Licensing
Premises licences, variations and reviews — and defending them when challenged.
How we can help
- New premises licence applications and personal licences
- Variations, minor variations and transfers
- Advising on conditions and the licensing objectives
- Representing you at licensing sub-committee hearings
- Defending reviews brought by authorities or residents
- Appeals to the magistrates court
What happens next
- Tell us what you are applying for, or send us the review application.
- We advise on prospects, the evidence needed and the likely conditions.
- We prepare the application or defence and represent you at the hearing.
Fees for this work
Fixed fee for applications and variations. Contested hearings and reviews are quoted individually.
Common questions
How serious is a licence review?
Serious. A review can result in additional conditions, suspension, removal of the designated premises supervisor, or revocation. For a licensed business that can be existential, and the hearing is usually your one opportunity.
What matters most at a hearing?
Evidence of what has changed. Committees respond far better to demonstrable steps already taken — new procedures, training records, equipment installed — than to assurances about future intentions.
Can residents object to our application?
Yes. Interested parties and responsible authorities can make representations, and a single well-argued objection can trigger a hearing. Engaging with neighbours before applying frequently avoids the objection altogether.
Can we appeal a decision?
Yes, to the magistrates court, within a short statutory period. The appeal is a rehearing rather than a review of the committee’s reasoning, which means fresh evidence can be considered.
Tell us what's happened
Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.