Alcohol Licensing Solicitors

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The regulations around alcohol licensing are ever-changing. That's why it's vital you have an experienced legal team to guide you through the licensing landscape.

Our team of experts includes solicitors who’ve been working in the licensing sector for more than 30 years. We make sure we stay up to date with all changes in regulations and legislation. This means we can help you with all aspects of alcohol licensing.

Whether you’re a new business applying for the first time, or a seasoned business owner, we can assist you. Our specialist alcohol licensing lawyers can provide a comprehensive service.

Things don’t always go to plan. If something does go wrong, it's 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. We also advise them when their licences are under review.

We've a strong background in successfully representing clients who faced criminal proceedings for underage sales and/or breach of licence conditions.

Call us to discuss your business’s needs. If you prefer, you can contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

For general enquiries

0370 1500 100

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

Alcohol Licensing - More Information

Alcohol Licensing - FAQs

What is a DPS?

A designated premises supervisor (DPS) holds a personal licence and is named as the DPS on your premises licence. The DPS has a great deal of responsibility and must be fully aware of the law relating to alcohol sales.

A DPS authorises alcohol sales at your premises and will play a key role in the day-to-day running of your business. The DPS must ensure that all staff are fully trained in their responsibilities in selling alcohol.

Supplying alcohol without a named DPS on your premises licence is a criminal offence.

Can I be a DPS at more than one premises at once?

Yes, under the Licensing Act 2003, the same person can be a DPS at several premises. In Scotland, you can only be the designated premises manager for one licensed premises.

As the DPS manages the daily running of the premises, you’ll need to decide whether this is a practical arrangement. If you’re running two venues that are open at the same time, this may not be feasible.

How much does a personal licence cost?

There are three steps to complete to obtain your personal licence:

1) To get your personal licence certificate, you’ll need to pay any relevant course provider’s costs in attending an accredited personal licence course. Costs for this can vary depending on the course provider.

We have relationships with course providers, both in London and nationwide, if London is not your preferred area.

2) You’ll need to apply for a DBS check, which will cost about £25. You’ll need this to prove you haven’t been convicted of any relevant crimes.

3) You’ll need to make an application to the relevant local authority. To apply for a personal licence, the council fee is £37. Once you’ve been approved for a personal licence, it doesn’t have an expiry date.

Scottish Flag All Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.

*To make a No Win No Fee claim, you need to enter into an agreement that's linked to a suitable insurance policy. We'll explain this in more detail before we start your claim.

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

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Founded in Sheffield in 1912, Irwin Mitchell has always been a bit different. Our advisers really get to know the people and business that we help.

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0370 1500 100

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