local festivals, having the correct licence and understanding its conditions can have a huge impact on what you’re trying to achieve. I help you to get the licences you need to operate, keep you compliant with the law, and provide support when a breach occurs.

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Expert licensing advice

Our friendly team of experts will advise you on the licenses you need, getting you up and running quickly and efficiently.

We can help you apply for, and secure, licenses for new and existing premises, the transfer of premises licenses and personal licenses. The team can also help you with gaming machine permits, pavement licenses, temporary events notices, sexual entertainment venue licenses, wedding licenses and advising on Designated Premises Supervisors (DPS) changes.

In all our work, our standing in the wider licensing arena gives you additional support. We have strong relationships with licensing authorities and other agencies across the UK. If you or any of your team need to upskill in any area as part of your licensing requirements, we can advise on the training providers best placed to help.

Proactive support if things go wrong

If something does go wrong at your premises, we can help you get things back on track and represent you in any interviews, investigations, proceedings and hearings.

Our advice and support covers interim steps, licensing reviews, appeals, closure orders, interviews under caution and prosecution.

Our solicitors regularly appear before licensing sub-committees and the courts. If required, we’re also skilled in creating actions plans with you and the relevant authorities to correct any issues and prevent any further breaches.

We have a track record of success and finding the solutions needed to keep your premises trading.

Services from our Insurance, Risk and Regulatory team

Recognition of our work

Investors in People

Recommended for Quality

Times Best Law Firm

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Hear what our clients say about us

Thank you for your advice, council and everything else

M Shepherd Client testimonial

As well as being incredibly professional and conscientious, Ruth was also incredibly kind and reassuring. This was a very difficult time for me, which had gone on for a long time.

Ruth reassured me with her knowledge of the law but was also a caring and empathetic person to be around. I honestly would not have got through it without her. Thank you so much Ruth.

Client An inquest and with insurance difficulties

As someone who practices at the Bar almost exclusively in the area of health and safety and regulatory law … I can say that Jonathan (Edwards) has a well-deserved reputation for being at the top of his professional tree.

He has a vast array of legal knowledge and also possesses considerable tactical and strategic acumen in relation to whether or not cases should be defended….

James Leonard, Barrister Outer Temple Chambers

I have worked with Jonathan Edwards as my ‘go-to’ legal specialist for over two decades. His strong technical skills backed up by an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the insurance market make him unique and he adds genuine value off the back of this. He has a calm and friendly nature, always taking time to understand us as a business and I am truly grateful for the invaluable support he has provided me over the years.

Jamie Lewis, Managing Director Jensten Group Ltd

I have instructed Jonathan over many years, because he quickly grasps and focuses on the key issues of an assignment, provides strong technical advice and delivers excellent outcomes. I know he is very well regarded in the insurance market. Just as importantly, he has a really positive manner that puts clients at their complete ease. He is someone I would thoroughly recommend.

Strong technical advice

Jonathan Edwards is a tremendous asset to have on your side. He combines a forensic eye for detail with astute tactical and practical advice derived from his many years of experience. His case analysis, judgment and ability to master complicated factual and technical details with ease mark him out as an outstanding lawyer. Jonathan is always approachable and calm in even the most highly pressurised situations and he adds real value to every case in which he is instructed.

Angus Withington QC Henderson Chambers

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