Leading Associates

Licensing in London

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s dedicated London-based licensing team counts household names such as Tesco as key clients, and is prominent in the retail and hotel sectors. As well as advising on day-to-day licensing issues and assisting clients with licensing applications, particularly for gambling and alcohol licences, the team acts for clients with large developments, and assists developers with complex issues relating to licensing such as cumulative impact policy. In addition to its regulatory advice, the group is able to lean on the experience of practice head and associate director Jeremy Bark who, as a solicitor advocate, has a history of acting in licensing disputes, with a contentious offering including appeals at the High Courts in the UK.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeremy Bark


Les références

‘The firm practices in a very proactive and integrated way that makes it stand out. Partners are genuinely working with the clients to achieve intended objectives. Impartial, objective and honest.’

‘Jeremy Bark has good communication skills and empathy, and a dedication to the legal profession’s objectivity and integrity.’

Principaux clients

Tesco Stores


Marriott Hotels


Bvlgari Hotel


Jeremy King Restaurants


Cottons


Avant Restaurants


ITV


Grove Hotel


Athenaeum Hotel


Northwood


John Gaunt & Partners

John Gaunt & Partners displays strong depth at partner level, with a sizeable nationwide team whose leaders Jon Wallsgrove in Gosport and Christopher Grunert in London are supported by Tim Shield and Michelle Hazlewood in Sheffield. Hazelwood is especially active in the leisure industry, and Shield is prolific in the hotels space, forming a group-wide client base which is as broad as the team itself, growing its client roster in 2024 with the addition of large hospitality chains including well-known national restaurant chain Nando’s. Grunert stands out as a particularly versatile practitioner who has expertise in alcohol, gaming, taxi and sexual entertainment law, all areas of interest for the wider group for licensing requirements, applications and appeals, as well as licensing issues stemming from high value acquisitions and restructurings. Former practice head Luke Elford departed from the firm in January 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jon Wallsgrove; Christopher Grunert


Autres avocats clés:

Tim Shield; Leigh Schelvis; Michelle Hazlewood


Les références

We continue to use them due to their professionalism and industry knowledge.’

‘We find him knowledgeable, experienced, and very contactable.’

‘Extremely professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of the business. Clear and direct communication.’

Principaux clients

Marks & Spencer’s


Waitrose


John Lewis


Canary Wharf Group


Marston’s PLC


Whitbread


Robinson’s


Nando’s


Insomia Cookies


Incipio


Live Nation


Welcome Break


Away Resorts


Aramark


David Lloyd Leisure


The Devonshire Group


Southern Co-op


The Goodwood Estate


Odeon Cinema Group


Benugo


Convene


Hotel Co 51


Liberation Group


Portobello Pub Company


Sodexo


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Canary Wharf Group with all licensing matters for an initial period of three years.
  • Advising Premier Inn (Whitbread Group PLC) on their 800 Great Britain estate, specifically an extensive repositioning of the restaurant arm of the business across England, Wales and Scotland in addition to supporting the continued growth of business.
  • Advising Marston’s PLC on all licensing matters impacting their 1,300+ estate across the Great Britain including capital expenditure programmes, disposals and acquisitions.

Keystone Law

Keystone Law is adept at advising on property licensing issues for large-scale hotel and hospitality developments, alcohol and gambling licences, as well as licensing hearings and reviews, housing a large team which continues to expand and benefit from the addition of three partners from former law firm Memery Crystal in 2025. This includes Carl Rohsler, a gambling law specialist forming a key part of the group’s activity in gambling licence applications and review matters, operating for clients nationally but notably in prime Central London locations. Gareth Hughes brings strength in the hospitality industry including restaurants and late-night hospitality, often advising on matters stemming from corporate transactions and M&A. Elsewhere, Andrew Wong regularly works with local councils on specific licensing issues, while Niall McCannhas a personable approach to navigating difficult and complex applications opposed by residents.’ Craig Baylis departed from the firm in 2025, while October of the same year saw Luke Elford join the practice from John Gaunt & Partners, adding experience in alcohol and entertainment licensing matters.

