Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP's licensing team demonstrates great breadth; its client base includes developers, casinos, bars, pubs and clubs. The firm provides specialist advice to both brick-and-mortar as well as online clients. The practice is headed by Craig Baylis, who successfully obtained new licences for the Globe Theatre. Another key member of the team is associate director Jeremy Bark, who acted for The 100 Club, located in the stress area within Westminster, on an application to amend the terms of its licence.

Keystone Law has a full service licensing capability advising on early morning alcohol restriction orders, enforcement issues, temporary event notices and restaurants. The firm has a mix of new and long-standing clients. Gareth Hughes is a key name for clients in the hospitality and entertainment sectors; he is advising Dragon Knight on the licensing issues concerning a large-scale development in London, which involves thousands of residential buildings and leisure premises. Andrew Wong also has strength in the leisure, entertainment and hospitality sectors. Niall McCann and Richard Williams joined from Joelson in April 2019; the pair now have a consultancy agreement in place to continue to provide services to their former firm.

Poppleston Allen's specialist licensing team has considerable breadth, acting for pubs, clubs, restaurants and property developers. Clare Eames, who jointly heads the practice, acts for the Stonegate Pub Company, owner of close to 700 pubs across the UK, on various matters. Fellow co-head Lisa Inzani is acting for the Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen in gaining a new premises licence in the cumulative impact zone of Westminster. Another notable member of the team is associate Steve Burnett; he advises on drafting policies, obtaining pavement licenses and defending premises licence reviews.

Thomas & Thomas Partners LLP is a boutique licensing law firm that acts for developers, landlords, theatres, private members' clubs, restaurants and hotels. Thomas O'Maoileoin has been lead partner on several licensing matters concerning hotels and studios. One highlight was his advice to Michelin starred restaurant Murano on varying the terms of its premises licence. Alun Thomas is another key name and has considerable expertise advising on the extension of the number of live music events at Hyde Park. Jack Spiegler was part of the part assisting with licensing matters for GBK.

TLT's licensing team has considerable breadth, covering the charity, restaurant, leisure and hotel sectors. The firm's client base includes pubs, bars, brewers, festivals, conference venues, galleries and theatres. Matthew Phipps is a significant figure in licensing and has worked on matters including the opening of Flight Club Darts' new Manchester office. Piers Warne is another name to note; he has experience in dealing with contested applications and licence reviews.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP is particularly known for its work for supermarkets, petrol station forecourt operators, hotels and pubs. With one of the largest licensing practices in London, the firm undertakes a high volume of off-trade licensing matters. Robert Botkai, who leads the team, has over 30 years of experience and has worked on a range of licensing matters. Sabrina Cader is another key name and frequently works alongside Botkai.

Ince's team acts for landlords, casino operators, theatres and breweries. Practice head Philip Somarakis has considerable experience representing clients before licensing committees and in the Magistrates Court. In one notable highlight, he is acting for Club K in obtaining a variation of a premises licence in Hounslow's cumulative impact zone. Andrew Cotton is another standout figure, particularly for liquor licensing, where he advises clients on the licensing of premises.

Joelson's licensing team works in the restaurant and hospitality and leisure sectors, while also carrying out licensing work for other city law firms. Niall McCann and Richard Williams now lead the team as consultants.

LT Law is a boutique licensing law firm, which advises a wide range of clients including nightclubs, bars and restaurants. The firm advises on all matters concerning licensing such as applications, grants and variations. The practice is led by the 'very good' Lana Tricker who is well regarded in the market.

Pinsent Masons LLP covers the full range of licensing work. The firm is known for its UK-wide work in the restaurant, hotel and retail sectors. Legal director Audrey Ferrie heads the team and has expertise in liquor and civic government licensing, where she represents companies in the leisure and hospitality industry. Associate Christopher Rees-Gay  has experience handling contentious and non-contentious alcohol licensing issues.

Squire Patton Boggs' licensing team is 'straight to the point', working to advise clients on a range of issues in the retail, transportation, hospitality and leisure sectors. The firm has a particular expertise advising on hotel licenses, where it acts for key players in the market. Stephanie Perraton heads the team; her recent highlights include advising Etc Venues on the opening up of a new venue in Houndsditch and the redevelopment of an existing venue in Eastcheap. Director Nicola Smith, who specialises in the hospitality and leisure sector, has had recent success representing clients in a number of contested hearings.

Dadds LLP Licensing Solicitors is a specialist practice which covers all aspects of alcohol and licensing law. The firm covers reviews, enforcement and licence premises variations for bars, restaurants and private individuals. Key practitioner David Dadds is a popular choice for small businesses and local authorities. Natasha Nunn is also notable and frequently acts for clients in licensing reviews and appeals.

Goodman Derrick LLP's team advises on entertainment and liquor licensing law to a range of clients, including pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, retailers and hotels. James Daglish, who heads the team, combines 'commercial awareness with legal acumen' . The team acted for Simmons Bars Group on the licensing aspects of the sale of the Group to Lonsdale Capital.

Gregg Latchams LLP acts for a broad range of clients, including theatres, stadiums, bowling centres, hotels, breweries, restaurants, and alcohol retailers. Legal director Ewen MacGregor, who leads the team, acts for a number of national brands and smaller independent operators. In one notable highlight, he advised on obtaining a new premises licence for seven units within Boxpark's development in Wembley Park.