Licensing Solicitor Newcastle | Alcohol Licensing Solicitors

The perfect measure…
Our unique combination of skills is the best blend in the business.

Our licensing solicitors specialise in alcohol, entertainment, gaming and gambling licensing, from premises licenses and temporary events notices to online gambling applications and operating licenses.

Led by Partner, Matt Foster, our licensing solicitors have provided expert advice on licensing laws to hotels, breweries, restaurants, pubs, clubs, off license and supermarkets for over 50 years. Mincoffs Solicitors’ Licensing and Gaming team is ranked in the top tier of the Legal 500 – the independent guide to the top law firms.

The earlier we can identify problems, the better we are able to resolve them. Often early negotiations with licensing authorities and other businesses can prevent prosecutions and reviews, saving you time and money, disruption and unwanted publicity. Our experienced solicitors deal regularly with local authorities and can prepare supporting evidence to present your interests and improve your policies and procedures in line with the Licensing Act 2003. We’ll do our best to avoid contested situations, but if necessary our lawyers will appear on your behalf before licensing committees and the magistrates’ court, both in the North East and nationally.

There is an increasing burden upon businesses to comply with various regulations, statutory instruments, government guidance and new legislation. The implications of non-compliance can be felt both in terms of financial and personal liability. We work with many SMEs and corporate bodies who find themselves the subject of investigations/prosecutions by Councils, the Police and various government agencies. We work closely with clients to develop policies, update procedures and prepare for and avoid prosecutions.

Our experience in Licensing and Gaming and its associated legislation, means that we have experience of dealing with various situations in which prosecutions are taken or threatened against our clients. The most important thing that you can do when faced with a prosecution, or a potential prosecution, is to seek immediate legal advice to protect yourself, your staff and your business. Any delay at the initial stages can result in additional costs and damage to your business. In addition to the regulatory defence work we undertake, we also represent the Security Industry Authority and the Environment Agency in relation to various matters across the North East of England.

We can provide advice on a vast range of licensing and gaming matters such as:

Licensing Training

We also offer a suite of training courses for professionals in the licensed trade. Mincoffs Training is fully accredited by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance

Alcohol Licences

Mincoffs Solicitors have developed expertise in the area of alcohol licensing since the firm’s inception in 1948 and now enjoys a national reputation as a licensing specialist.

Premises Licences and Club Premises Certificates

Under the Licensing Act 2003, premises licences can be applied for by a number of different types of applicant, provided they are over the age of 18.

Operating Schedules, Licences and Policies

It is vitally important when submitting an application for a new premises licence or a club premises certificate, that it is accompanied by the appropriate operating schedule.

Temporary and Large Scale Events

An event organised at any premises can be applied for with a Temporary Events Notice so long as the number of people in attendance is under 500. Large scale events, when the number of people exceed 499, will need to be accounted for by a Premises Licence Application.

Review Proceedings

Under the Licensing Act 2003, responsible bodies and ‘other persons’ can apply to review a premises licence or a club premises certificate.

Magistrate Court Prosecutions

We deal with various prosecutions before the Magistrates Court in regards to offences prosecuted against our licensing clientele, as well as also conducting private prosecutions.

Appeals and Judicial Reviews

When matters cannot be resolved before a Sub-Licensing Committee, for example in regards to an application or a review, it may be necessary to appeal that decision to the Magistrates Court, or apply for a judicial review.

Negotiations with Responsible Bodies in the Licensing Authority

During Applications and reviews, it is very important to have expert legal advice and good experience on your side.

Opposing Applications

The Licensing Act provides that responsible authorities or other persons can object to applications if they are able to submit relevant representations in regards to the likely effect of that application on the licensing objectives.

Noise and Waste Regulations

As a Law Firm that represents the licensed trade, we are often asked to advise in relation to noise and waste regulations.

Personal Licences, Transfers and Interim Authority Notices

We have vast experience of applying for and providing training for personal licences. We can arrange training at your place of business or at our offices and apply for personal licences on your behalf.