Licensing Solicitor
Licensing is vital for all kinds of businesses to operate, particularly those in the hospitality industry. So, making sure you’ve got the right licences and are meeting all of the requirements to keep them is very important, and having an expert licensing solicitor on your side makes the whole process easier.
At Setfords, we can provide you with sound commercial advice that’s tailored to your business, helping to ensure your success.
Find out more about our licensing lawyers and how they can help you below.
Licensing Solicitor Specialisms
How exactly can our licensing lawyers help you? See our main specialisms below.
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Premises Licensing
Premises Licensing
Premises licences are granted by local licensing authorities to individuals and businesses who offer licensable activities. This includes:
- Pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs
- Supermarkets
- Late night takeaways
- Hotels
- Cinemas, theatres, and bingo halls
- Village clubs and members’ clubs
A premises licence authorises various things, such as the sale of alcohol, the serving of ‘late night refreshment’, and the provision of regulated entertainment such as films, dance, boxing, and live and recorded music.
All licences will have mandatory conditions that must be met to keep the licence. Our licensing lawyers can work with you and the relevant authorities to secure a licence that allows you and your business to operate in the way that you wish.
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Tables & Chairs (Highways) Licences
Tables & Chairs (Highways) Licences
This type of licence permits the placing of tables and chairs on a public highway. You may need one if you have outside seating on the pavement, a beer garden, or terrace.
Each local authority has its own guidelines and procedures to follow. Our licensing lawyers can advise you on the requirements and guide you through every step of the application process.
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Wedding Licences
Wedding Licences
Any venue that wants to offer wedding packages needs both a premises licence and a grant of approval to hold civil marriages and civil partnerships. With these, you can offer an ‘all-in-one’ service with the ceremony and reception held under one roof.
The requirements and procedures can vary between local authorities. It’s a good idea to take on the services of a licensing solicitor to help make the application process as quick and seamless as possible.
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Live and Recorded Music
Live and Recorded Music
Historically, the provision of music has been tightly controlled by licensing regulations. However, this has now all changed. Live and recorded music is now permitted to be put on by a large range of venues, without regulation.
Contact our licensing lawyers to find out whether you need to be licensed, and how to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
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Temporary Event Notice (TEN)
Temporary Event Notice (TEN)
Temporary Event Notices can be used for one-off events, parties, and concerts, allowing alcohol, late night refreshment, and entertainment to take place at unlicensed premises. They are limited to events with a maximum capacity of 499.
While this may sound straightforward, there are lots of things to consider and often, the local licensing authority may raise concerns about noise, potential disorder, or safety which will need to be addressed.
Setfords’ licensing solicitors can work with you to anticipate and deal with potential issues, as well as manage a constructive dialogue with the authorities and residents to ensure a safe and successful event.
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Commercial Lease/ Due Diligence
Commercial Lease/ Due Diligence
If you are looking to change the layout of your property, refurbish, make staffing changes, or change your licensing hours and conditions, there are several things to consider and licensing is one of them. It’s important to make sure that the appropriate steps are taken with the licensing authority to ensure that you’re operating within the law.
Our expert licensing lawyers can negotiate lease provisions relating to any licensing issues, carry out due diligence on your property transaction, work closely with your property advisors, and more. We offer bespoke commercial advice so you can ensure your licence is fully compliant.
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Registered Clubs
Registered Clubs
Private members’ clubs typically hold a club premises certificate, which allows them to provide alcohol to members and their guests. Clubs that hold functions such as weddings may opt for a premises licence instead, which will give them a greater level of flexibility.
Our licensing lawyers offer practical advice about which option is best for you.
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Breaches of Licence Conditions
Breaches of Licence Conditions
Breaches of your licence conditions can result in a review, suspension of the licence, premises closure, fines, and even imprisonment.
Setfords can advise you on how to avoid being closed down following alleged breaches, and negotiate on your behalf to try and reach an acceptable solution for your business, the authorities, and residents alike.
Premises Licensing
Premises licences are granted by local licensing authorities to individuals and businesses who offer licensable activities. This includes:
- Pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs
- Supermarkets
- Late night takeaways
- Hotels
- Cinemas, theatres, and bingo halls
- Village clubs and members’ clubs
A premises licence authorises various things, such as the sale of alcohol, the serving of ‘late night refreshment’, and the provision of regulated entertainment such as films, dance, boxing, and live and recorded music.
All licences will have mandatory conditions that must be met to keep the licence. Our licensing lawyers can work with you and the relevant authorities to secure a licence that allows you and your business to operate in the way that you wish.
Tables & Chairs (Highways) Licences
This type of licence permits the placing of tables and chairs on a public highway. You may need one if you have outside seating on the pavement, a beer garden, or terrace.
