Licensing Lawyers

Licensing Lawyers is a legal firm that operates throughout England and Wales, specialising in regulatory UK licensing law. The firm is recognised as a leader within the field of licensing law, handling a comprehensive range of statutory licensing matters. This specialisation encompasses various sectors, ensuring that clients receive focused legal support for their specific licensing requirements. The firm's extensive reach allows it to serve clients across the entirety of England and Wales. The firm's expertise extends to a broad spectrum of statutory licensing categories. These include alcohol sales, music, theatre, and film licensing, addressing the needs of entertainment venues and events. Additionally, Licensing Lawyers handles gambling licenses, taxi and private hire vehicle licenses, and matters related to mobile homes. The firm also provides legal assistance for housing and street trading licenses, demonstrating a wide-ranging practice in regulatory compliance. Licensing Lawyers assists clients at various stages of the licensing process. This support includes guiding clients through the submission of licence applications, ensuring all necessary requirements are met. The firm also provides representation at hearings, advocating on behalf of clients in formal proceedings. Furthermore, Licensing Lawyers offers defence services for enforcement actions, helping businesses and individuals navigate regulatory challenges. The firm distinguishes itself by covering a breadth of licensing work that is not commonly matched by other UK licensing law firms. Within its diverse practice, Licensing Lawyers possesses experience relevant to property-related licensing, including aspects that may pertain to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The firm's work in housing and mobile home licensing demonstrates its capacity to advise on regulatory frameworks affecting residential properties. This includes navigating the statutory requirements for various types of accommodation, which can be critical for developers and operators in the PBSA sector. The firm's comprehensive understanding of housing regulations allows it to address the specific licensing needs associated with large-scale residential developments. Licensing Lawyers operates as a law firm authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), with registration number 639564. The firm is also registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under ZA069685 and has a VAT number of 183 3982 75. For new clients, the firm offers a period of free legal advice, accessible via e-mail or through its online chat system. While the firm provides extensive legal services, it does not offer legal aid. Clients can also connect with Licensing Lawyers through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Licensing Lawyers operates as a specialist firm of Solicitors, providing advice and representation across all facets of licensing law. The company was established by Jonathan Smith, a solicitor with extensive experience in the field. This firm focuses exclusively on licensing matters, offering a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape governing various commercial operations. Its foundation is built upon a commitment to navigating complex legal requirements for its diverse clientele.

Jonathan Smith brings over two decades of experience in licensing law to the firm. His background includes working within both local authorities and private practice, providing him with a comprehensive and unique perspective on the licensing process. Mr. Smith is an active member of the Institute of Licensing and frequently speaks at industry events. The firm serves a broad spectrum of clients, ranging from individual operators and small businesses to national enterprises and multi-national corporations. This client base includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, off-licences, supermarkets, casinos, betting shops, arcades, taxi firms, private hire operators, sexual entertainment venues, street traders, and event organisers.

The company offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to address all licensing requirements. These services encompass applications for new licences, variations to existing licences, and the transfer of licences. Licensing Lawyers also provides representation during licence reviews and appeals against adverse licensing decisions. Furthermore, the firm offers expert advice on compliance with current licensing law and delivers training for staff on various licensing matters. The specific types of licences the firm handles include alcohol, gambling, taxi, sexual entertainment venue, street trading, and pavement licences, covering a significant array of regulated activities.

Licensing Lawyers is committed to delivering practical, commercially focused advice, with the primary objective of achieving favourable outcomes for its clients. The team possesses a thorough understanding of the complexities inherent in licensing law and collaborates closely with clients to guide them through the regulatory framework. The firm adopts a proactive approach, aiming to identify potential issues early and subsequently developing strategic solutions to mitigate associated risks. The company maintains a steadfast commitment to providing a high-quality, cost-effective service, ensuring clients receive expert legal assistance that is both efficient and valuable.

While not exclusively focused on the student accommodation sector, Licensing Lawyers' expertise in various licensing categories is directly relevant to the operations of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers. PBSA developments often incorporate facilities such as communal bars, cafes, or retail outlets that necessitate specific alcohol or food service licences. Additionally, events hosted within student accommodation premises may require temporary event notices or public entertainment licences, falling within the firm's scope of practice. Should a PBSA operator wish to offer street trading or pavement seating options, the company's experience with street trading and pavement licences would be applicable. The firm's comprehensive understanding of licensing law, including applications, variations, and compliance advice, can assist PBSA companies in securing and maintaining the necessary regulatory approvals for their diverse amenities and activities.