Double win for Keystone law in front of the UK’s largest licensing authority

Keystone Law licensing barrister Marcus Lavell, solicitor Andrew Wong and licensing co-ordinator Darren O’Leary have successfully represented clients in two remote licensing hearings in front of Westminster Council, the country’s largest licensing authority.

The licensing hearings, which took place on Thursday 30 July 2020, were held virtually as all courts, regulators and local authorities continue to put in-person hearings on hold due to the coronavirus restrictions.

The first application for a premiere alpine-inspired bar area within Heritage Restaurant, located at 18 Rupert Street, London, needed to be constructed by Andrew and Marcus so as to adhere to Westminster’s strict Stress Area policy. After presenting a detailed application, Keystone’s licensing team were able to persuade the Westminster committee to grant the licence in full.

The second application was to extend opening hours for licensable activities until 2am every day at the world-famous Haidilao Hotpot restaurant, located at the Trocadero Centre, London. Andrew and the team worked tirelessly to put forward a convincing application, liaising with the council and police officers to present a thorough submission. Following a successful committee hearing, the application to allow the client to provide Late Night Refreshment until 2am was granted in full.

Marcus Lavell said: “The applications sought by our clients are often complex and challenging to achieve in front of a tough licensing committee, such as Westminster. This is where our knowledge and experience really pay dividends and we are delighted to support clients to make licensing applications in these difficult times.”

Keystone’s full-service Licensing team has years of experience in dealing with both simple and complex requirements. Working closely with colleagues in other areas of law, such as property, planning, regulatory law and contracts, the team can provide the right advice to ensure that there is no delay in obtaining the correct licences and permissions.