Hall Of Fame

Leading Partners

Licensing in North

Mincoffs Solicitors LLP

The ‘rock solid‘ licensing and gambling team at Mincoffs Solicitors LLP regularly acts for both local and national operators as well as individuals operating in the hospitality, retail, entertainment, and leisure sectors. Under the leadership of ‘always very supportive and helpful’ practice head Matthew Foster, the Newcastle-based team has a solid track record advising hotel chains on the preparation and negotiation of licensing applications, as well as contentious applications, reviews, and prosecutions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Foster


Les références

‘Matt is always very supportive and helpful when navigating licensing matters, helping us get licences in challenging situations. ’

‘The team is rock solid. Always on hand and ready to deal with all and any circumstances. ’

‘Matt Foster embodies the team. Rock solid, nothing unsteadies him. ’

Principaux clients

Rubicon Pastimes Limited


Noble Inc


Spot White


These Things Happen


Branching Up North Limited


Rebel Hospitality Ltd


Gingerino’s Kitchen Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Spot White West in obtaining new 5am premises licence in Newcastle city centre, negotiated and granted.
  • Assisted Cafè Amsterdam  in a new premises licence application in a cumulative impact zone, contested and secured at hearing.
  • Assisted Osborne Hotel & Whisky Bar in a variation of premises licences in a cumulative impact zone, contested and secured at hearing.

Sintons LLP

The licensing offering at Sintons LLP spans the full spectrum of licensing work, including handling new license applications, appeals, and the defence of license reviews for a diverse group of clients. Praised by clients for its 'depth of knowledge', the team also regularly advises on complex applications in cumulative impact policy and special stress areas. Taxi licensing matters are among the group's areas of strength, and also a specialism of practice head Sarah Smith.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Smith


Les références

‘The team has a depth of knowledge and contacts within local authority licensing departments which ensure smooth applications. Good response times and industry knowledge are the qualities which shine through. The team always produces results.’

‘Sarah Smith is very professional and offers over thirty years experience in the licensing arena. She has built up strong relationships with licensing officers which is invaluable in negotiating licensing conditions. She has good business acumen and offers great advice.’

‘Sarah Smith is an exceptional licensing solicitor – a bringer of calm and charm to clients and committees, well-liked and respected by the industry and regulators alike. A class act. ’

Principaux clients

Danieli Holdings Ltd


Ladhar Group LLP


Malhotra Group Ltd


Apartment Group Ltd


Fenwick Ltd


Northumberland Estates Ltd


Newcastle United Football Co Ltd


Hibou Blanc Ltd


Pumphreys Blues Café Limited


Sir John Fitzgerald Limited


Copenhagen 1801 Limited


Sayturk Group Limited


HRC Newcastle Ltd


Azalea Inns Limited


San Panteleo Limited


Stack Containers Limited


Mad Martini Limited


RSGD Limited


Sandman Hotel Group UK Limited


North East Members Limited


Horticulture Leisure 2 Limited


International Centre for Life (Property) Limited


Ruby May (2) Limited


Brack Burger Limited


Times Square Leisure Limited


Modnarway 2 Limited


Tapyard Studios Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Obtained a new premises licence for Newcastle United Football Club/Stack Containers Limited to create a 3000 capacity fan zone in the cumulative impact area of Newcastle City Centre.
  • Obtained a new premises licence to amalgamate 2 venues with increase in overall capacity and extension of hours in Newcastle City Centre for Times Square Leisure Limited.

Ward Hadaway LLP

The ‘excellent‘ Richard Arnot leads the Newcastle-based licensing and regulatory team at Ward Hadaway LLP, which cooperates closely with the firm’s national network of offices to advise both regional and national clients on a variety of matters, including reviews, temporary event notices, personal and premises licences, and contested applications. Arnot acts for licence holders, including retailers, nightclub operators, and pub companies, as well as local authorities and police forces, handling both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Arnot


Les références

‘The licensing team at Ward Hadaway has worked with us over a number of years to ensure that our operations are up-to-date, consistently monitored and cared for.’

‘Richard Arnott at Ward Hadaway licensing has looked after our licensing affairs understands our business and licensing requirements to the fullest extent possible. Always available to give advice and even as a sounding board, his relationship skills are exceptional, and we would be happy to recommend him and the team to all.’

Principaux clients

Co-operative Food Group


TGI Friday


Tomahawk Steakhouses


Lane 7


Rio Steakhouses


Mal Maison


Hotel Du Vin


Iceland Foodstores


Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club


Inn Collection Group