The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing team at Blake Lapthorn
is made up of very experienced licensing
solicitors acting for some of the UK's leading companies, who
each have substantial numbers of licensed
premises spread across the capital and the London Boroughs.
Our specialist licensing
lawyers have acted for companies and entrepreneurs in the City and
Boroughs in a diverse range of premises licence applications including
bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, supermarkets,
department stores, cinemas, football stadia, theatres, arenas,
museums, art galleries, fast food outlets, catering contracts and
live music festivals. We have been successful in licensing
applications in every one of the London Boroughs.
An example of the
expertise offered by our specialist licensing lawyers is that a
national pub company asked our team to hold a conference for senior
management of the company this year, following our success at a
review hearing in the City of Westminster
London is probably the
world's leading international financial and related business
services centre. It is certainly one of the world's most
popular cities for international and UK tourists. A dynamic
city that has grown over the centuries, and continues to grow,
absorbing outlying areas and 'villages'.
London has always
attracted younger people who are drawn by the work opportunities
and fast-paced vibrant lifestyle. This generation has
fewer family and household responsibilities and has more time and
money to spend on leisure. It has been reported by the
GLA that 25% of the UK leisure economy is in London, with an
industry generating somewhere around £10 billion, employing over
300,000 people.
The licensing committees
of the various London authorities acknowledge in their licensing
policies the importance of the entertainment industry, which brings
great cultural and financial benefit to the
community. Equally, they are keen to stress that there is a
balance to be struck between the "protection of local residents"
and the "right of our residents to a good night's sleep."
It is this issue which
can give the licensed operator the greatest concern.
Certainly following the smoke free legislation, one hot topic which
will not simmer down is the noise generated by those drinking
outside. The 2003 Act gives licensing committees far greater
powers to control external use by customers, inevitably to the
detriment of the business.
However, the
opportunities are clearly out there and a premises licence will be
required for almost every leisure activity. Ensuring a
business gets the right licence without burdensome conditions or
limitations is in our experience a key driver to a successful
business. The initial investment in sound legal advice will
pay for itself swiftly. Equally if a licence is
reviewed once granted the outcome could have a devastating
financial consequence.
We aim to provide
practical and specialist advice to individuals and companies alike
and believe that we have the experience and knowledge to meet your
needs.
If you have licensed premises in London, you
need a specialist London licensing lawyer. Click on the link
to arrange an appointment to meet one of our London licensing
solicitors.
