Licensing in South East

Blandy & Blandy LLP

With a base in the Thames Valley, the group at Blandy & Blandy LLP offers specialist expertise and experience in venue licensing work, regularly advising on the major sporting and entertainment venues of household names such as Tottenham Hotspur Ltd, The FA Group and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. More widely, the team’s offering also includes assisting with operational and compliance issues and regulations related to such premises. Practice head Sue Dowling utilises her decades of experience in venue licensing to advise grounds, entertainment venues and hotels on alcohol and regulated entertainment licensing.

Practice head(s):

Sue Dowling

Key clients

Tottenham Hotspur Ltd/Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Limited

The FA Group/ Wembley National Stadium Ltd

Rugby Football Union (RFU)

AEG Europe/The O2

Royal Academy of Arts

Marylebone Cricket Club (in relation to Lord’s Cricket Ground)

Henley Royal Regatta

AEG Presents

John Gaunt & Partners

Located in Gosport, John Gaunt & Partners‘ experienced licensing practice is unique in offering specialist licensing expertise nationally as well as regionally. Team leader Jon Wallsgrove continues to be retained by household names in retail such as Waitrose and John Lewis for regulatory compliance and other licensing issues; a standout mandate in 2021 involved an expedited review of the premises licence for the Duke of Devonshire pub in Portsmouth. As well as the retail sector, the group also works with notable names in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jon Wallsgrove

Testimonials

‘Our contact has been with Jon Wallsgrove, who has consistently delivered expert, quick, practical and cost effective advice.’

‘They are always happy to help our business and have secured fantastic results and outcomes across our portfolio. The practice are proactive in their approach and ensure that they check what can be done to improve the business or experience. They are extremely knowledgeable and have a network of experts that they can call upon where needed.’

Key clients

Waitrose

Marks & Spencer’s

John Lewis

Marston’s PLC

Whitbread

Sodexo Ltd

Odeon Cinema Group

InBev

Portobello Pub Company

Liberation Group

Millennium and Copthorne Hotels

Pergola

The Devonshire Group

Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew

Southern Co-op

Interstate

Aramark

Benugo

Heritage Portfolio

Centre Plate

Work highlights

  • Assisted Southern Co-Op with over 200 applications to authorise the installation of self-service points across the Co-Op estate.
  • Assisted Free World Entertainment Ltd with a large-scale outdoor event on short notice.
  • Acted for QFM Group Ltd to successfully overturn a decision by Newcastle City Centre to refuse an extension of the trading hours of its client’s ‘Taco Bell’ restaurant, as well as helping with the growth of brand nationally.

Trethowans LLP

The Southampton-based team at Trethowans LLP handles a variety of licensing matters for clients in the retail, hospitality and sport sectors. Practice leader Karen Lush advises national clients on their entire national estates, and consultant solicitors Sandra Graham and Julia Palmer are integral to the team with the latter having experience advocating for clients. The depth of the team means that ‘specialists are available in other licensing matters where required‘, with significant experience in dealing with street trading licences nationally as well as temporary fast track pavement licences.

Practice head(s):

Karen Lush

Other key lawyers:

Sandra Graham; Julia Palmer; Sarah Wheedon

Testimonials

There are specialists available in other licensing matters where required. Upcoming changes that affect our business are always forewarned.’

‘They have a personal touch, are reliable and not rigid in their communication. It feels like a collaboration and it feels like they are part of our team.’

Key clients

Nando’s Chickenland Ltd

Pizza Hut UK Ltd

Chelsea Football Club PLC

Goals Soccer Centres

K.T.O (Fareham) Limited

Poole Leisure Limited

Beach House (Mudeford) Limited

Macemade Limited

Compton Acres Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising and assisting a national restaurant brand on numerous applications for fast track pavement licences introduced by the Business & Planning Act 2020.
  • Assisting a national restaurant brand client with managing its large estates, which includes all types of premises and pavement licensing.
  • Acted for a major premier league football club by achieving a licence for impressive redevelopment of one of its stands to provide new hospitality, events and bar/food areas.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

The practice at Field Seymour Parkes LLP, based in Reading, lies within the firm’s property litigation team and the wider property department, meaning the main focus on licensing issues is in relation to premises and property litigation. This enables the team to deal seamlessly with any issues that might arise with development schemes. Practice head Mark Banham assists with a range of transactions relating to licensed premises.

Practice head(s):

Mark Banham