Hall Of Fame

Leading Partners

Licensing in North

Mincoffs Solicitors LLP

Mincoffs Solicitors LLP provides expert advice across licensing, gambling and related regulatory matters, acting for clients throughout England and Wales, with a strong focus on the North East. The team is especially active in alcohol, entertainment, gaming and gambling licensing, advising a wide range of clients including hotels, breweries, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets. Matthew Foster leads the team and is highly regarded for his work on licensing applications and enforcement issues, regularly acting for major national hospitality operators.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Foster


Les références

‘I have always found the service they offer to be exceptional. They have a very talented team with great knowledge and support. What’s more, they understand our business and industry and have great communications.’

‘My main point of contact is Matt Foster. He has a great knowledge of all subject matters I have discussed with him and has on a number of occasions managed to help us through some difficult situations. Matt and his team have great communications and genuinely are interested in our business and how they can support it. We have a long-standing relationship, and long may this continue.’

‘An exceptional solicitor firm with an outstanding team! The professionals at Mincoffs are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also genuinely committed to delivering the best outcomes for their clients. Their diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and expertise, fostering an inclusive and innovative environment.’

Principaux clients

Middlesbrough Empire


AJ’s


Blackrose Pubs Limited


Arch News NCL Limited


Noble Corp Limited


Monkey Puzzle Limited


Donzoko Brewery


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully represented Middlesbrough Empire regarding a summary review of the premises licence, saving the venue from the threat of permanent closure.
  • Obtained a new premises licence for Blackrose Pubs Limited to open a dedicated wine bar within Jesmond’s cumulative impact area.
  • Acted for Monkey Puzzle Limited regarding a new application for the recently redeveloped North Devon Holiday Resort, allowing for the flexibility to host weddings and large events.

Sintons LLP

Sintons LLP’s licensing team is active across the full spectrum of licensing law, from day-to-day advisory work to complex new applications, major variations, appeals and defending licence reviews, with a strong success rate. The firm is regularly instructed on premises licence applications in cumulative impact areas and offers notable expertise in gambling, particularly adult gaming centres, and taxi licensing. Team head Sarah Smith is well-regarded for her collaborative approach and deep knowledge of alcohol, gambling and taxi licensing matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Smith


Les références

‘The team are responsive and professional. They understand the market and simply do not provide the advice you may like to hear, but rather a pragmatic and practical steer which is financially beneficial to the business. The licensing practice is the premier in the North East and with the same degree of customer service – deals with major and minor applications in the same exemplary manner.’

‘The individuals are realistic and responsive, in particular Sarah Smith, has a wealth of experience in both the technical side of licensing and the practicalities of managing court and council committees in a manner which delivers for the client. This is complimented by Sarah Smith’s tenacity to push the boundaries to achieve the aims and aspirations of the client.’

‘The team has many contacts with local authority licensing teams with whom Sintons has developed good working relationships.’

Principaux clients

Danieli Holdings Ltd/Hold Group Ltd


Ladhar Group LLP


Malhotra Group Ltd


Apartment Group Ltd


Fenwick Ltd


Northumberland Estates Ltd


Newcastle United Football Co Ltd


Sayturk Group Limited


Pumphreys Blues Café Limited


The Auckland Project


Copenhagen 1801 Limited


Sir John Fitzgerald Limited


HRC Newcastle Ltd


Azalea Inns Limited


International Centre for Life (Property) Limited


Hibou Blanc Limited


RSGD Limited


H T Spaces Limited


Stack Containers Limited


Modnarway 2 Limited


AGN Events Limited


Square Burgers Limited


Bamburgh Castle Estates Limited


Wallsend Boys Club


Newcastle Labour Club


Treatview Limited


Scream for Pizza Limited


Building Design Northern Developments Limited


Jiuhou Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Anson House 15 Limited – Applied for and obtained a premises licence for a large, container park style, entertainment venue
  • Represented Tom Byron in a variation of premises licence to extend the hours in a Special Stress Area.
  • Successfully resolved a licensing application for Square Burgers Limited where negotiations between officers and client had stalled.

Ward Hadaway LLP

Ward Hadaway LLP’s dedicated licensing team advises a broad client base that includes national supermarkets, hotel groups, PLCs, restaurants, pubs, clubs, sporting venues, breweries and e-commerce platforms. The firm regularly handles all aspects of matters relating to the Licensing Act 2003 and has a strong track record in contested applications and successfully securing licences. The team is led by Richard Arnot, a specialist in licensing and regulatory law, who is frequently instructed by both operators and authorities across a wide range of licensed premises.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Arnot


Les références

‘The Ward Hadaway licensing team have been engaged with our business for over 15 years and have an intrinsic knowledge of our business. This is only achieved by Richard Arnot and his team engaging with us in a regular dialogue. They manage all of our management transitions seamlessly across a national geography.’

‘Richard Arnot is a seasoned professional in this area. Over 25 years, Richard and his various colleagues have yet to put a foot wrong. I enjoy his dialogue and value his opinion and approach and that of his team.’

Principaux clients

Co-operative Food Group


TGI Friday (now Liberty Bar & Restaurants Limited)


Tomahawk Steakhouses


Lane 7


Maki Ramen (Scotland)


Mal Maison


Hotel Du Vin


Iceland Foodstores


Dakota Hotels


Inn Collection Group