Licensing

In 2006, Chambers brought together under one roof many of the leading practitioners in the field of licensing law. This initiative reflected our conviction that both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act of 2005 have ensured that licensing law generally is now inextricably linked with local government and planning, where we have for many years been regarded as a leader in the field. Our position in licensing is now similarly rated in the guides to legal practices.

Members of Chambers have appeared in many of the leading licensing cases, under both the old and new regimes. We accept instructions to deal with cases at all levels, from the determination of fine points of statutory construction in the House of Lords (Bushell) to more routine issues on applications for judicial review before the Administrative Court concerning the: service of notices (T C Projects), contents of local authority policies (Canterbury City Council), inter-relationship of planning and licensing (Blackwood), the award of costs against local authorities (Attenborough), or the imposition of conditions (Somerfield). Our team also deals each day with work of a more routine nature, making and opposing applications before local authorities or magistrates on appeal and appearing upon applications for closure orders, or the review of licences.

Where necessary we also act in criminal and civil enforcement proceedings taken against licensees and their employees in relation to suggested breaches of licence conditions or legislation. With the dramatic upheavals that have taken place in licensing law in recent years, much of the work handled by Chambers in this field is advisory in nature. Advice has spanned the law relating to alcohol, entertainment, as well as betting and gaming, both in its ‘real' and ‘virtual' (internet) forms. he two practising editors of Paterson's Licensing Acts - the leading work of reference in the field for the past 130 years - are also now members of Chambers.

Those seeking advice or assistance come for both the public and private sectors. Whilst our private clients include many of the country's largest commercial operators, Chambers maintains the traditional independence of the Bar, being respected for its commitment to community and interest groups.Members appear on behalf of local authorities, police, small businesses and individuals alike.