Gareth is utilising on behalf of clients of the Licensing Experts Ltd his vast experience and knowledge of alcohol and entertainment licensing and planning in this area built up over 30 years as a lawyer.  Whilst he is acting as a consultant and not a lawyer he will conduct legal services if so required through Keystone Law.

Gareth is widely recognised as a leading expert in this field and has for many years spoken at conferences around the country on licensing and planning. He has been ranked consistently when acting as a lawyer for his clients as one of the top 10 in London.

He has advised both start up businesses and very established and experienced operators ranging from small to the very large companies in the licensing trade. These have included:

• night clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes
• theatres and cinemas
• major and boutique hotels
• sexual entertainment venues
• museums, galleries and concert halls
• private members clubs
• major outdoor events such as large scale dance festivals and concerts

all for some of the biggest names in the business.

He has acted as an advocate for clients before licensing committees and planning tribunals dealing with some of the most challenging and contested cases.

Throughout this period he has built up excellent relationships with council officers, elected councillors and police all of which he can be utilised for the benefit of clients.

He has been described as a “formidable advocate”. “commercially minded”, “technically dazzling” and one who provides “invaluable guidance”.

Koko (Camden Palace) – Obtaining a 24 hours premises licence in respect of the major redevelopment of the Koko (Camden Palace) concert venue site in Camden High Street and establishing an exception to grant in Camden’s cumulative impact policy area which indicates that there shall be no grants of new licences in this area. The development will consist of a 32 room wrap around boutique hotel, recording studios, large private suite, new 4^th floor restaurant and terraces.

Ministry of Sound – 24 hours alcohol licence and major redevelopment on this iconic dance venue

Devonshire Club –   03.00 hours premises licence for this major new private members club in the City of London which has, since its opening, developed a very high reputation with much publicity as a leader in its field

The Curtain – obtaining a 03.00 hours premises licence for this major multi million pound development in the heart of Shoreditch. Obtained 24 hour hotel use, 03.00 private members club, rooftop pool and restaurant and restaurants throughout after two day hearing in front of licensing committee with many objectors.

Mark Hix restaurants – working with one of the country’s leading chefs on his many premises and obtaining later hours for renowned Tramshed in Shoreditch on appeal

Pho Restaurants – working with this national brand of Vietnamese restaurants from the outset and assisting them in multiple application in London and around the country

L’Escargot – working with Brian Clivaz at this internationally renowned restaurant – one of the oldest in Soho at 90 years on later hours

SW4 Dance Festival –  working with the operator of this major annual dance event in South West London over many years to obtain an expanded premises licence for 90,000 people over there days including building much residential support and defeating a recent challenge to the issue of the licence by Wandsworth council

Spearmint Rhino – acting for this world wide organisation in obtaining sexual entertainment venue licence at venues around the country against significant local opposition

South bank Centre – working with the largest arts complex in western Europe – 29 million visitors a year – on both licensing and planning matters over several years including applications on behalf of the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery

Beaufort House Chelsea  – obtaining late hours licence for this exclusive private members club and restaurant in the heart of the Kings Road Chelsea

Inception Group – working with the founders of this organisation in obtaining premises licences for Barts which was located in the very heart of Chelsea residential apartment block!

ETM Group –  obtaining licences and planning on all of the premises in this group assisting them to establish and grow – premises include Greenwood, Aviary, One Canada Square, The Botanist Sloane Square, the Botanist Broadgate Circle

Old Street Records – obtaining revised licence on this major new and popular venue in the heart of Shoreditch -counter to stress area policy