Alcohol & Entertainment Licensing
We represent clients operating licensed premises in all parts of England and Wales and have an enviable record of obtaining and retaining premises licences for clients in challenging circumstances.
Such licences cover:
- the sale by retail of alcohol; or
- the supply of alcohol to a member of a club; and/or
- the provision of regulated entertainment (which includes, but is not limited to, the playing of music, the provision of facilities for dancing, performances of plays and the exhibition of films); and apply to a large range of premises including pubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, theatres, cinemas, petrol stations, bingo halls and casinos.
To ensure that clients obtain a licence that is right for their business our service includes the following:
- undertaking pre-application consultation with statutory authorities and interested parties (such as local residents) in order to maximise the prospects of obtaining a suitable licence;
- handling all aspects of the application process including careful bespoke drafting of the application and arranging for any advertising required;
- negotiating with any parties (including the Police, the Fire Authority and the Environmental Health Officer), who object to an application;
- preparing evidence (including expert witness evidence) in support of an application when objections remain;
- representation at any council sub-committee hearing by an experienced specialist licensing lawyer;
- advising on, and representation at, any necessary appeal hearings and applications for Judicial Review.
We also assist clients:
- in circumstances where premises licences are being reviewed;
- when a criminal prosecution is either being threatened or has been brought, including accompanying clients to interviews under caution;
- in obtaining, and retaining, personal licences;
- with their in-house training requirements.
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