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UK

Robert Sutherland

Consultant Solicitor

England & Wales

020 3319 3700

robert.sutherland@keystonelaw.co.uk

“Has a great instinct for legal points to fight coupled with an encyclopaedic knowledge of licensing law.”

- The Legal 500 2017

Robert is a highly experienced solicitor specialising in all forms of licensing and gambling issues for operators and landlords. His clients include one of the most prestigious concert venues in the country, well-known nightclubs in the West End, gentlemen’s clubs across the country, music festivals including the Secret Garden Party, and sports venues for cricket and football. He has dealt with all aspects of outdoor music festivals including working with safety advisory groups in the planning and setting up of large events such as Gay Pride.

Robert also acts for a number of leading sexual entertainment venue operators, both independent and multi-national brands around the country, and has been actively involved in dealing with local authorities in their determination of sexual entertainment venue policies.Robert is a solicitor advocate and is able to represent clients in the higher courts. During his career he has held roles which have provided him with great insight into and understanding of the court system, including Licensing Justices’ Clerk for North and South Westminster for a number of years. Robert is also a Fellow of the Institute of Licensing.

Expertise

Robert specialises in all forms of licensing and gambling issues for operators and landlords. His clients include nightclubs, off-licences, sexual entertainment venues, special treatment premises, large concert venues, music festivals and sports venues.

Experience

  • Advised Spearmint Rhino on the renewal of its SEV licence following objections from the Camden authorities, which was successfully reinstated through close liaison with the police and authorities.
  • Advised the Royal Albert Hall on all of its licensing aspects including the re-introduction of boxing and wrestling at the venue following the incorrect application, and resolving local residents’ concern and apprehension.
  • Secured an increase in capacity and various licences for the Secret Garden Party through close dealings with the district council, police, health authority, local parish councils and residents in the surrounding villages.
  • Increased the attendance capacity of Boomtown Festival to 50,000 through close partnership with the police, fire authority, health authority and other members of the Safety Advisory Group.
  • Secured licensing for the £30 million development of Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Edgbaston, including the stand arena, conference centre, bar and function facilities.
  • Advised on general licensing and obtained a special treatment licence for the Agua Spa at the Sanderson Hotel.

Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.

Recognition

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Licensing 2025

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Licensing 2023

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Licensing 2021

Recognised by The Legal 500 2017 for Licensing 2017–2018

Fellow of the Institute of Licensing

“Robert Sutherland is a real genius when it comes to licensing law.”

The Legal 500 2025

Robert qualified as a barrister in 1985, as a solicitor in 2011, and as a solicitor advocate in 2013. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2014, he worked at the following firms:

  • Jeffrey Green Russell
  • Licensing Justices North and South Westminster
  • Inner London Magistrates’ Courts Service