Autres avocats clés:

Gareth Hughes; Carl Rohsler; Niall McCann; Andrew Wong; Marcus Lavell; Luke Elford


Les références

‘Very wide-ranging expertise across all areas of local authority licensing processes.’

‘Collaborative approach to negotiations with both local authority officers and interested party objectors.’

‘Marcus Lavell is passionate about the sector, with a collaborative approach to dealing with concerns raised by applications for premises licence or variations, ready to make concessions where appropriate but remain robust where agreement cannot be reached. Strong advocacy too.’

Principaux clients

Yds Uk Trading Limited


Samocca Assets Limited


Knotel UK Ltd


The Bootstrap Company Limited


D & A York Limited


Vanity License Ltd


Abolfazl Samizadeh


Sands Resort Hotel Limited


Nags Head Limited


Boxcar Limited


Cannon Corporate Limited


Padd Sq Ltd


Hippodrome Casino Ltd


Justerini & Brooks


Background Bars Ltd


Background Bars Ltd


Hard Rock Cafe (Uk) Limited


Spider Entertainment Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted The Bootstrap Company Limited with extending the hours and increase the capacity of The Bootyard.
  • Acted for Samocca Assets Limited, the freeholder of Louche Soho, in a summary review of the premises licence.
  • Acted for Knotel UK Ltd in a case relating to the relaxation of the membership conditions of the exclusive Old Sessions House members club on Clerkenwell Green.

Poppleston Allen

Poppleston Allen, a large boutique licensing firm, is known for its skill in Cumulative Impact zones mandates, particularly in prestigious areas such as Westminster in which objections are common due to its ability to draw upon experience acting opposite the Environmental Health Authority, the police and the Licensing Authority. Practice head Lisa Inzani has a strong track record of assisting large national restaurant chains, but expertise within the wider group extends to alcohol-related licensing, which forms the vast majority of the wider practice. David Inzani is skilled at assisting independent companies and large chains, particularly in relation to high-value entertainment licensing work, an area in which the wider group is also engaged, while Felix Faulkner is also cited as key.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Inzani


Autres avocats clés:

David Inzani; Felix Faulkner


Les références

‘A go-to firm for licensing.’

‘Lisa Inzani is by far and away the best in the business in our opinion. No-one comes close!’

‘I have found the firm very professional and timely.’

Principaux clients

Pavilion Fulham Green


Bechstein Hall


Breadstall


Brother Marcus


Windmill Taverns


Live Nation


The Wolseley Hospitality Group


Wagamama Limited


Caprice Holdings/The Birley Group


Thunderbird Fried Chicken


State of Play


Point A Hotels


Cote


Bills


The Royal Horticultural Society


Rosa’s Thai


CHIK’N


Selfridges Retail


51st State


Honest Burgers Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted The Pickle Factory with obtaining a 5am premises licence for The Pickle Factory nightclub, significantly increasing its capacity.
  • Acted for Live Nation’s Derby Summer Sessions festival to obtain a new premises licence for a 20,000 capacity 6 day live music event featuring acts such as Blossoms, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and Jess Glynne.
  • Acted for Rosewood Le Caprice restaurant in a new premises licence application.

Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP

Lauded as ‘extremely well-connected and knowledgeable in terms of the law and connections of police/council,’ licensing boutique Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP maintains a strong reputation as a London-centric practice with a strong grip on high-end licensing matters in central London, due to its base in London and a large volume of involvement in matters for central London boroughs. Alun Thomas and Thomas O’Maoileoin jointly head up the team. Holly McColgan utilises experience as a senior licensing officer at Westminster City Council to work on prestigious licence applications for prestigious institutions in Soho. Thomas is a go-to practitioner for development companies, routinely called upon by the firm’s prestigious clients with large development portfolios such as landlords, hospitality owners and national institutions, often advising on obtaining cumulative impact zone licences. Jack Spiegler stands out for licence extensions in the face of residential objections.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alun Thomas; Thomas O’Maoileoin


Autres avocats clés:

Jack Spiegler; Holly McColgan


Les références

‘They are specialists in licensing.’

