Legal Briefing Archive from John Gaunt & Partners
July 2024
The results are in - whats next?
by Michelle Hazlewood
“What a week! The general election has ushered in the first change of government in 14 years, a monumental shift in the political landscape.”
June 2024
Hospitality silence in the manifestos
by Michelle Hazlewood
“In less than a month, a new government will take office. There is a lot of change and uncertainty on the horizon, but it is clear that a new round of leadership brings new opportunities for the industry.”
May 2024
Sport and hospitality – a timeless bond
by Tim Shield
“Sport, whether broadcast or as activities integrated into night-time experience, has always gone hand in hand with the hospitality industry. “
April 2024
Paving the way: the evolution of pavement licensing
by Patrick Robson
“External seating has always been of great benefit to licensed premises, especially for driving customer sales on those rare, but well-loved, hot summer weekends.”
March 2024
Night mayors – the answer to our nightmares?
by Chris Grunert
“At present, there are 24 directly elected mayors in England, with several inaugural elections planned in May that will introduce another three across the north east and East Midlands.”
February 2024
Digital identification – a look at how things might work
by Luke Elford
“Cards on the table, never in my life have I had to produce ID when visiting a licensed premises or buying alcohol.”
January 2024
Game on
by Leigh Schelvis
“As we journey deeper into January, which is traditionally a gloomy month for the hospitality sector, there is still some cause for optimism, I promise you.”
December 2023
Anticipating and reflecting
by Tim Shield
“As I got to work crafting this month’s Legal Briefing, I took a moment to revisit the one I composed a year ago, just before Christmas 2022.“
November 2023
Dynamic pricing – it’s not as straight forward as you think
by Michelle Hazlewood
“Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference about legislative changes in licensing, followed by some thoughts on dynamic pricing.”
October 2023
Boos, booms and booze – a guide to the upcoming season
by Patrick Robson
“We have arrived at the last quarter of the year, which brings several annual events in quick succession – Hallowe’en, bonfire night and Christmas.”
September 2023
Drug prevention: how do we make the impossible possible
by Leigh Schelvis
“As we head into an unusually warm September and the twilight of the British summer, we also bid farewell to another brilliant music festival season.”
August 2023
Covid easements to end and what that means for hospitality
by Luke Elford
“In my experience, developments in licensing are like buses – you hang around for ages and then several come along at once. “
July 2023
Thoughts for the summer season
by Michelle Hazlewood
“Among the rush of customers eager for Pimm’s and pints in the sun is the opportunity for a really successful trading period.”
June 2023
The Protect Duty – a start but not the end
by Chris Grunert
“In May of this year, we saw the government publish its Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Draft Bill, which will also be known as Martyn’s Law in tribute to 29-year-old Martyn Hett”
May 2023
Licensing applications in a post-covid world
by Tim Shield
“The question I am most often asked by new clients, or even old ones who want a quick reminder, is: “How long will the licensing application process take?””
April 2023
Anticipation, alerts and action
by Michelle Hazlewood
“On 23 April, we celebrate St George’s Day as usual, but this year brings a twist of something new and unknown.”
March 2023
The boys (and girls) in black
by Chris Grunert
“Good door staff are such an important part of a functioning late-night economy. It is important to recognise their value as well as ensuring they are properly licensed and trained.“
February 2023
Low premises licence? No premises licence?
by Luke Elford
“I once heard from a wise old licensing solicitor that “they didn’t really believe in Dry January”. “
December 2022
The naughty list – facing enforcement
by Tim Shield
“We are (and have been for some months now) in a time of contradiction in the licensing world.”