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Gareth Hughes

Gareth Hughes

More information
Keystone Law

Keystone Law

England - London • Crime, fraud and licensing

1

Licensing

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 is frequently engaged by various renowned hotels, restaurants, and food halls, among other upscale clients, 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
Phone
020 3319 3700
Email
[email protected]
Profile
keystonelaw.co.uk

Profile

Work Department
Barrister for the hospitality and entertainment sectors
Position

Gareth is a skilled barrister who acts for an impressive portfolio of clients in the hospitality and entertainment sectors on both licensing and planning matters. He regularly acts as an advocate on behalf of clients before licensing committees all over the country and on appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, having dealt with cases right up to the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords on major points of law.

Career

2016 Keystone Law | Consultant Barrister 2002-2016 Jeffrey Green Russell Ltd | Director and Barrister 1992-2002 Westminster Council | Deputy Head of Legal Service, Business Unit 1986-1990 Goldsmiths Buildings | Barrister

Memberships
Chairman of the London Institute of Licensing

Content supplied by Keystone Law

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.