Email address
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(020) 7353 8415Chambers Review
Francis Taylor Building is well established in the licensing world, and its barristers are able to cover a wide range of licensing disputes. It has an impressive roster of both silks and juniors, equipped to handle instructions from clients including licensing authorities, the police, taxi and private hire vehicle operators and the operators of licensed premises. Members of FTB act in cases relating to taxi licences, as well as betting and other entertainment venues. The set is also well versed in alcohol, housing and street trading licensing issues. A recent highlight for the set includes acting for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner on an application by police to revoke the premises licence for the Lotus Club. The set is described by one solicitor as "the best set for complex and sophisticated licensing cases."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Francis Taylor Building has an enormous depth of licensing expertise. The set can provide experience across a range of areas.The clerks are always enthusiastic and provide an excellent service."
"Members of the set are very good at dealing with complex and sophisticated matters that involve issues of law and procedures whilst being aware of wider context."
"The clerks, led by Senior Clerk Paul Coveney, are always approachable, efficient and reliable"
"Francis Taylor Building has an enormous depth of licensing expertise. The set can provide experience across a range of areas.The clerks are always enthusiastic and provide an excellent service."
"Members of the set are very good at dealing with complex and sophisticated matters that involve issues of law and procedures whilst being aware of wider context."
"The clerks, led by Senior Clerk Paul Coveney, are always approachable, efficient and reliable"
Notable Practitioners
Gary Grant deals with a full range of issues stemming from premises licence applications, particularly those involving significant variations and reviews. He represents prominent bars, SEVs and nightclubs.
"Gary is thorough, approachable and available. It's very comforting to know that he is completely ready and understands everything. He is tenacious and very able."
"He is a strong and nuanced advocate."
"Gary is a vastly experienced advocate and, more importantly, a team player. He is practical in his advice and very smooth before committees and other tribunals."
"Gary always gets straight to the heart of the issue and finds novel and practical ways to find a resolution."
Gerald Gouriet KC Gerald Gouriet KC is an advocate with a stellar track record who is often chosen to act in licensing appeals of the utmost complexity. He provides unparalleled support in premises and taxi licensing cases, and acts for a diverse client base that predominantly consists of local authorities.
"Clients immediately warm to his charm and are always very impressed by his tactical awareness and vast experience. He always offers a unique, original perspective on any problem."
"Gerald is a legend in UK gambling law - responsive, articulate and the gold standard."
"He is a consummate advocate. He is very smooth, gets to heart of a case quickly, is entertaining to hear, and very effective. he can charm a tribunal."
James Rankin is able to advise on all aspects of licensing law as a result of his extensive experience in the sector. He is sought after for his outstanding advocacy skills and expertise in licensing in Westminster. His varied client base includes operators, local authorities and the police.
"He hasknowledge and experience based on a very long career. There is not much he hasn't done, and he is accessible."
"James is one of the most charming people, and he handles counsellors expertly. His knowledge bank is exceptional. He's very responsive on emails and handles clients really well."
Charles Holland Charles Holland has a strong following among instructing solicitors. He handles a range of licensing cases, including those relating to alcohol sales, nightclubs and events, for premises operators, local authorities and the police.
"He is an extremely talented lawyer with a superb analytical brain and an encyclopaedic knowledge of licensing law. He is generous with his time, instructing solicitors, colleagues and clients alike."
"His technical knowledge is outstanding."
David Matthias KC David Matthias KC is a go-to licensing barrister for local authorities in London, particularly Westminster City Council. He frequently appears in the highest-profile matters concerning caravan, SEV and taxi licensing. Judicial reviews are a particular area of expertise.
"David is a very experienced licensing barrister who provides sound advice on policy and licensing applications and judicial reviews."
"It was fantastic working with David. He turned things around extremely quickly, the clients were very impressed."
Jeremy Phillips KC Jeremy Phillips KC is especially valued for his encyclopedic knowledge of licensing law, and he is described by sources as an experienced and persuasive advocate. He advises large-scale corporations and local authorities on various taxi, SEV and gambling issues.
"Jeremy brings an encyclopedic knowledge and reassurance to the table
add quote."
"Jeremy's understanding of licensing law is second to none."
Leo Charalambides Leo Charalambides has a strong practice that sees him handling instructions from across the country. He often acts for local authorities tackling a range of issues, including those relating to taxi, SEV and busking licensing. He is noted for his effective advocacy style.
"Leo always provides and excellent service and the clients he works with really value his advice and assistance."
"Leo is a brilliant lawyer and an excellent advocate. Clients, licensing committees and magistrates appear to warm to him immediately."
"His style is respectful and professional, yet he can deliver devastating blows when called upon. He is also able to consider cases from multiple perspectives and apply novel concepts to licensing."
"Leo is a highly experienced licensing barrister who goes that extra mile. A first class individual who works well with the clients and the internal lawyers. He is very commercially savvy."
Charles Streeten has built a significant licensing practice and appears in high-profile judicial reviews, with a strong focus on the taxi sector. He regularly acts for community groups as well as Westminster City Council.
"Charles is a highly experienced barrister, who is liked by the clients, works collaboratively with internal lawyers and is commercially aware. A superb choice."
"Charles has a good licensing knowledge base and is extremely bright. He turns around opinions in record time, he's client-friendly and he's easy to reach."