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Licensing

Cornerstone Barristers
Francis Taylor Building
Three Raymond Buildings

Leading Silks

1
Ranjit Bhose KC –Cornerstone Barristers
Gerald Gouriet KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Makes himself available and is supportive of the whole team. Has very deep understanding of case law on gambling.‘
Philip Kolvin KC –11KBW ‘Excellent knowledge and understanding of the law, combined with first rate advocacy skills that make every hearing feel like a masterclass.’
David Matthias KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘David is truly knowledgeable in licensing, scrupulous in his preparation and clinical in his written arguments. He is client focused, approachable and very likeable with his persuasive style whilst remaining tactically shrewd.‘
Stephen Walsh KC –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Stephen is very approachable, calm and a real team player. He is knowledgeable and focused, with a calm and polite, but tenacious approach to advocacy.’
2
Michael Bromley-Martin KC –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Michael is always first choice for contested licensing applications with a criminal element. He is superb.'
Matthew Butt KC –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Whether the advice is provided in writing or in conference he is always an absolute master of the brief and often answers pertinent questions in regard to key issues that clients haven’t themselves necessarily even asked.‘
James Findlay KC –Cornerstone Barristers
Peter Glenser KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Peter is the go to silk when it comes to firearms offences and licensing. Combining this expertise with his impressive criminal practice makes for a formidable advocate with a very wide range.‘
Jeremy Phillips KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Jeremy is very engaged and accommodating of his time with clients.'

Leading Juniors

1
Josef Cannon –Cornerstone Barristers ‘Incredibly approachable advocate, with a style committees appreciate. Has achieved great results in very challenging circumstances.’
Leo Charalambides –Francis Taylor Building 'A truly thorough individual. Leo makes the complex seem so easy to understand and does not fear the unknown. He prepares well in advance and gives confidence in his abilities.'
Sarah Le Fevre –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Sarah is thorough and always well-prepared. She delivers her submissions with consummate ease that is always perfectly pitched.'
Gary Grant –Francis Taylor Building ‘Gary is a superb advocate and brilliant lawyer. Determined to win. Fights incredibly hard for clients and has the ability to turn a case through the force of his intellect and advocacy. The go-to barrister for tough licensing cases.’
James Rankin –Francis Taylor Building ‘His advocacy is a joy to watch and it goes without saying that he is an expert in his field.' 
Charles Streeten –Francis Taylor Building ‘He has exceptional insight and is one to watch for the future.’
2
Richard Hanstock –Cornerstone Barristers ‘Richard understands his brief and has the ability to explain clearly the nature of the licensing regime and what a successful appeal can and cannot do. He is rated highly as an advocate.’
Stuart Jessop –Six Pump Court ‘Stuart is exceptionally good on his feet and on the papers. He always keeps in mind the commercial realities of the client’s business and the context in which the law operates. Stuart is able to put clients at ease and inspire confidence.‘
Guy Ladenburg –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Guy has intimate knowledge of licensing.'
Saba Naqshbandi –Three Raymond Buildings ‘Her strategy is excellent.’
Asitha Ranatunga –Cornerstone Barristers ‘Asitha is extremely efficient with his and his clients' time preparing for hearings.'

Licensing in London Bar

Cornerstone Barristers

Cornerstone Barristers is noted for being ‘excellent’ when it comes to licensing matters, with a focus on representing operators in disputes concerning gambling, sex shops, alcohol, public entertainment and private hire. In Uber London Limited v Transport for London & United Trade Action Group & APCU & Transopco Limited, Ranjit Bhose KC led Josef Cannon, acting on behalf of Uber in proceedings questioning whether the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 requires a licensed operator to enter a contract as a principal with a passenger who has booked a journey. Asitha Ranatunga represented Bessington Investments in an objection to One World Festival’s application for a new premises license.

Testimonials

Set

‘Excellent.’

‘Favoured provider.‘

Clerking

‘Excellent. I work closely with Daniel Gatt and George Regan especially.‘

Work highlights

    Francis Taylor Building

    The team at Francis Taylor Building is regarded for its representation of clients in the liquor, gambling and entertainment sectors. In Cartledge v Gedling Borough Council, Gerald Gouriet KC successfully appealed a conviction with regard to the driving of a hackney carriage without a license. Members of the set also advise local authorities; David Matthias KC worked with Westminster City Council on its gambling policy, while Leo Charalambides advised it on its plans to implement a system to regulate busking. Charles Holland , for the Metropolitan Police, and Gary Grant  , for the restaurant, were instructed in a review into the premises license of Casa Cruz, which allegedly hosted a birthday party for singer Rita Ora in breach of the “second lockdown” COVID regulations.

    Testimonials

    Set

    ‘Top set for licensing.’

    ‘FTB can always be relied on to provide an excellent service and good results.’

    ‘Superb. Highly recommended for all local government matters especially all licensing/regulatory matters.’

    ‘FTB is clearly the leading licensing set. It has unrivalled depth in the licensing and regulatory field and they have been a joy to work with.’      

    ‘FTB are one of the premier sets for licensing work. They have excellent strength in depth from KC downwards.’     

    ‘FTB is the leading London chambers in my opinion for licensing as they are able to offer true licensing experts at every level of call.’

    ‘FTB is the strongest of the chambers in terms of strength in depth for work on licensing.’

    ‘I have found FTB a pleasure to work with and both David Matthias and Charles Streeten are hardworking and approachable with the ability to focus on detail and the bigger picture.’

    Clerking

    ‘Excellent.’

    ‘Always helpful.’

    ‘The clerks are very approachable when dealing with any queries or when they are contacted.’

    ‘I am very pleased with the service provided by the clerks.’ 

    ‘The clerks are fantastic. They have been amazing at helping us organise representation and dealing with important issues such as setting dates.’

    ‘The clerks ensure that their barristers are fully briefed and prepared to represent their clients to the best of their abilities.’

    ‘Always friendly and efficient.’

    Work highlights

      Three Raymond Buildings

      The barristers at Three Raymond Buildings often advise and represent clients in the alcohol and entertainment, private hire, and gambling sectors. Acting for Fu Manchu, Michael Bromley-Martin KC successfully obtained a premises license, one that was subject to objections by the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority. Stephen Walsh KC represented Aspers Casinos with respect to varying the terms of its gambling license in Milton Keynes. From the junior ranks, Sarah Le Fevre is acting for Sophisticats, a sexual encounter venue, in contested renewals and new grants for two venues in Soho and Camden.

      Testimonials

      Set

      ‘The best set for licensing with an unparalleled breath of expertise across licensing and regulatory, which often provides an invaluable knowledge bank for complex licensing cases.’

      Clerking

      ‘Excellent clerks. Always available and go the extra mile to get the work done.’

      ‘The clerks here are first class. They are responsive, commercial, friendly, and helpful.’

      ‘The best clerks. Dean Brown in particular stands out as the most helpful and accessible clerk who always finds the right barrister for the job, every time.’

      ‘Excellent, supportive, and available. Eddie Holland is particularly impressive.’