Each local authority has its own guidelines and procedures to follow. Our licensing lawyers can advise you on the requirements and guide you through every step of the application process.
Wedding Licences
Any venue that wants to offer wedding packages needs both a premises licence and a grant of approval to hold civil marriages and civil partnerships. With these, you can offer an ‘all-in-one’ service with the ceremony and reception held under one roof.
The requirements and procedures can vary between local authorities. It’s a good idea to take on the services of a licensing solicitor to help make the application process as quick and seamless as possible.
Live and Recorded Music
Historically, the provision of music has been tightly controlled by licensing regulations. However, this has now all changed. Live and recorded music is now permitted to be put on by a large range of venues, without regulation.
Contact our licensing lawyers to find out whether you need to be licensed, and how to comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
Temporary Event Notice (TEN)
Temporary Event Notices can be used for one-off events, parties, and concerts, allowing alcohol, late night refreshment, and entertainment to take place at unlicensed premises. They are limited to events with a maximum capacity of 499.
While this may sound straightforward, there are lots of things to consider and often, the local licensing authority may raise concerns about noise, potential disorder, or safety which will need to be addressed.
Setfords’ licensing solicitors can work with you to anticipate and deal with potential issues, as well as manage a constructive dialogue with the authorities and residents to ensure a safe and successful event.
Commercial Lease/ Due Diligence
If you are looking to change the layout of your property, refurbish, make staffing changes, or change your licensing hours and conditions, there are several things to consider and licensing is one of them. It’s important to make sure that the appropriate steps are taken with the licensing authority to ensure that you’re operating within the law.
Our expert licensing lawyers can negotiate lease provisions relating to any licensing issues, carry out due diligence on your property transaction, work closely with your property advisors, and more. We offer bespoke commercial advice so you can ensure your licence is fully compliant.
Registered Clubs
Private members’ clubs typically hold a club premises certificate, which allows them to provide alcohol to members and their guests. Clubs that hold functions such as weddings may opt for a premises licence instead, which will give them a greater level of flexibility.
Our licensing lawyers offer practical advice about which option is best for you.
Breaches of Licence Conditions
Breaches of your licence conditions can result in a review, suspension of the licence, premises closure, fines, and even imprisonment.
Setfords can advise you on how to avoid being closed down following alleged breaches, and negotiate on your behalf to try and reach an acceptable solution for your business, the authorities, and residents alike.
Setfords’ Approach to Licensing Law
Our licensing solicitors are experts in all aspects of licensing law. We’ll listen carefully to your requirements and provide tailored legal advice that suits you and your business.
Plus, we’re not like other law firms. Instead of focusing on internal admin and politics, our lawyers have more time to put towards their clients. This results in a superior service every time. We also never pass work onto underqualified juniors: the solicitor you instruct will be the one you work with throughout the process.
Our Licensing Lawyers
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Nathalie White
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Jeremy Asher
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Licensing FAQs
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What is licensing law?
In the UK, licensing law oversees the granting, regulation, and enforcement of all kinds of licences, including those for alcohol sales, entertainment venues, gambling establishments, taxi services, and more.
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How do I get a premises licence for my business?
To get a premises licence, you will need to submit an application to the relevant local licensing authority. The application typically entails filling out paperwork, paying a fee, supplying the required documents, and submitting comprehensive plans about your business operations and proposed licensing arrangements. Our licensing solicitors can assist you with this — please get in touch today.
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Can I transfer a premises licence if I buy or sell a business?
Yes. In the event of a business sale or change of ownership, it is possible to transfer premises licences. The new owner must apply for the licence transfer, following the specific process outlined by the relevant licensing authority.
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What are the responsibilities of a licensee under UK licensing law?
Licence holders have several responsibilities. They must comply with the licensing conditions, operate within the permitted hours, comply with health and safety regulations, prevent crime and disorder, and manage the responsible sale of alcohol.
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Can licences be reviewed or revoked?
Yes, your licence can be reviewed or revoked in several circumstances, for example if the relevant licensing authority believes:
- That you aren’t fulfilling your obligations
- There are concerns for public safety
- You have persistently breached the licensing conditions
As a licensee, you do have the right to make representations and attend review hearings. Setfords’ licensing lawyers can assist you with this process.
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What are the penalties for breaching licensing laws?
There are several potential penalties for breaching licensing laws and obligations. These can include fines, suspension or revocation of the licence, criminal prosecution, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.
Speak to a Licensing Solicitor on 0330 828 5360
Contact us3 Easy Steps To Getting Started
At Setfords our service is designed for your peace of mind. With highly qualified legal professionals at hand, our process will keep you updated every step of the way.
1. Call or complete our simple enquiry form
2. Our team will contact you to discuss your matter
3. Instruct for same-day file setup