‘Calm, understanding, helpful, knowledgeable, trustworthy and very capable.’

‘Extremely well-connected and knowledgeable in terms of the law and connections to police/council. They can also assist with strategy.’

Principaux clients

Penthouse Club (Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd)


Groucho Club


Maison Estelle


Kensington RG Limited


Peninsula London, LP


EartH (Evolutionary Arts Centre Hackney)


Creative Restaurants


Land Securities


Jamie Oliver Cookery School


Sloane Gardens Hotel Limited


New Evaristo Club


Mothership Hoxton Ltd (Colours)


University Women’s Club


Farsight Collective


Molard Investments Ltd– Shoreditch Hotel


The Little Door Company


Clays


Louche Soho


George Bukhov


Principaux dossiers


  • Instructed by international operator Penthouse (Soho Prime Entertainment Ltd) to apply for a sexual entertainment venue licence in Soho, obtaininga 3.00 am licence, despite vociferous objections from “local residents”.
  • Acting for The Groucho in a high-profile licensing review.
  • Assisted Jamie Oliver, John Lewis cookery school and 6 Catherine Street restaurant with obtaining a new premises licence for his new Cookery School in John Lewis Oxford Street.

TLT

TLT‘s team has a strong presence in Bristol and London, and group head Matthew Phipps divides his time between the two locations, leading the group’s activity in alcohol licences for premises, a strength of the wider group. Among the team’s varied workload is regulation and advice to associations such as the Night-time Industries Association, but the group particularly stands out for the volume of licensing applications in which it acts. Ewen Macgregor has longstanding client relationships with independent leisure and retail operators across industries such as hospitality sector, with major pub, restaurant and hotel chains forming his varied client base.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Phipps


Autres avocats clés:

Ewen McGregor


Les références

‘Pragmatic, commercially led advice.’

‘Matthew Phipps is great at building relationships and trust with responsible authorities. Pragmatic; commercially and operationally astute. Ewen McGregor is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Excellent industry knowledge and real specialists in the licensing sector.’

Principaux clients

Punch Pubs


Greene King


St Austell Brewery Limited


Eventhia


Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG)


WHSmith


Iceland Foods Limited


Admiral Tavern Limited


Welcome Break Limited


Daylesford Organics Limited


Accor UK Business and Leisure Hotels Limited


BM Management Limited


Pizza Pilgrims


KFC


TVF Limited


Boxpark Limited


Flight Club Darts and Electric Shuffle


Ashton Gate Limited


Langosteria London Limited


FKP Scorpio UK Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Olympia with the comprehensive re-licensing surrounding the £1.3 billion redevelopment of the Olympia exhibition halls in west London.
  • Assisted Flight Club Darts and Electric Shuffle (the Red Engine group) with all their licensing requirements.
  • Assisted Licensed Solutions with the 51 applications necessary to reinstate the licence after TGI Friday’s entered administration.

Woods Whur

Woods Whur stands out for a strong contentious licensing practice, acting in a range of licensing hearings, particularly in the Yorkshire area. Of note is its base in Leeds, from which it handles alcohol licensing applications, but also its ability to represent clients in criminal and civil courts in London. Within M&A transactions, the group often counsels clients on issues arising from high-value acquisitions to ensure a smooth transition between parties. Founding firm members Paddy Whur, who has a strength in retail and hospitality sector licensing, and solicitor advocate Andrew Woods are at the helm, while Christopher Rees-Gay specialises in festivals and large events, and is another key practitioner in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paddy Whur; Andrew Woods


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Rees-Gay


Principaux clients

Everyman Media Limited


Camden Market Management Company Limited


BTG Licenceco Limited


Epic Bars


Heron Foods Limited


Travelodge Limited


Arc Inspirations


Tokyo Industries


Broadwick Venues


London Borough of Newham


TEG Venues UK Limited


Ossett Brewery


Electric Group


Harrods Limited


Adil Group Limited


Mint Festival Limited


CPFC Limited


Rileys Sports Bars Limited


Build Hollywood Limited


Roxy Leisure Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Electric Group in an appeal hearing for a shadow licence at the Leadmill in Sheffield after a 3-day hearing, winning and getting full costs.
  • Assisted BTG with licensing work relating to its estates.
  • Acting for Harrods in relation to a new event space on the top of the iconic department store.

