Lauded as ‘persuasive before any forum, whether it is a court or a licensing panel, with a non-confrontational style that gets results’, Cornerstone Barristers has a large public sector client base within licensing, with local authorities featuring as key clients for senior counsel within the set. In this regard, James Findlay KC is adept in all forms of local authority licensing, in addition to a full range of gambling and alcohol licensing expertise, as well as challenging licensing applications with local councils, including city councils. Ranjit Bhose KC has been involved in high-profile licensing cases, precedent setting work for Uber, including representing the claimant in Uber Britannia Limited v Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council. Josef Cannon KC, who was appointed silk in 2024, was also involved this case. Taxi litigation is a strong area of expertise for Asitha Ranatunga, a key junior within the set, and elsewhere sexual entertainment venue licensing, and public entertainment licensing are also cornerstones of the work for barristers.

Francis Taylor Building  has a strength in alcohol licensing, and often works on licences for a range of venues including pubs, clubs, and bars. Gerald Gouriet KC is active in gambling licensing and taxi licensing, as well as appearing in high court appeals involving local authorities. . Another key silk to note is Jeremy Phillips KC, who ‘knows premises licensing law in enormous detail‘, represented Co-op Live in its licence application. At junior level, James Rankin is competent in gaming and betting licensing, but is particularly involved in premises and venue licensing for venues such as cinemas and hotels. Elsewhere, Leo Charalambides is a leader in the sex establishment licensing space and advises represents venues in Westminster in relation to complying with the Licensing Act 2003.

With a strong track record of representing leading clients in the hospitality and gambling sectors, Three Raymond Buildings has built a strong reputation in licensing which has ‘been maintained by a strong presence of licensing specialists across all levels of experience.’ One such barrister, who is one of a deep bench of juniors in the set, is Sarah Le Fevre. Le Fevre is entrusted by police forces inside and outside of London for licensing matters. Its silks include Saba Naqshbandi KC, who is prolific in high-end premises licensing in Westminster, particularly in Mayfair and Soho, as well as Matthew Butt KC who has a strength in firearms licensing. Among other senior counsel is Stephen Walsh KC, who represented the local authority in Walksafe Security Services v LB Lewisham, a case concerning the lawfulness of remote licencing hearings.