Licensing
Expert licensing advice for hospitality, retail and entertainment businesses.
We offer expert guidance on all licensing law matters for restaurants, bars, hotels, retailers, nightclubs and events businesses. Our goal is to safeguard your ability to trade freely, taking the hassle out of navigating licensing regulations so you can concentrate on your business. From routine applications to challenging reviews, we manage the legal complexities, freeing you to focus on what you do best.
Talk to our licensing team today on 020 3146 6300 or email hello@lauruslaw.co.uk
How we work
Licensing can be time-sensitive and reputation-critical. We work quickly, calmly and commercially, helping you navigate the process without delay or drama.
We listen carefully to your business objectives and offer practical advice grounded in sector experience. Our approach is to simplify the process wherever possible, stay proactive with authorities, and resolve issues before they escalate.
Our Licensing team works closely with colleagues across Laurus, including our Commercial Property, Legacy and Family law teams, to ensure joined up support where your licensing needs overlap with leases, acquisitions or ownership structures.
Whether you are launching a new venue, responding to enforcement or managing a licence portfolio, we help you do so with clarity and confidence.
To speak with us about licensing, call 020 3146 6300 or email hello@lauruslaw.co.uk.
Our licensing services
We prepare and submit applications for new premises licences, guiding you through local authority requirements and minimising the risk of objections.
Whether you're extending trading hours, changing licensable activities or amending conditions, we handle full and minor variation applications with precision.
We draft and negotiate commercial leases for both landlords and tenants, ensuring terms support your long-term plans while managing statutory considerations under the LTA 1954.
We manage the licence transfer process quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuity of operation during business sales or changes of ownership.
We represent clients in review hearings and appeal proceedings, working to retain your licence and minimise disruption to your business.
If your premises face temporary or emergency closure, we respond rapidly to challenge enforcement action and protect your trading position.
From alleged unauthorised activity to condition breaches, we provide clear advice and defence representation to help resolve issues and avoid prosecution.
We advise on eligibility and submit TENs for special events or extended hours, ensuring compliance and smooth approval.
We prepare personal licence applications for individuals, providing full support with the necessary training, checks and documentation.
As part of business acquisitions, we review the licensing history and any risks associated with the premises or operator.
We help businesses put proper licensing systems in place, from staff training to incident recording and operational procedures.
We advise and represent businesses facing investigations, improvement notices, prosecutions or licence revocations linked to health and safety concerns.
Why Choose Laurus?
- Trusted by hospitality and retail businesses – From restaurants and hotels to bars and nightclubs, clients rely on our expertise to keep their operations licensed and compliant.
- End-to-end support – We advise on all aspects of licensing law, including new applications, variations, transfers, pavement licences, TENs, compliance and appeals.
- Commercial and calm under pressure – We understand the commercial realities and time sensitivity of licensing. Our advice is pragmatic, proactive and focused on safeguarding your ability to trade.
- Responsive, senior-led advice – Our experienced lawyers work closely with you, providing hands-on support through urgent matters, reviews, and hearings.
- Integrated expertise – We collaborate with colleagues across Laurus, especially in Commercial Property, to ensure seamless advice on leasing, acquisitions or structural changes impacting your licence.
- If you would like to speak to one of our licensing lawyers, please call 020 3146 6300 or email hello@lauruslaw.co.uk.