Hugh James

The Cardiff-based practice at Hugh James has a standout regional offering, acting for prominent regional clients but also forging relationships with local government, public authorities or the agencies connected with them in both England and Wales. Martin Jones, the head of the firm’s regulatory practice, is a key force behind the team’s strength in matters stemming from a regulatory enquiry, leading many of these matters. Aled Walters, head of the firm’s commercial department, boasts a client base of some of the UK’s leading gaming and gambling companies, and is a key part of the group’s longstanding client relationships with established bookmakers in the country.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Jones


Autres avocats clés:

Aled Walters


Principaux clients

True Swing Limited


Depot Warehouse Limited


Hangout Café Limited


Hope’s End Limited


Il Gusto Oxford Limited


Golden Square Market Ltd


Coal Exchange Operations Ltd


Croeso Inns Ltd


Double Diamond Casino


Moke Enterprise Limited


S. A. Brain and Co Ltd


Metro Bank Plc


Game Nation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a client on a contested appeal relating to a prominent Brixton venue.
  • Advising a large casino group on licensing compliance.
  • Advising a client on a large product promotion matter associated with a well-known air miles club.

Irwin Mitchell

With a national presence, Irwin Mitchell operates a full-service practice with particular emphasis on the leisure, retail and hospitality licensing industries. Philip Somarakis, head of the firm’s regulatory and criminal investigations group, oversees the team, offering advice to a varied client base ranging from prestigious institutions such as Oxford Union to local retailers in the UK. The group recruited a team of seven regulatory lawyers from Ince & Co in 2023 and continues to assist with investigations by authorities over breaches of the Licensing Act 2003. At associate level, Andrew Cotton can be noted for both gambling and alcohol licensing advice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philip Somarakis


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Cotton


Les références

‘The firm deals with contentious licensing cases ranging from premises licence applications and reviews to niche driving licence issues.’

‘Philip Somarakis is a superb and tenacious licensing lawyer, often achieving extraordinary results through persistence and litigation.’

‘Very personalised service and committed to achieving positive outcomes. Going beyond what is expected.’

Principaux clients

Oxford Union


Prez Ed Limited


Midcounties Co-operative Limited


Wicked Fish Ltd


Tyrrells Wood Golf Club


Too Damn Cheeky Sound & Vision Limited


Esra Sahin


Independent Spanish Restaurants (Brighton) Ltd


Roielle Morris


Krishnamurti Foundation Trust


Kaaizan’s


Oxford Union


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted BAFTA with general licensing advice for BAFTA.
  • Assisted Wicked Fish Ltd with dealing with an appeal against a decision by the local authority to revoke the client’s premises licence due to an incident at the premises.
  • Assisted Roielle Morris with successfully obtaining the grant of a premises licence which attracted representations and successfully representing the client before a licensing sub-committee and making a second application for a new site.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP, which is involved in ‘complex licensing applications for large retailers’, operates in a multidisciplinary fashion, working on liquor licensing, gambling and civic government licensing advice throughout the UK for household name clients such as Tesco PLC, as well as assisting with strategic matters for licensing applications. Hannah Burton, who has a specialism in the licensing of large developments, is based in Birmingham and demonstrates experience in dealing with local authorities offers clients an advantage in matters involving these authorities. Zoe Betts in Manchester, who heads up the team, is a criminal regulatory law specialist.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zoe Betts


Autres avocats clés:

Hannah Burton


Les références

‘A big firm which has fostered trusting long term relationships with key corporate clients. The licensing team are capable, and are regularly involved in complex licensing applications for large retailers in Northern Ireland.’

