Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s broad client base includes major companies in the retail, leisure, hospitality and banking industries. The team is skilled in advising on licensing for large developments, new applications for gambling and alcohol licences, and regulatory enforcement matters, including reviews and prosecutions. Solicitor advocate Jeremy Bark, who has a strong track record of acting in judicial reviews and appeals, is the group’s practice head and is highlighted for providing ‘expert assistance‘ in licensing matters.

John Gaunt & Partners, notable for its national presence, fields a sizeable specialist licensing team which is extremely active in the retail and leisure industries, in addition to acting for entertainment sector heavyweights. The group often represents clients in licensing reviews and regulatory enforcement actions and advises on alcohol, gaming, taxi and other licences. The group is spearheaded by Luke Elford, who has acted in a number of complex recent sexual entertainment cases, Tim Shield, leisure sector specialist Michelle Hazlewood, Christopher Grunert and Jon Wallsgrove, who is especially well known in the retail licensing space.

Keystone Law has a strong track record of advising on premises for large-scale hotel and hospitality developments, liquor and gambling licences, and licensing hearings and reviews, fielding a sizeable team with extensive experience. Among the key names in the team, Gareth Hughes is particularly active in the hospitality sector; Marcus Lavell represents some of the leading nightclubs and bars in the West End, and has ‘an excellent reputation, especially in the toughest licence reviews' before London licensing authorities; and Andrew Wong is ‘especially strong' in advising on licence applications for large mixed-use developments. Craig Baylis and Niall McCann also lend expertise to the practice.

Poppleston Allen is a leading firm when it comes to advising on alcohol and gambling licensing, and is commended for its familiarity with the hospitality sector and its 'excellent knowledge of licensing procedures'. The group is particularly active in matters involving cumulative impact zones. Lisa Inzani heads up the team, and is adept at assisting high-end bars and restaurants, as well as significant companies in the entertainment sector. ‘Future star‘ David Inzani, who made partner in April 2023, is also heavily involved in the group’s alcohol and entertainment licensing work. Felix Faulkner is another key name to note in the group.

At ‘helpful, knowledgeable and responsive‘ licensing boutique Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP, the group displays a ‘deep knowledge of licensing laws and how they operate within the hospitality sector‘ and also stands out for its work within the London Borough of Westminster. The team's recent work includes advising on landmark developments in cumulative impact zones. Alun Thomas, who is particularly active in advising London-based development companies, and managing partner Thomas O’Maoileoin head up the team. Other key names include Jack Spiegler, Will Robinson and Holly McColgan, who brings to bear experience as a senior licensing officer at Westminster City Council.

TLT is instructed by a varied roster of clients with a national presence, including major pub, restaurant and hotel chains, often working on large-scale licensing applications. Matthew Phipps heads up the team, splitting his time between London and Bristol, and is highlighted for his experience of representing clients in licence hearings (including summary reviews following crime and disorder at licensed premises). Piers Warne and Ewen Macgregor are also key team members, acting for a range of hospitality clients and assisting with some of the country’s largest premises licence applications, as well as advising on regulatory changes relating to ‘Martyn’s Law’.

Woods Whur is a go-to firm for alcohol licensing applications, and also has notable experience in licensing for premises situated within cumulative impact zones. The team are frequently active in representing clients in licence hearings and judicial reviews. Andrew Woods, who is skilled in advising on contested alcohol licensing applications, with particular strength in the London market, leads the team with Paddy Whur, who assists with premises licences for retail and hospitality clients throughout the UK. Christopher Rees-Gay also has a varied practice, with significant expertise in licensing for festivals and large events.

Gosschalks‘ national licensing practice works with a host of high-profile clients, including a number of major supermarket chains, cinemas, hotels, and health clubs. Hull-based practice head Richard Taylor boasts decades of experience handling alcohol, entertainment, and gambling license applications, working with clients in England, Wales, and Scotland. Other key figures include market veteran Anthony Lyons, also based in Hull.

Irwin Mitchell has established a strong presence in the licensing space following the addition of several key lawyers from Ince & Co in September 2023. The group possesses a great deal of experience in the leisure, retail and hospitality sectors, and acts for leading names in the entertainment field. Practice head Philip Somarakis, who is also the firm’s head of regulatory, specialises in gambling, alcohol, and entertainment licensing. Gaming sector expert Andrew Cotton is a key contact for gambling licensing matters.

At Pinsent Masons LLP, Birmingham-based Hannah Burton leverages her local authority background when handling licensing matters across England and Wales, with significant experience in alcohol licensing and licensing for large developments, including appearing in hearings regarding licensing applications, while Zoe Betts leads the regulatory licensing group from Manchester. The group acts for clients in the hospitality, leisure, retail and tourism sectors, and often works with the firm’s sizeable real estate, restructuring and corporate teams.

Squire Patton Boggs is highlighted for its 'expert knowledge' across a wide range of licensing matters, with particular expertise in the hotel, transport hub and convenience retail spaces, acting for well-known chains across the UK. The 'utterly amazing' Stephanie Perraton heads up the team from Birmingham, and has a broad practice covering alcohol, entertainment and late-night food sales licensing.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP fields an 'experienced team with an excellent knowledge of this specialised area', which is distinguished by its expertise in the supermarket and petrol forecourt spaces. However, the group handles licensing matters across an array of sectors, including hospitality, leisure, and arts and entertainment. The broad practice ranges from licence applications (including contentious licence applications and variations) to enforcement and regulatory work. The team is led by Robert Botkai, who ‘stands out as an excellent advisor on all licensing matters‘.

Burges Salmon LLP's client base extends from hotels to leisure venues, sports stadia and festivals, and it has also seen a recent increase in instructions from online operators. The team advises on alcohol and entertainment premises licence applications and variations, as well as gambling, taxi, street trading and other licensing matters. Leading the group is Joanne Attwood, who ‘offers keen strategic awareness combined with admirable personal and social skills’.