Licensing Solicitors | Licensing Lawyers Near Me

At TV Edwards, our licensing solicitors provide clear, practical advice on all different aspects of licensing law, helping businesses obtain, vary and protect licences essential to their operations.

Licensing law can be complex, highly regulated and local authority-specific. Whether you are applying for a new licence, varying existing permissions or responding to a review or appeal, early legal advice can make the difference between a smooth process and costly disruption to your business.

With decades of experience advising businesses across London and the UK more broadly, our licensing solicitors work proactively by ensuring your licence supports the way you want to trade.

Need Licensing Advice? Speak to Our Solicitors

If you are planning licensable activities or facing licensing issues, our solicitors can advise you at every stage of the process. We act for businesses of all sizes and provide clear guidance tailored to your commercial needs.

About Licensing Law

If you or your business intend to sell alcohol, provide late night refreshment, host regulated entertainment or operate certain types of events, you will most likely need a licence to lawfully do so.

Licences are granted by local authorities under the Licensing Act 2003, which sets out a national framework for licensing. In practice, however, each local authority applies its own licensing policies and procedures. This means requirements, conditions and enforcement approaches can vary significantly from one area to another.

The licensing regime is often viewed as complicated and bureaucratic due to its strict deadlines, consultation requirements and evidential standards. Our licensing solicitors guide you through this process, making sure applications are properly prepared and aligned with local policy from the beginning.

Alcohol and Premises Licensing

Our team has extensive experience acting as licensing solicitors for businesses across sectors like hospitality, leisure and events. We regularly offer advice on:

New Premises Licence applications
Alcohol sales and supply permissions
Late night refreshment
Regulated entertainment
Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

Licences contain conditions that you are legally required to comply with. Opening hours, permitted activities and operation restrictions must each be carefully drafted to reflect how your business is actually operating. With the help of our solicitors, you can ensure that your licence conditions are workable, proportionate and commercially realistic.

Protecting and Varying Your Licence

Once granted, a licence becomes a valuable business asset. Complaints from residents, representations from responsible authorities or enforcement action by the local authority can put that licence at risk. Our licence solicitors will advise on:

Variations and minor variations
Transfers of premises licences
Licensing reviews
Summary reviews
Appeals against licensing decisions

Where disputes arise, we achieve successful outcomes for clients across a wide range of licensing matters, both in London and further afield.

Related Licensing Services

Late Night Refreshment

Summary Licensing Reviews

Temporary Event Notice

Varying a Premises License

what to Expect from Our Licensing Solicitors

We have achieved successful outcomes for clients across a wide range of licensing matters, both in London and further afield. Our licensing solicitors act for:

Publicans and bar operators
Restaurants, cafes and takeaways
Event organisers and venues
Hotels, nightclubs and cinemas
Retailers and convenience stores
Private members’ clubs
Landlords and tenants
Residents’ associations

We can assist with new applications, negotiations with authorities, contested hearings and ongoing compliance advice at any stage of the licensing process.

Why Choose TV Edwards?

Highly ranked in legal directories – Legal 500 and Chambers UK
Immediate emergency support – call us on 0203 440 8000
Specialist representation – police station advisers, solicitors, and higher court advocates
Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately and in plain English

Client Testimonials

Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

What does a licensing solicitor do?

A licensing solicitor advises businesses on applying for, varying and protecting licences required to carry out licensable activities. This includes deadlines with local authorities, negotiating licence conditions and representing clients in hearings, reviews and appeals.

Do I need a solicitor for an alcohol licence application?

While it is possible to apply without legal help, alcohol licensing applications are often complex and subject to objections. An experienced alcohol licensing solicitor can help avoid delays, reduce the risk of refusal and ensure licence conditions work for your business.

Can my premises licence be reviewed or revoked?

Yes. Local residents, the police or other responsible authorities can apply for a review if they believe a licensing objective is being undermined. A solicitor can represent you during the review process and help protect your licence and business.

Can a licence be changed after it has been granted?

Yes. Premises licences can be varied or transferred to reflect changes in ownership, operating hours or activities. A licensing solicitor can advise on the most appropriate type of variation and manage the process on your behalf.

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