‘Very skilful and ability to resolve issues that arise. Great communicators.’

‘Very personalised service and committed to achieving positive outcomes. Going beyond what is expected.’

Principaux clients

Capital Arches Group Limited


Portman Group


Tesco PLC


Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs, whose core team is based in Birmingham, fields a team with proficiencies that span alcohol, entertainment and late-night food sales licensing issues, both in relation to new licensing applications and strategic advice relating to potential hearings due to objections. While the practice more broadly is especially catered to the hotel sector, assisting the largest independent hotel management company in the UK, team leader Stephanie Perraton is instructed by a particularly diverse client roster of clients in the hotel, transport hub and convenience retail spaces. Angela Hackett is another key team member.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephanie Perraton


Autres avocats clés:

Angela Hackett


Les références

‘I have worked with the team in Birmingham for many years, and they are impeccable. Always on hand with any queries and service is exceptional.’

‘Stephanie Perraton and Angela Hackett are the key people that have always stood out to me. We have a great working relationship, and they fully understand the business and its requirements.’

Principaux clients

Select Service Partner Ltd


Roadchef Motorways


Leonardo Hotel Management (UK) Ltd


RBH Hotel Management


HICP & DTP Hospitality (instructed via Valor Hospitality)


WPP Group


Fattal Properties


Etc. Venues


Birmingham City Football Club (referral from Corporate team)


Lime Tree Hotel (part of Room-Mate Hotels)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Select Service Partner Ltd on all aspects of applications and/or representing the client at hearings if there are objections
  • Acted for RBH Management (formerly Redefine BDL) in dealing with all manager changes and a number of substantive applications.
  • Assisted Birmingham City Football Club with obtaining licensing approval for the stadium and on-site Club shop.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP

The volume of off-trade licensing assistance undertaken by practitioners at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, particularly assistance with new licence applications, continues to grow, and has seen associates such as Jeenna Khela more involved in licensing hearings stemming from objections. These hearings are both council hearings and cases in court in which the group is involved. Practice head Robert Botkai has ‘best-in-class experience’, as well as strong relationships with large commercial retailers and supermarkets. Such companies sit among a varied client base for Botkai, emblematic of the group’s overall portfolio, which is filled with clients requiring on-trade licensing advice such as pubs, clubs and bars.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert Botkai


Autres avocats clés:

Jeenna Khela


Les références

‘The team at Winckworth Sherwood has a deep and highly commercial expertise in licensing. For any real estate matter which also incorporates licensing, I would also immediately instruct Winckworth Sherwood.’

‘Robert Botkai has best-in-class experience. His advice is highly commercial and he knows how to achieve optimum results.’

‘They are a well established team who are fluent and proactive in what they do.’

Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLPprovides an outstanding all round service for licensed premises’ and advises across all licensing regimes, commonly within the hotel sector, but also providing expertise across other key industry sectors including leisure, transport, and property management. In addition to this, the group displays a growing proficiency in assisting online retailers with alcohol licensing issues. Joanne Attwood heads up the group and stands out for broader regulatory expertise, as is heavily involved in the group’s key strategic applications in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joanne Attwood


Les références

‘Burges Salmon provides excellent licensing services supported by wide industry, commercial and environmental knowledge which enables them to provide an outstanding all round service for licensed premises.’

‘Joanne Attwood has impressive licensing knowledge and experience, which enables her to quickly identify and effectively address licensing matters. Joanna is very client friendly and her personal skills enable her to liaise effectively with licensing and responsible authorities.’

Principaux clients

Birmingham Museums Trust


Crown Estate


University of Bristol


First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Limited


Redline Competitions


Atlas Hotels Limited


London and Regional Group Hotel Holdings Ltd


Pandox AB


Churchcastle Limited


Private Individuals


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Birmingham Museums Trust on a major Premises Licence variation application.
  • Advising the University of Bristol on its wide-ranging licensed portfolio.
  • Advising an international online retailer on the licensing issues around remote sales.