At TV Edwards, our specialist licensing solicitors provide expert advice and representation in premises licence summary review proceedings. These fast-track reviews can result in an immediate suspension of a licence, removal of the designated premises supervisor, or even a permanent revocation.
A summary review is one of the most serious actions that can be taken against a licensed premises. Usually, it is initiated by the police when they believe the premises is associated with a serious crime, serious disorder, or both. It is therefore essential to obtain immediate legal intervention in order to protect both your licence and your business.
With many years of experience advising licensed premises across London and nationwide, our licensing solicitors act quickly to challenge summary review applications, make representation, and help protect your right to continue trading.
I Have found the solicitors to be a very committed group of individuals who have a genuine desire to act in the very best interests of their clients.
Legal 500 UK (2023)
Facing a Summary Review? Contact Us Immediately
Summary reviews generally progress quickly, and interim measures such as licence suspension can be imposed within 48 hours. Early legal advice gives you the best chance of avoiding suspension, revocation, or restrictive licence conditions.
Our experienced licensing solicitors provide urgent advice, prepare representations, and represent licence holders at interim hearings and full review proceedings.
What Is a Premises Licence Summary Review?
A premises licence summary review is an expedited process under the Licensing Act 2003 used when the police believe licensed premises are associated with serious crime or disorder. Unlike standard licence reviews, summary reviews allow licensing authorities to impose immediate interim measures while a full review is pending.
Summary reviews apply only to premises licensed to sell alcohol and are designed to protect the public and licensing objectives where urgent action is considered necessary.
A summary review can result in serious consequences, including:
- The immediate suspension of a premises licence
- Removal of the designated premises supervisor (DPS)
- Modification of licence conditions
- Removal of alcohol sales authorisation
- Permanent revocation of the licence following full review
Because these decisions can significantly impact your ability to trade, it is essential to get specialist legal advice as soon as possible.
Interim Steps and Immediate Risks
Once a summary review is initiated, the licensing authority must consider interim steps within 48 hours. These interim steps may remain in place until the full review hearing, which typically takes place within 28 days.
Interim measures may include:
- Suspending your premises licence entirely
- Restricting licensable activities
- Removing your designated premises supervisor
- Adding new licence conditions
Licence suspension can mean your business is immediately prevented from trading, causing significant financial and reputational harm. However, licence holders have the right to make representation and challenge these interim measures.
Our solicitors act quickly to challenge unnecessary or disproportionate interim steps and protect your business.
Summary Review Procedure and Timescales
The summary review process follows strict legal deadlines and procedures. The key stages include:
- The police submit an expedited review application supported by a senior officer’s certificate
- Licensing authority considers interim measures within 48 hours
- Licence holder may submit representations against interim steps
- An interim hearing may take place to review the interim measures
- A full review hearing must take place within 28 days
- Licensing authority decides whether to modify, suspend, or revoke the licence
- Licence holders have the right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days
These proceedings involve complex legal and evidential issues. With professional representation, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a favourable outcome.
Related Licensing Services
How Our Licensing Solicitors Can Help
We provide comprehensive advice and representation throughout the premises licence summary review process.
We can help you by:
- Advising you immediately following a summary review application
- Preparing and submitting representations against interim steps
- Representing you at interim hearings and full review hearings
- Challenging police evidence and licensing authority decisions
- Negotiating with authorities to avoid suspension or revocation
- Advising on appeals to the Magistrates’ Court
We understand the urgency of summary reviews and act quickly to protect our clients’ licences and businesses.
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
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Premises Licence Summary Review FAQs
What is a premises licence summary review?
A premises licence summary review is a fast-track review initiated by the police where serious crime or disorder is alleged. It allows licensing authorities to impose immediate interim measures while a full review takes place.
Can my licence be suspended immediately?
Yes. Licensing authorities can suspend your premises licence within 48 hours of a summary review application. Legal representation can help challenge suspension and protect your ability to trade.
Can I challenge interim steps?
Yes. Licence holders have the right to make representations and request a hearing to challenge interim measures. A licensing solicitor can prepare arguments and represent you.
Can I appeal a summary review decision?
Yes. You can appeal the licensing authority’s decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days. Appeals can result in a suspension being lifted or licence conditions being amended.
