Local government law - Licensing

Members of chambers are regularly instructed to represent and advise applicants, local authorities and interested parties in connection with matters for which a licence is required. This representation covers local authority licensing committees and all court levels from the magistrates’ court up to the House of Lords.

Licensing issues are often controversial or sensitive, with cases involving such things as proposed sex establishments in residential areas, noise nuisance caused by patrons of public houses, problems associated with nightclubs and allegations of under-age sales at off-licences. 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square offers barristers experienced in and expert in handling all such matters. Members of chambers have been at the forefront of appeals under the Licensing Act 2003 in particular, and they have provided advice and representation in addition on the Gambling Act 2005 and private hire vehicle licensing. Planning and licensing issues often go hand in hand, an interface that chambers regularly encounters and deals with both in court and at public inquiries.