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  1. Licensing
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’At the forefront of this area of law’, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is led by the ‘brilliant’ Craig Baylis. In 2011, the firm assisted Burberry in licensing for the London Fashion Week, and acted for Townlink in a licensing appeal and subsequent judicial review, which clarified the approach to be adopted by a Magistrates Court when conducting a licensing appeal. The firm continues to act for clients including Tesco, Blanc Brasseries, Apple Retail and Selfridges. Jeremy Bark has a ‘strong understanding of the industry’, and a ‘practical and approachable style’.

With ‘top-notch’ industry knowledge, the ‘expert’ three-partner team at Jeffrey Green Russell Limited is led by Julian Skeens. Key highlights in 2011 included acting for 50 St James in obtaining a new 24-hour licence for the hotel, and advising Aubaine on its expansion. The ‘extremely good’ Gareth Hughes provided licensing advice to Pho restaurants on its expansion across the UK, and obtained a licence for an outdoor festival in Clapham. Andrew Wong is ‘exceptional’, and has experience in closure orders, reviews and applications for 24-hour nightclubs.

Boutique licensing firm Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP was established in 2011 by the ‘excellent’ Alun Thomas and Thomas O’Maoileoin following their departure from Davenport Lyons. Noted for their ‘practical approach’, Thomas and O’Maoileoin are ‘out in front’ and ‘very efficient’. Their recent work includes defending a double review application on behalf of nightclubs Fire and Area, and advising Stringfellows. Other clients include Westfield and the Royal Parks.

The ‘proactive’ team at Blake Lapthorn is led by Jon Wallsgrove, and has an ‘excellent’ understanding of clients’ businesses. With a focus on the leisure and retail sectors, its clients include John Lewis, Waitrose, Amazing Retreats and the BBC. Phil Crier has a ‘thorough grasp of the law’, and associate Stephen Drake is also recommended. Philip Somarakis left the firm to join Davenport Lyons.

Elizabeth Southorn leads the team at Harris Hagan, which handles licensing work for clients in a range of sectors, including retailers, hotels, universities, restaurants and event venues. In 2011 it advised the Shard in relation to its public viewing galleries, and obtained a contested premises licence for the Institute for Government.

Suzanne Davies leads a seven-fee-earner team at West End firm Joelson Wilson LLP including managing partner David Clifton. It recently acted for the Odeon in obtaining a balcony licence at Leicester Square as well as making licence applications on behalf of the Odeon in Manchester and Tunbridge Wells. The firm also acted for the Isle of Wight Festival in 2011.

With a ‘leading edge’, Poppleston Allen acts for hotels, bars, restaurants, professional bodies and pub operators, including Stonegate Pub Company. The ‘dedicated’ team is a ‘leading light’ in the area; Clare Eames is ‘outstanding’, and the ‘knowledgeable and forthright’ Lisa Sharkey is also recommended. Sadly, managing partner Jeremy Allen passed away in July 2011.

Squire Sanders LLP’s ‘overall industry knowledge is first class’. Work in 2011 included obtaining new licences for a number of schools, and advising on an application to vary a licence, for Mindshare Media. The firm continues to act for Select Service Partner and the InterContinental Hotels Group. Stephanie Perraton is ‘very impressive’, and has a ‘thorough understanding’ of clients’ businesses, and associate Nicola Smith is also recommended.

At Bevan Kidwell, the ‘highly experienced’ Lisa Inzani provides a ‘personal service’ and has ‘good depth of knowledge’. Clients include the London Eye, Wagamama, Sheraton Park Tower, The Lanesborough and Park Lane Hotel. The firm recently obtained licences for Bar Italia and Little Italy in Soho, and has been involved in obtaining licences for pop-up restaurant Bistrotheque.

Joint head of hospitality and leisure Tim Davies leads the Bristol-based licensing team at Bond Pearce LLP. The firm acts on a national basis for clients including Marks and Spencer, Superdrug, and Carlsberg. In 2011 it obtained a late-night licence on behalf of a Liverpool nightclub, and acted for the Ambassador Theatre Group at a contested hearing.

Davenport Lyons was hit by the departure of Alun Thomas and Thomas O’Maoileoin, while Philip Somarakis has joined the firm from Blake Lapthorn. Somarakis jointly heads the team with Phillip D’Costa, who recently advised the Imperial War Museum on its licensing strategy.

The ‘very professional’ team at Winckworth Sherwood continues to act for Sainsbury’s in relation to all of its licensing requirements across England and Wales. Robert Botkai’s team also advises MRH in relation to the licensing of forecourt stores, and has advised a number of restaurants on obtaining new licences.

Dadds LLP Licensing Solicitors acts for clients including Sugar Hut, Smith’s Restaurant, Victoria Tavern, and Revolution. With a national practice, the ‘exceptional’ David Dadds is noted for his ‘tenacity’, ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’, and ‘lateral thinking’.

LT Law’s clients include the Soho House Group, Platinum Lace, Cirque du Soir and Movida. Sole practitioner Lana Tricker works ‘tirelessly’ on behalf of her clients.

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