Department profile
Cornerstone Barristers

Licensing

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Cornerstone Barristers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Licensing - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Cornerstone Barristers is a well-regarded set for its deep coverage of the licensing area. Members have acted for the police, local licensing authorities, regulators and industry operators on many cases. The set has expertise in licences for gambling establishments, taxi and private hire drivers, festivals, nightclubs and restaurants. Members of the set appeared in Angle 90 v The Royal Borough of Greenwich, successfully representing the Borough in defending its decision to restrict the hours of and remove live and recorded music from a late-night restaurant. An interviewee states: "The barristers and the chambers go over and beyond. They really give you an in-house legal feel."

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Deputy senior clerk Daryl Hughes, there is no problem too big for him. He really understands the needs of solicitors and clients.

    Licensing respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are willing to go the extra mile to help you out.

    Licensing respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Asitha Ranatunga
    Asitha Ranatunga

    Asitha Ranatunga

    Asitha Ranatunga regularly acts for councils in licensing review proceedings. He has been active in complex alcohol and public entertainment cases as well as new applications for festival licences.

    • Asitha Ranatunga is excellent on his feet.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Asitha Ranatunga has excellent knowledge on gambling licensing.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Asitha Ranatunga is very approachable and keeps you informed at every stage of the case.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Ranjit Bhose
    Ranjit Bhose

    Ranjit Bhose

    Ranjit Bhose KC regularly acts for local authorities in licensing appeals and applications, and also advises on premises and events licensing matters concerning high-profile venues and festivals. Large-scale taxi licensing and gambling cases are also areas of interest.

    • Ranjit Bhose is marvellous, incredibly down to earth and easy to work with.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Josef Cannon
    Josef Cannon

    Josef Cannon

    Josef Cannon KC handles a diverse array of work including variations, local authority prosecutions and extensions. He also has significant experience dealing with matters concerning serious licensing revocations and appeals. Cannon primarily acts for councils and public bodies, and is admired for his attractive advocacy style.

    • Josef Cannon is a phenomenally nice guy and really easy to work with.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Josef Cannon is very clear and precise in his advice.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Josef Cannon has excellent knowledge, skills and advocacy.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Josef Cannon is really personable and judges definitely warm to him.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Matthew Lewin
    Matthew Lewin

    Matthew Lewin

    Matthew Lewin is regularly instructed by licensing authorities in a range of disputes. He has deep experience with taxi licensing and licences for restaurants and traders.

    • Matthew Lewin is very easy to deal with and responsive - an excellent licensing barrister.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Matthew Lewin has excellent knowledge and skills.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Matthew Lewin is very approachable and knows his stuff.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Cornerstone Barristers (4)

London (Bar)

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