Business Details
31 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Licensing Solicitors in the UK
John Gaunt & Partners are specialist licensing solicitors with over 25 years of experience in alcohol, gambling, and regulatory law. Established in 1995, our firm operates nationwide across England, Scotland, and Wales, providing expert legal advice to businesses requiring premises and personal licences. Our dedicated team of solicitors, paralegals, and support staff prioritises client needs, offering a 24-hour helpline to accommodate the non-stop nature of licensed operations. We specialise in securing and maintaining licences for pubs, clubs, restaurants, betting shops, and retail establishments, while also representing clients in appeals and enforcement actions. Our expertise extends to planning permissions, taxi licensing, and compliance with evolving legislation, ensuring businesses remain legally operational.With offices in Sheffield, Gosport, and London, we combine local knowledge with national reach to deliver tailored solutions. Our track record includes successful licensing for iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound and Manhattan Loft Gardens. We pride ourselves on a commercial, common-sense approach, blending legal excellence with practical industry insights. Our clients benefit from streamlined processes, proactive compliance strategies, and a team that understands the unique challenges of the licensed sector. This commitment to excellence has solidified our reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist licensing law firms.
Services
Alcohol Licensing
Gambling Licensing
Planning Permissions
Taxi Licensing
Training Courses
Premises Licences
Personal Licences
Licensing Appeals
Regulatory Compliance
Event Licensing
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer a 24-hour helpline for urgent licensing matters.
- Our team specialises exclusively in licensing, gambling, and regulatory law.
- We operate nationwide across England, Scotland, and Wales.
- We have secured licences for iconic venues like Ministry of Sound.
- Our solicitors provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable team
Smooth process
Commercial approach
Proven track record
Services
Alcohol Licensing
We assist businesses in obtaining and maintaining alcohol licences for pubs, clubs, restaurants, and retail outlets. Our expertise covers premises licences, personal licences, and temporary event notices. We ensure compliance with local regulations while maximising trading hours and profitability.
Gambling Licensing
Our team navigates complex gambling laws for pubs, betting shops, and casinos. We secure operating licences, personal licences, and premises licences while managing relationships with the Gambling Commission and local authorities to ensure legal compliance.
Training Courses
We provide accredited training for personal licence holders and industry professionals. Our courses include BIIAB-accredited qualifications, food safety certifications, and compliance training delivered via eLearning or scheduled exams to suit busy schedules.
Planning Permissions
We advise on planning requirements for licensed venues, including changes of use, signage, and operational restrictions. Our solicitors ensure compliance with local authority regulations to prevent enforcement actions and prosecution.
Licensing Appeals
We represent clients in challenging licensing decisions and defending enforcement actions. Our solicitors have a proven track record in appeals, review hearings, and magistrates' court prosecutions to protect business interests.
People
Tim Shield
Partner
Tim Shield is a partner at John Gaunt & Partners, specialising in licensing law. He leads a team dedicated to providing industry-leading advice with a commercial approach, ensuring clients receive practical solutions tailored to their business needs.
Michelle Hazlewood
Partner
Michelle Hazlewood is a partner with extensive experience in licensing transactions. She has managed large-scale pub disposals and new build developments, working closely with clients like Marston's PLC to ensure compliant and efficient licensing processes.
Tom Orford
Operations Director
Tom Orford, Operations Director at Falcon Retail Limited, has collaborated with John Gaunt & Partners for years. He praises their deep industry knowledge and strong relationships with local authorities, which streamline licensing applications for service stations.
Questions
What areas do John Gaunt & Partners cover?
We operate nationwide across England, Scotland, and Wales, providing licensing services for businesses in all regions.
Do you offer 24/7 support for licensing issues?
Yes, we provide a 24-hour helpline to assist with urgent licensing matters and client needs outside regular office hours.
What types of licences can you help with?
We specialise in alcohol, gambling, taxi, and planning licences, as well as training courses and regulatory compliance.
How experienced is your team in licensing law?
Our solicitors have over 25 years of combined experience, focusing exclusively on licensing, gambling, and regulatory matters.
Can you assist with licensing appeals or disputes?
Yes, we represent clients in licensing appeals, enforcement actions, and magistrates' court prosecutions to protect their interests.
