Licensed Trade
Clients involved in the licensed trade operate in a unique regulatory environment that affects every aspect of what they do. Winckworth Sherwood responds with a comprehensive service encompassing every practical business issue that licensed trade operators are likely to encounter, whether their business is a hotel, pub, casino, restaurant, supermarket or petrol forecourt store. Advice is delivered by a dedicated team of specialists experienced in every area of licensed trade operations.
In relation to licensing itself, Winckworth Sherwood can justly claim to be innovators. With in-depth knowledge of the off trade built up over many years of work with off licence chains and supermarkets, we identified the opportunity for petrol station forecourt stores to secure off licences. We have now secured more than 750 such licences, for clients including national supermarket groups, oil companies and independent operators. Every one of these licence applications required a presence in court, provided by our in-house team of advocates and supported by external barristers as and when necessary.
Our on trade experience covers nightclubs (including a 24 hour venue), pubs, restaurants, a casino and some of the most prestigious hotels in London.
We can advise throughout the lifetime of a licensed business – establishing the company, purchasing or securing a lease on a property, securing the necessary licences, setting up employment contracts for staff, and advising on all ongoing operational issues, up to and including the ultimate disposal of the business. In every case we apply a blend of specific legal know-how and in depth understanding of the licensed trade sector.
The enactment of the Licensing Act 2003 has had a huge impact on the trade. We recognise the desire of clients to maximise the opportunities provided by the Act and aim to push boundaries as we did with the previous legislation.
As always when instructing and working with lawyers, good working relationships smooth the path to success. Our range of relevant skills and our fast, responsive service mean that our relationships with our licensed trade clients can, and do, last for a very long time.
Legal Services
Partners
Mon 23 Apr 2007
Winckworth Sherwood instructed by Costco
Government Evaluation of the Impact of the Licensing Act 2003 (45Kb)
Smoking in Public Places (54Kb)
Under Age Sales Update and Expedited Sales Review: November 2007 (49Kb)
Licensing Act 2003 : Revised Guidance (50Kb)
Sales of Alcohol to Under Age Persons (38Kb)
Licensing Act 2003 : February 2007 Update (61Kb)
Licensing Act 2003 : August 2006 Update (45Kb)