Premises Licence Reviews

TV Edwards can provide you with expert advice on Licensing Reviews.

A huge thanks to Nathaniel. I had an alcohol licence review hearing last month and he saved my licence. He was so kind and professional and at the hearing he defended me in the best possible way. There was NO EXTRA COST on the agreed fee which is always tricky for clients. I’m so happy to have chosen TV Edwards. 100% recommended.

Ali Algun – Restaurateur

Premises licence Reviews can happen at any time after a licence has been granted. Usually, Reviews are brought by a responsible authority such as the police or the local authority but can be requested by anyone.  Reviews usually come about if it is alleged that the conditions of a premises licence are being breached and the licensing objectives are being undermined in one way or another.

The licensing objectives are:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• The protection of public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm.

An application to Review must relate to the above licensing objectives and must relate to a specific premises.

Applications for Review must be sent to each responsible authority, the licensing authority and the premises licence holder.  It must also be advertised – usually on a local authority’s website and via a notice at the premises.  Representations can then be made by anyone within a 28-day consultation period.

After the 28-day consultation period, the licensing authority must hold a hearing within 20 working days.

At the hearing, the Licensing Subcommittee can take the following steps:

• Modify the conditions of the licence
• Exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the licence
• Remove the Designated Premises Supervisor
• Suspend the Licence for a period of no more than 3 months
• Revoke the licence

Reviews can have very dramatic consequences for your business. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, you could be forced to cease trading at relatively short notice.

How we can help with Licensing Reviews

The licensing team at TV Edwards has advised and represented many clients at Review hearings over the years. 

Led by our Managing Partner Julian Overton, our Licensing team is known for working to the very highest standards. We deliver expert solutions with professionalism, clarity, respect and care.  We are open, approachable and easy to communicate with. 

The Licensing team are trained and experienced litigators, advocates and members of the Institute of Licensing.

Recent Licensing Review Cases

Restaurant in Brighton reviewed on the application of the police over allegations that the terms of the premises licence had been breached in numerous ways.

Indian restaurant in Kent reviewed on the application of the police on the grounds that the premises had been employing staff not entitled to work in the UK.

Club Premises licence in North London – review brought by the Licensing Authority on the grounds that the club no longer qualified as a club under the 2003 act.

Late night Bar in Sutton – brought for review by the police and licensing authority on the grounds that there had been persistent breaches of the licence including the supply of alcohol ‘after hours’.

Bar and Restaurant in East London – Review brought by the police and Licensing Authority after accusations that it was operating as an illegal nightclub.

Convenience store in North London – on application of the police and trading standards accused of breaching the terms of its off-sales licence. 

Our Licensing Fees

Every case is different, and our fees will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of time we think it will take to prepare.  In most Review cases, we can usually work to a fixed fee and will usually provide you with two prices – the costs of our work in reviewing and advising on the review application and a second fee for preparing for and appearing at the review hearing. If you have received an application for review, contact us and we would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a no obligation quote.