Licensing and Gaming

Licensing and Gaming

Our licensing law team is one of the most experienced in the region: with over 60 years licensing experience between them, Ian Besant and Andrew Potts have licenced every type of premises imaginable. They deal with food, beverage and entertainment licences for established businesses, one-off licences to cover a specific occasion and licences required by venues wishing to host civil ceremonies. In addition, they have considerable betting and gaming law expertise.

 

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Legal 500 2011 Leading Firm
Chambers UK 2012 Leading Firm

Examples of premises licensed by our licensing legal team include an entire street in Digbeth, Birmingham; a premier football club; the Royal Showground at Stoneleigh; and large hotels in Birmingham, Manchester and Brighton. They also deal with contested applications for reviews and handled the first emergency closure in the West Midlands in 2008.

As well as providing legal and commercial advice on all licensing matters, our licensing legal team makes substantive applications and appear on the following:
  • Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificate applications and variations
  • Temporary Event Notices
  • Personal Licence applications
  • Licensing appeals to the Magistrates’ Court
  • Appeals to the High Court by way of judicial review or case stated
  • Due diligence on property purchases and corporate transactions
  • Personal Premises and Operating Licences under the Gambling Act 2005 – in particular, acting for Bookmakers. 

They make a point of having early discussions with the police and other statutory bodies which helps to smooth the way with difficult applications and often avoids expensive contested hearings.

Andrew Potts and Suzanne Oatley both hold Personal Licences which can prove very useful in order to save the licence from lapsing in cases where premises are closed and or insolvency is threatened.

Working closely with the Commercial Property department they provide due diligence on property transactions including hotels, public houses and other business premises.

As well as acting for licencees, they regularly act for the Police and Local Authorities in respect of licensing matters, subsequent appeals, and a wide range of regulatory matters alongside planning and environmental expert, Pritpal Singh Swarn.

arrow The Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 came into effect on 24 November 2005. Here we explain the changes that have taken place and what you need to know if you own a business that requires either an alcohol or a public entertainment licence.

Legal 500 2011

Wright Hassall LLP’s Andrew Potts advised on a new licence for Coventry Rugby Club, while Ian Besant successfully represented clients in defending review applications brought by the police and the public. Other clients include Jimmy Spices, the restaurant chain, and hospitality barge The Bosworth Lady.

Chambers UK 2012

Andrew Potts of Wright Hassall LLP in Leamington Spa is praised as "superb" and "a very good advocate." He recently acted on behalf of Coventry Rugby Club, Jimmy Spices and Chameleon at One Victoria Square in Birmingham with regards to new licence applications.
For more information or advice on licensing and gaming law, please contact Andrew Potts or Ian Besant.
Andrew Potts is praised as "superb" and "a very good advocate."
Chambers UK 2012