We assist clients across a diverse range of businesses in the entertainment and hospitality. Sectors include hotels, bars, members clubs, restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, off-licences, supermarkets, sports clubs, performance venues, theatres, cinemas, art galleries and vessels.

Whether you’re a new or existing operator with a single site business or have several premises sites, we can offer practical advice, guidance and take control of any licensing applications. We can work with you to achieve your objectives. Our team has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the motivation that drives industry players and the dynamics affecting the sector.  We’ll be with you each step of the way. Contact us whether it be to start or continue your hospitality journey.

While our team are experts in their field, they know legal jargon can be off-putting. That’s why we’ll always talk to you in plain English. We’ll also make sure we’re available to answer any questions and explain anything you might not understand.

For a chat about the licences you might need, call us or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Why choose Irwin Mitchell?

Our team of experts have the know-how and experience to provide a complete legal service to licensed businesses operating in the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors. We can assist you with all your licensing queries and applications and can provide regulatory advice, where required.

Delays in getting the appropriate licence can delay your event, delay trade, and have cost implications. By working with a specialist legal team, you can be sure your application is submitted correctly. You’ll also have the assurance that if the matter becomes contentious or a hearing is needed, you’ll be supported by a team of expert lawyers.

The process of obtaining the correct licence for your business can be onerous. Equally, being subject to a licence review or having your licence revoked can be devastating. Seeking help and advice from one of our expert alcohol and entertainment licensing lawyers can make the process much smoother, less stressful, and more efficient than attempting to navigate licensing law yourself.

We can offer support to investors and start-ups as follows:

  • Undertake due diligence on licensing and regulatory issues for investors wishing to acquire assets and/or companies.
  • Work alongside both corporate and property lawyers undertaking transactional work, to include providing support for pre-contract enquiries as well as providing guidance on appropriate wording for asset purchase/sale and purchase agreements, and agreements for lease.
  • Conduct audits on premises licences and approved licensing plans.
  • Arrange for appropriate licensing applications to be made on completion.
  • Provide expert advice to investors on licensing issues arising from insolvency or bankruptcy
  • Register a landlord’s interest in licensed premises
  • Obtain a shadow licence
  • Provide detailed pre-application advice to investors and start-ups to include and assessment of percentage chances of success in obtaining a satisfactory premises licence.

We’ve worked with various licensing authorities over the years and the benefit of our experience, enables us to anticipate the likely approach of these authorities and to prepare applications, as far as possible, to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Things don’t always go to plan and if something does go wrong it is important to make sure you have a team well-equipped to fight your corner. We regularly help clients to successfully appeal a licensing committee decision and advise them when their licences are under review. We also have a strong background in successfully representing clients who have been subject to criminal proceedings for underage sales and/or breach of licence conditions.

We’ve offices around the UK, which means there’ll be an expert close by. We’ll be fully flexible to your needs.

For general enquiries

0808 291 3524

Or we can call you back at a time of your choice

Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
Philip Somarakis National Head of Regulatory & Partner Meet the team

Hospitality Licensing - More Information

Awards & Accreditation

We're always proud to be recognised for the work we do for our clients and have been named as a leading firm in the latest legal guides - which provide information and recommendations about lawyers and law firms in the UK

Legal 500 - 2024 Firms to Watch
Chambers & Partners UK Top Ranked Firm 2022
Leading Firm 2023
Legal 500 - Leading Firm 2025

What Our Clients Say

We truly value and appreciate the feedback we receive from our clients, as we look to improve the services we offer on an ongoing basis.

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5
Excellent and professional...

I am very pleased with the help I received from Irwin Mitchell.

Everything was explained to me quite clearly before they took on my case, and because they were confident that I had a case, I felt confident that they would…

Cherron Webb
5
The service I received…

The service I received from Irwin Mitchell was impeccable. I was carried along from start to finish. Claire King was amazingly awesome. All the Customer Service Representatives was absolutely polite and professional…


Thomas Ladipo
5
Call them!

From the first call to the end of the process they were highly professional and supportive.

I contacted them following a stressful life changing event. They had been through this before and understood the process well…

Sheila Beck

Our Offices

Our offices are located in major cities throughout the UK and have excellent transport links.