Licensing
Members of the licensing team provide advice and advocacy services in respect of applications at first instance, and appeals to all levels of courts, in licensing matters concerning alcohol and entertainment, adult entertainment, gambling, vehicle and vehicle operators, taxis, shotgun and firearms, the security industry, and the utility and telecommunications industries.
The team prides itself on its practical approach to its caseload. The wider experience that members gain from the other complementary areas of regulatory law ensures that clients receive balanced, sensible and commercially aware advice.
Alcohol and Entertainment
The Licensing Act 2003 continues to generate new and difficult issues that require expert advice from barristers who are both familiar with the developing case-law and sufficiently experienced to advance their clients’ cases in an appropriate way before a variety of decision makers.
The licensing team is regularly instructed nationwide by pub, nightclub and hotel owners and operators that are trying to expand or protect their estates by applications for new premises licenses, extending premises licenses or protecting them from review.
Members of the team act for Local Authorities and the Police and are sensitive to the particular and distinct roles that each party plays in the licensing process as well as the occasional need to engage counsel at very short notice in response to urgent applications.
Gambling
The licensing team advises upon and provides specialist representation to clients in matters relating to casinos, betting shops, amusement arcades, bingo, lotteries, on-line gambling, competitions and other gambling activities.
Chambers benefits from its location in Birmingham, as the base of the Gambling Commission.
Taxi Licensing
Members of the licensing team regularly appear before local authority committees for applicants and on appeal to the courts for applicants or local authorities in matters concerning hackney carriage and private hire licensing.
