Licensing

Asitha Ranatunga regularly acts for councils on licensing review proceedings. He has been active in complex alcohol and public entertainment cases as well as new applications for festival licences.

"Asitha is an all-round pleasure to work with, with superior expertise in licensing."

"Asitha prepares well, communicates well with both solicitor and client, and presents complex issues with clarity and persuasiveness."

"He is very competent, well prepared and a thoroughly nice opponent."

Ranjit Bhose KC regularly acts for local authorities in licensing appeals and applications, and also advises on premises and events licensing matters concerning high-profile venues and festivals. Large-scale taxi licensing and gambling cases are also areas of interest.

"Ranjit is very strong at dealing with members of the public and at being accessible and approachable. He is very effective at acting on behalf of a commercial client."

"Ranjit is phenomenal. He is the most user-friendly barrister we use, incredibly commercial, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge and invaluable instinct. He's highly responsive and great to work with."

"Ranjit is always well prepared. He is a smooth operator."

"Ranjit is my first choice for licensing. He is very astute, calm and a really grown-up player. He has an extraordinary ability built on a calm, straightforward, trustworthy approach."

James Findlay KC James Findlay KC brings general public law expertise to bear when representing operators as well as governmental bodies in a range of licensing matters. He is frequently called upon to act in taxi licensing matters and has further expertise in wildlife issues. Findlay practises in both England and Scotland.

"James is excellent."

Matthew Lewin is regularly instructed by licensing authorities in a range of disputes. He has deep experience with taxi licensing and licences for restaurants and traders.

"Matt is fabulous. He is unruffled, calm and measured, and brings an academic approach to cases."

"Matt's advocacy was top-notch."

"He is very expert, very reliable, and very good to deal with. He is a reassuring guy to use, and very valued by us."

Richard Hanstock Richard Hanstock has a sophisticated licensing practice focusing on complex taxi cases. He is also able to assist with licensing applications and variations. He also advises on breaches of licensing conditions.

"Richard works very hard, and has found a good niche in police licensing."

Josef Cannon handles a diverse array of work including variations, local authority prosecutions and extensions. He also has significant experience dealing with matters concerning serious licensing revocations and appeals. Cannon primarily acts for councils and public bodies and is admired for his attractive advocacy style.

"Joe is brilliant. He has an instinct for how local authorities will react, a deep understanding of licensing law and practice, and is practical and pragmatic."

"His mix of great legal knowledge and demeanour are a winning combination in all areas, but particularly in court. He stands out from his opponents as being more polite, gracious and knowledgeable."

"Joe is very confident and well regarded."