Licensing
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 3319 3700About
Provided by Keystone Law
Premises licences for regulated entertainment, sale of alcohol and late night refreshment, and gambling and operator licences for gambling are required for many business entities and are enforced by a range of authorities including the local council, the police, governing bodies and trading standards. If your business works within this industry, it is essential that you get the right advice and always remain informed.
Our gambling law specialists advise on gaming, gaming machine permits, prize gaming, lotteries and competitions, helping businesses to remain compliant and obtain the correct licences to operate. The team also assist with betting licences and provide regulatory advice to adult gaming centres and family entertainment centres.
Our licensing and gambling lawyers predominantly act for entertainment businesses, including night clubs, bars, casinos, restaurants, esports operators, gambling websites and sports clubs.
Our lawyers have years of experience in dealing with both simple and complex requirements and can assist you throughout the process. The Keystone licensing and gambling team have the added benefit of being supported by experts in other areas of law such as property, planning, regulatory law and contracts. We also have a dedicated fraud and business crime team should you face investigation as part of your review or business.
Chambers Review
Keystone Law represents clients from the hospitality and entertainment industries across a range of licensing matters, including premises and operating licences in cumulative impact zones. The department also advises on enforcement and compliance issues.
Work Highlights
- Keystone assisted Kindred Concepts on all licensing matters relating to thelaunch of a new Formula 1 experience in London.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I rate Keystone as the best resource available. The service level and responsiveness are prompt and professional."
"Keystone has a wealth of information and is always at hand to advise. The team is extremely informed and always on hand to answer questions in a timely manner."
"We had many complex matters and every single time the firm has handled it perfectly. The firm also provides responses 24/7 and services are just excellent."
"I rate Keystone as the best resource available. The service level and responsiveness are prompt and professional."
"Keystone has a wealth of information and is always at hand to advise. The team is extremely informed and always on hand to answer questions in a timely manner."
"We had many complex matters and every single time the firm has handled it perfectly. The firm also provides responses 24/7 and services are just excellent."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Wong is often instructed by clients in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. He advises on all kinds of of licence applications.
"Andrew is a supremely talented and commercially astute licensing solicitor who can handle the largest and most complex licensing applications."
Craig Baylis is widely regarded as a leading practitioner who advises on licence applications and variations. He regularly acts for hospitality and entertainment sector clients.
"Craig Baylis is very well connected and astute."
Gareth Hughes represents prominent clients across London, including hotels, bars and clubs. He combines his impressive licensing expertise with a wealth of experience in planning law to advise on a broad range of complex issues.
"Gareth Hughes provides excellent high-quality personal service; he is an expert in the field."
"We are very happy with Gareth's services."
Niall McCann's practice involves acting for clients in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. He frequently advises on licensing applications and negotiations with local authorities.
"Niall is a very well-regarded and knowledgeable licensing solicitor."
"We instantly found Niall highly knowledgeable, but down-to-earth and ready to get to the crux of the matter. He is a breath of fresh air."
Marcus Lavell is a barrister specialised in licensing and regulation, and represents leading bars and nightclubs in London and nationally. He has extensive experience in obtaining grants against stress area and cumulative impact zone policies.
"Marcus has an exceptional understanding of the nuances of legal arguments. He is incredibly pragmatic too, and very commercial. He has an excellent licensing practice."
"Marcus is particularly good at heavily contested reviews, appeals and applications."
Sarah Taylor advises clients primarily in relation to contentious issues related to new licence applications, as well as licence variations.
"It was a pleasure to work with a highly professional lawyer such as Sarah."
Ranked Lawyers at
Keystone Law
UK-wide
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Provided by Keystone Law