Late Night Refreshment

Premises which provide hot food and/or hot beverages – whether for ‘take-away’ purposes or not – between 11.00p.m. and 5:00a.m. require licensing, regardless of whether or not they are licensed for the sale of alcohol.

Late-night refreshment applications can be particularly controversial, given the potential crime and disorder, and public nuisance concerns, that can arise from operating late at night in busy urban areas. We are experienced in addressing all such concerns and act for clients ranging from well-known national chains to individual ‘Fish & Chip’ shops.

In particular, we can assist clients in the following respects:

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 Environmental Health Officer and other stakeholders), 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.

Late Night Refreshment

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David Grossbard

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