Licensing Law

Licensing can be a complex matter encompassing many important business and private activities. Areas of licensing law can be as varied as alcohol licensing, licenses to provide entertainment to the public, and private firearms licensing.

The problem with licensing matters is that it can be difficult to get them right, yet there may be serious consequences for getting them wrong. In my career as a licensing barrister I have taken a particular interest in all areas of licensing law and have developed in-depth knowledge covering a wide variety of licensing issues. Unlike most licensing barristers, I can offer the same service as traditional licensing lawyers as well as acting as your licensing law barrister in court. I am a member of the Institute of Licensing and hold the Professional Licensing Practitioner’s Qualification (PLPQ) and am ranked as a leading barrister (Band 3) for licensing in the independent publication The Legal 500 for 2015.

If you require the services of traditional licensing lawyers as well as an experienced licensing law barrister, please contact my clerk and ask for Stuart Jessop on 0207 797 8408 or info@stuartjessopbarrister.co.uk.
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As a licensing barrister, I can assist you with a range of different kinds of license, including:
Alcohol Licensing
Provision of alcohol to customers is a licensed activity on which many retail and hospitality businesses depend heavily. Like most licensing lawyers, I can offer guidance and support for businesses on all alcohol licensing matters including obtaining licences and Temporary Event Notices (TENs), variations, reviews, and appeals. I am regularly involved in all manner of licensing cases whether before the licensing sub-committee, on appeal to the magistrates or by way of case stated or judicial review and can advice on a variety of licensing related issues. I have experience of working as a licensing law barrister for both licensee (whether individuals or companies) and local authorities. Providing live entertainment is the main focus of many businesses, and an important and profitable supplement for many others. However, it is also an activity which may require a license, and not having that license can lose customers or render an entire business inoperable. I can help you determine whether you need a license, provide expert aid through the application process, and help you appeal if you encounter problems with your license.

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Firearms
Firearms legislation can be a tricky issue for both individuals and businesses. I have experience with firearm appeals and can guide and represent you in this often difficult and specialised area.

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Entertainment
In order to provide certain kinds of entertainment, businesses sometimes require an entertainment licence. Certain factors play a role when it comes to whether or not your business requires a licence; the time frame in which these events take place, audience size and the sale of alcohol etc. For some businesses, they only realise they required a licence after it’s too late. If an application is dismissed but isn’t categorised as frivolous, vexatious or irrelevant, it is possible to challenge the dismissal through a hearing, which I can assist with and provide expert legal advice in order to present a case for your licence to be granted.

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Gambling
Gambling is big business not only for dedicated casinos but for other business types such as hotels that offer gambling facilities onsite. It can be profitable for businesses and enjoyable for their patrons, but the dangers of irresponsible gambling place a lot of responsibility and regulation on the businesses concerned and give it the status of licensed activity.

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Taxi
Taxi licensing is important for both the health and the reputation of taxi businesses, as well as for the livelihood of the individuals behind the wheel. If there are problems with a taxi license or some incident has raised the threat that a license might be withdrawn, things can look worrying. As an experienced licensing law barrister, I can help not only with successfully obtaining a license, but also with addressing any problems that may arise or finding ways to avoid problems in the future.

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Blog

Court Rules that Premises was not an HMO

Court Rules that Premises was not an HMO

Jan 24, 2019

Stuart Jessop has successfully represented a landlord in a prosecution by the London Borough of Camden under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004, alleging that the property was a house in multiple occupation, requiring to be licensed under part 2 of the Act but which...

read more

Testimonials

I met Stuart when I was on the opposing side in a recent licensing appeal. Since that time Woods Whur have instructed him in matters, in the most recent of which he won and had costs awarded in our client's favour. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Mr. P Whur, London

Mr Jessop is excellent at identifying the issue, asking relevant questions and setting out the way forward. He is friendly & approachable at all times and puts clients at ease. He elicits and analyses the evidence and advises clients clearly on the prospects of success. We recommend Mr Jessop to clients without hesitation.

Mr. G Hopkins, London

It’s not often you meet someone as tenacious as Mr Jessop. He is committed, efficient and persuasive and possess all of the qualities you could wish for from your lawyer. He is positive where others are negative, he shows dogged determination to deliver the right result for his client. I have no hesitation in recommending him - top class.

Mr. D Rogers, London

Stuart Jessop, counsel, has covered a number of difficult Licensing applications through Sanders Solicitors, including Hearings before Licensing Committees and Appeal Hearings in the Magistrates' Court. Clients have always been complementary of Mr. Jessop's advocacy and advice. He easily grasps the issues at hand and is readily forthcoming with advice on LW, Practice and Procedure.

Mr. C Turner, London

Accreditations & Professional Memberships

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Stuart Jessop Barrister
6 Pump Court
Temple
London
EC4Y 7AR

Tel: 0207 797 8408

info@stuartjessopbarrister.co.uk