Licensing Solicitors

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0800 988 7756

For certain businesses, the correct licensing is crucial to daily operations. Attempting to run without the proper licensing in place can leave you vulnerable to potential criminal charges, fines, or permanent closure.

Our specialist licensing solicitors assist and advise clients in relation to all aspects of alcohol and entertainment licensing matters. We obtain, vary, transfer and protect licences for clients spanning local authorities nationwide, recognising the importance of understanding the unique requirements of individual businesses.

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We understand the need to get the correct licensing in place in good time and without delay, and can work promptly to help you obtain the licence(s) you need for your business to thrive. Working with our specialist entertainment and alcohol licensing solicitors can help your daily operations run successfully. Our services include:

Premises Licence applications and variations
Temporary Event Notices
Personal Licence applications
Representation at hearings and appeals
Premises Licence reviews and compliance

Contact our licensing solicitors Leeds and London

Levi Solicitors’ licensing team offers services including submitting and conducting all types of licensing applications. We also assist clients in review hearings and other actions taken against licensed premises by local authorities.

If you would like advice regarding licensing, call us at 0800 988 7756, or contact us by using the simple enquiry form on this page. We have offices in Leeds, North Leeds and London who are ready to provide friendly, strategic advice.

Why choose Levi Solicitors for licensing advice

Our specialist licensing team is led by Ed Smith, who has over 15 years’ experience in acting for a wide variety of clients. He appears before Licensing Sub-Committees and has an excellent track record in obtaining and protecting licences for his clients.

No matter your circumstances, our team can offer you the advice and hands-on assistance you require with all licensing matters. We act for operators of nightclubs, bars, pubs, micropubs, social clubs, restaurants, cafes, off-licences, take aways, petrol stations, supermarkets and music festivals.

We have built strong relationships with local authorities, and as such, we act as a primary point of contact for licensing authorities and police forces in respect of our clients’ licensed premises.

We offer cost-effective advice and assistance in relation to all licensing matters, no matter how big or small. Our sustained involvement with the licensed trade has allowed us to adapt our systems and practices so our fees remain competitive.

At Levi Solicitors, we are proud to be transparent about costs. In many circumstances, we can provide a fixed fee for the required work. As a result, you will know precisely what work will be done and how much it will cost.

Our licensing solicitor services

Premises Licence applications

Obtaining the correct Premises Licence is a key step for a business that intends to supply alcohol or carry out other licensable activities. Whether you are opening a restaurant, hotel, pub, or entertainment venue, you will likely need a Premises Licence.

Our licensing lawyers can guide you through the process of putting the application together and ensure that it is properly made, compliant with your licensing objectives, and tailored to minimise the potential for delays or objections.

We assist with public notices, contact the responsible authorities, and support you in reaching the permissions that your business needs for daily operations.

Temporary Event Notices

If you or your business is hosting a one-off event or wishes to temporarily provide a licensable activity, a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) could be the most efficient way to do so whilst remaining within the legal frameworks.

We regularly advise individuals, businesses, and community groups on how and when to get a TEN, preparing and submitting notices on your behalf and supporting with any objections or enforcement. Our regional connections will be made available to our clients.

Personal licence applications

A key part of legal alcohol licensing is securing a personal licence, which allows individuals to authorise the sale of alcohol on behalf of a licensed premises, such as a pub, bar, or club.

Our licensing solicitors provide comprehensive support, including guidance on training, DBS checks, and declarations. Our team will ensure that your application is accurate, sent to the right local authority, and fully compliant.

Representation at licensing hearings and appeals

Licensing applications can become complicated and may require reviews, applications, hearings, or enforcement actions as requested by local licensing committees. If objections are raised or your license is under scrutiny, our expert solicitors can represent you in hearings and appeals.

We can prepare compelling written representations and advocate on your behalf at committee meetings or magistrates’ court appeals, protecting your ability to operate. We are skilled in handling sensitive matters involving police, neighbours, environmental health, and other relevant matters.

Licence reviews and compliance

A licensing review can be triggered by a few issues, such as complaints, breaches, or enforcement action. Unless addressed correctly, the consequences for your business can be severe.

Our licensing solicitors can help clients respond to review proceedings, propose suitable remedies, and present evidence in support of amending or holding onto your license. We can also assist with ongoing compliance advice to prevent further enforcement action.

Key questions about licensing

What is a Premises Licence and do I need one for my UK venue?

In the UK, a premises licence is a certificate required for venues where licensable activities, including selling alcohol or providing regulated entertainment, take place.

How do I apply for an alcohol licence in England and Wales?

An application must be submitted to the relevant local authority seeking a Premises Licence. The application will be supported by an operating schedule setting out the conditions under which the premises will operate and a layout plan.

Can a solicitor help with objections to a Premises Licence application?

Absolutely. A licensing solicitor can help you to understand the law and gather evidence to help support your objection, drafting a formal representation on your behalf and submitting it to the licensing authority.

Where necessary we can negotiate on behalf of our client in order to push for their application to be received well, resolving issues before a hearing where possible and, if necessary, representing you in court hearings.

What are Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and when should I use them?

A Temporary Event Notice (TEN) is a permit that allows you to carry out licensable activities at otherwise unlicensed premises or to extend the scope of an existing license for a one-off event.

Typically, these are used for small-scale and one-off events where alcohol is provided, entertainment, or other licensable elements. You are advised to secure a TEN if you don’t have a premises licence that covers the provision you want to supply.

Premises licensing solicitors can help assess what you intend to do for specific events such as celebrations or hosting, and can advise on when you may need a TEN as opposed to, or alongside, existing licensing.

Contact our licensing solicitors Leeds and London

If you would like advice regarding licensing, call us at 0800 988 7756, or contact us by using the simple enquiry form on this page. We have offices in Leeds, Moortown and London and are ready to provide friendly, strategic advice.