Keystone Law is adept at advising on property licensing issues for large-scale hotel and hospitality developments, alcohol and gambling licences, as well as licensing hearings and reviews, housing a large team which continues to expand and benefit from the addition of three partners from former law firm Memery Crystal in 2025. This includes Carl Rohsler, a gambling law specialist forming a key part of the group’s activity in gambling licence applications and review matters, operating for clients nationally but notably in prime Central London locations. Gareth Hughes brings strength in the hospitality industry including restaurants and late-night hospitality, often advising on matters stemming from corporate transactions and M&A. Elsewhere, Andrew Wong regularly works with local councils on specific licensing issues, while Niall McCann ‘has a personable approach to navigating difficult and complex applications opposed by residents.’ Craig Baylis departed from the firm in 2025, while October of the same year saw Luke Elford join the practice from John Gaunt & Partners, adding experience in alcohol and entertainment licensing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very wide-ranging expertise across all areas of local authority licensing processes.'
- 'Collaborative approach to negotiations with both local authority officers and interested party objectors.’
‘Marcus Lavell is passionate about the sector, with a collaborative approach to dealing with concerns raised by applications for premises licence or variations, ready to make concessions where appropriate but remain robust where agreement cannot be reached. Strong advocacy too.'
- 'Niall McCann has a personable approach to navigating difficult and complex applications opposed by residents. Written submissions are strong, and oral advocacy establishes good rapport with committees.’
‘Real depth in numbers. A group of true licensing specialists with a national reach.’
‘Andrew Wong is the standout licensing solicitor. He is immensely experienced, with first-class judgment and knowledge of the market. He is exceptionally strong in taking a commercially minded and creative approach to licensing - thus maximising licensing opportunities to his clients' advantage.'
- 'Marcus Lavell is an excellent licensing lawyer. He is very committed to his clients cases and hardworking with a first-class knowledge of licensing law and practice.'
Key clients
- Yds Uk Trading Limited
- Samocca Assets Limited
- Knotel UK Ltd
- The Bootstrap Company Limited
- D & A York Limited
- Vanity License Ltd
- Abolfazl Samizadeh
- Sands Resort Hotel Limited
- Nags Head Limited
- Boxcar Limited
- Cannon Corporate Limited
- Padd Sq Ltd
- Hippodrome Casino Ltd
- Justerini & Brooks
- Background Bars Ltd
- Background Bars Ltd
- Hard Rock Cafe (Uk) Limited
- Spider Entertainment Limited
Work highlights
Assisted The Bootstrap Company Limited with extending the hours and increase the capacity of The Bootyard.
Acted for Samocca Assets Limited, the freeholder of Louche Soho, in a summary review of the premises licence.
Acted for Knotel UK Ltd in a case relating to the relaxation of the membership conditions of the exclusive Old Sessions House members club on Clerkenwell Green.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Gareth Hughes; Carl Rohsler; Niall McCann; Andrew Wong; Marcus Lavell; Luke Elford