Licensing law

The reach of licensing law is broad ranging, multisectoral and often complex. Our licensing law specialists are adept at helping our clients to cut through the problems, understand the issues and identify the solutions.

We advise individuals and organisations applying for, holding and complying with various licences, as well as advising those responsible for the authorisation of, and enforcement against, others, in respect of licensed activities.

We take a holistic view of our clients’ problems, looking beyond the matter in hand and encompassing wider strategic advice to deliver a commercial advantage and / or enhance public protection.  Our strong expertise in regulatory & public law more broadly helps us to navigate more complex licensing issues, including those which involve interrelated health & safety and safeguarding obligations.

Our licensing law specialists advise clients on all aspects of licensing law including applications, compliance and reviews. We provide expert representation to those under investigation or subject to prosecution by regulatory bodies and responsible authorities, as well as conducting advocacy at hearings before licensing committees, magistrates, in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

We act for clients across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality & leisure, sport, retail, charity and transport.  We advise clients across all stages and on all sizes of matters – including operational matters in relation to individual premises to high level strategy across large scale portfolios.  Our experience includes advising operators, private members clubs, trade associations, licensing authorities, residents, charities, and the police. 

We can help you with:

• alcohol & refreshment licences
• entertainment licences and SEVs
• gambling licences
• street trading licences
• private hire vehicles and taxi licences
• private security & door services licences
• statutory interpretation, powers and duties (issues of vires)

Our licensing law specialists have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the industries in which our clients operate. The team is also able to seamlessly collaborate with colleagues from across our full service law firm, including real estate, planning & construction; charity law and criminal and financial crime to fully utilise the wealth of expertise and experience within Russell-Cooke.

Jeremy Phillips KC is a consultant within the team who brings unrivalled expertise on all matters concerning licensing law.  He is the editor-in-chief of Paterson’s Licensing Acts, published by LexisNexis and is a General Editor of Smith & Monkcom—The Law of Gambling, published by Bloomsbury.

Industry expertise 

We have the relevant licensing law experience to assist clients from a broad range of industries and within a multitude of sectors, including:

Hospitality, leisure & retail:

• retail & leisure centres
• supermarkets
• restaurants
• pubs
• bars
• hotels
• private members clubs
• entertainment venues
• cinemas
• theatres
  

Gambling (including where applicable to charities in the context of fundraising):

• betting
• gaming
• casinos
• lotteries
  

Transport:

• taxis
• private hire vehicles
  

Jeremy Phillips KC is ranked in Tier 2 in Chambers and Partners 2024 for Licensing: Silks, UK Bar

Jeremy Phillips KC is ranked in Legal 500 2024 for Licensing: Leading Silks, London Bar