Licensing
The licensing team enjoys a national reputation for licensing and related criminal matters. Alcohol and entertainment, gambling, taxis and firearms as well as less common areas such as zoos, pleasure boats and pharmacies are covered. Clients include local authorities, police forces, independent operators, public corporations and others throughout England and Wales.
The team responds quickly and effectively to requests for advice, assistance and advocacy on matters such as new applications, variations, reviews, revocations and appeals. Members appear before local authority licensing committees, magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court up and down the country.
There is also wide-ranging experience in related criminal matters, for example, several recent cases involving criminal liability for underage sales of alcohol.
Extensive expertise exists in applications to the High Court by way of judicial review and case stated, in both licensing and criminal matters, in the Administrative Court.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2010
Professor Roy Light “is academically minded and an excellent advocate.” Light’s respect among the marketplace is the product of many years’ advising supermarket chains, petrol companies, breweries, nightclub operators, gaming machine manufacturers, national stadiums and local and police authorities.
Chambers UK 2009
Professor Roy Light impresses with his ‘strategic awareness and profound knowledge’ of the new Gambling Act. He has advised clients such as Punch Taverns and the Spirit Group on the legislation, pointing out its implications and opportunities. His deep understanding of his subject was flagged up by one client, who noted that ‘he resolved one seemingly knotty issue by pointing out the misdrafting of regulations concerning gaming machines to the Department For Culture, Media and Sport; that department then remedied its mistake.’ He is nationally recognised for his experience across a wide range of licensing matters.
Legal 500 2009
St John’s Chambers’ Peter Wadsley appeared recently in the Fullabrook Wind Farm Inquiry. David Fletcher and Professor Roy Light are recommended for licensing and judicial review.
