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Licensing Defence Barristers Blog
Our Licensing Defence Barristers routinely work in all areas of licensing law including personal licenses, premises licences, application for designates premises supervisors (DPS), construction of operating schedules, advising on conditions, dealing with representations from all relevant parties, variation of premises licence, reviews of premises licence and transfer of premises licence, club premises certificates, closure orders, temporary event notices and all aspect of investigation and interview relating to potential prosecutions. Our blog aims to add further detail to the services we offer in these areas of service.
Star Awards for Whitehaven Pubwatch
The Pubwatch Star Award, sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers, has been presented to Pauline Cullen and Jason Fisher of Whitehaven Pubwatch.
Pubs to see business rates lowered
The Chancellor announced new business rate cuts for 18,000 pubs across the UK.
Pubs are on the up!
The number of small pubs and bars in the UK has increased for the first time in more than 15 years.
Licensing fines at an all-time low
Fines for certain Licensing Act offences are at an all time low. Is compliance in licensed venues at an all-time high?
Appeals now cost less
The cost of lodging an appeal against a decision of a licensing authority has come down.
Licensed premises, closure powers and compensation
What are the powers available to the police to close licensed premises and your right to compensation for loss of income resulting from the closure?
Security advice for licensed premises
The Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Unit has issued comprehensive security advice that applies also to licensed venues.
Cumbria Pubwatch receive Star Awards
Cumbria Pubwatch receive Pubwatch Star Awards sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers.
Get your TENs in
With Christmas and new year fast approaching, it is a busy and important time of year of the licensed trade. Make sure you get your TENs in on time.
Protecting your business with a “shadow licence”
It is possible for a landlord of a licensed venue to protect their business interest with a “shadow licence”.
Pubwatch Star Award for Bedfordshire Police Officer
The Pubwatch Star Award, sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers, has been awarded to PC Rob Sparkes.
Extended pub opening hours for 75th anniversary of VE Day?
The Home Secretary has announced plans to extend pub licensing hours across England and Wales to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol is coming to Wales – What you need to know
The cost of an alcoholic drink is Wales will soon become more expensive as the country seeks to adopt a Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol.
Non-party costs in Licensing appeal hearings
The High Court has recently ruled that there is a power under the Licensing Act 2003 to order non-party costs.
Bottomless deals: What you need to know
Bottomless brunches and other meal deals have become popular. However, licensees must be careful not to breach the conditions on their licence when offering these promotions.
Removal of onerous licence conditions without appeal case
Licensing Defence Barrister’s Stephen McCaffrey secures removal of onerous premises licence conditions for new bar in Eastbourne.
STAR Awards for Otley Pubwatch Sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers
Two National Pubwatch Star Awards sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers have been awarded to Tony Garwood Chair of Otley Pubwatch and Mick Waters from Leeds City Council.
Get ready for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is just around the corner. What do you need to do to make sure you have your licensing arrangements in order?
When don’t you need an entertainment licence?
If you want to put on what’s known as regulated entertainment, you would normally need a premises licence or a temporary events notice. Not always however.
High Court cases for illegal streaming in pubs and bars
The number of High Court cases involving illegal streaming and music rights in pubs and bars should send a clear message to licensees.
National Licensing Week should celebrate licensees too
During National Licensing Week 2019, we want to thank our clients and licensees around the country for playing their part in promoting the importance of licensing.
2019 Star Award sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers
2019 Star Award sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers awarded to Rob Kennedy and Bill Donne from Reading.
Dealing with objections to your application
Almost anybody can make an objection to a premises licence application – including applications to vary a premises licence.
Conwy Pubwatch Chairman receives Star Award Sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers
North Wales Regional Representative Frank Marnell presents Garry Plumb with NPW Star Award that is sponsored by Licensing Defence Barristers.
Extend your premises licence for a summer of sport
With the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup starting soon and the IRB Rugby World Cup later in the year, most licensees will want to extend their licensing hours. Here is how.
Closure powers & problems in the “vicinity”
Pubs with crime & disorder in their vicinity can face mandatory closures even if they are not directly responsible for it. When are you responsible for what happens in the vicinity of your pub?
Government funding announced for rural pubs
Are you a rural pub? You can be entitled to funding from the government to expand your offer.
Music fee set to increase – what you need to know
The Public Performance Licensing has announced a revised fee structure for nightclubs, pubs/bars, restaurant/cafes and hotels.
Unprecedented closure of music venues “presents significant and urgent challenge”
Unprecedented closure of music venues “presents significant and urgent challenge” is the conclusion reached by a group of influential MPs sitting on the DCMS Committee.
Equality law & reasonable adjustments in licensed venues
A recent report has concluded that licensed premises, particularly pubs and bars, some of the poorest venues for accessibility. If you own or run a pub, you have certain statutory equality duties to comply with.