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Francis Taylor Building

Licensing

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Francis Taylor Building

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Licensing - London (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Francis Taylor Building is well established in the licensing world, and its barristers are able to cover a wide range of licensing disputes. It has an impressive roster of both silks and juniors, equipped to handle instructions from clients including licensing authorities, the police, taxi and private hire vehicle operators, and the operators of licensed premises. Members act in cases relating to taxi licences, as well as betting and other entertainment venues. The set is also well versed in alcohol, housing and street trading licensing issues. A recent work highlight for the set is acting for Farsight Collective to secure a premises licence to operate a new 500-capacity grassroots music venue. An interviewee comments: "Francis Taylor Building is the best set for licensing and the most comprehensive." Another source states: "The level of expertise in one set is invaluable."

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Harry Killick, deputy senior clerk, is outstanding and user-friendly.

    Licensing respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are fantastic. They are an integral part of the team and are very dependable.

    Licensing respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are excellent. I often call them at short notice and they are also helpful. They make it a good experience.

    Licensing respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gary Grant
    Gary Grant

    Gary Grant

    Gary Grant deals with a full range of issues stemming from premises licence applications, particularly those involving significant variations and reviews. He represents prominent bars, SEVs and nightclubs.

    • Gary Grant is meticulous in his preparation and a fierce advocate.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Gary Grant is one of the finest barristers in the licensing field. He has a brilliant legal mind coupled with breathtaking advocacy skills.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Gary Grant is well respected and very good in front of committees.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Gerald Gouriet
    Gerald Gouriet

    Gerald Gouriet

    Gerald Gouriet KC is an advocate with a stellar track record who is often chosen to act in licensing appeals of the utmost complexity. He provides unparalleled support in premises and taxi licensing cases, and acts for a diverse client base that predominantly consists of local authorities.

    • Gerald Gouriet is excellent and has proven experience in licensing.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Gerald Gouriet has rare knowledge of gambling regulations and he has gravitas when he is speaking to committees.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • James Rankin
    James Rankin

    James Rankin

    James Rankin is able to advise on all aspects of licensing law as a result of his extensive experience in the sector. He is sought after for his outstanding advocacy skills and expertise in licensing in Westminster. His varied client base includes operators, local authorities and the police.

    • James Rankin is very polished before licensing committees and nothing fazes him.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • James Rankin is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, making complex issues clear and easy to navigate.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • James Rankin is tenacious, with a will to win.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • David Matthias
    David Matthias

    David Matthias

    David Matthias KC is a go-to licensing barrister for local authorities in London, particularly Westminster City Council. He frequently appears in the highest-profile matters concerning caravan, SEV and taxi licensing. Judicial reviews are a particular area of expertise.

    • David Matthias is really well thought of.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Jeremy Phillips
    Jeremy Phillips

    Jeremy Phillips

    Jeremy Phillips KC is especially valued for his encyclopedic knowledge of licensing law, and he is described by sources as an experienced and persuasive advocate. He advises large corporations and local authorities on various taxi, SEV and gambling issues.

    • Jeremy Phillips is very strong on gambling law.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Jeremy Phillips consistently demonstrates unparalleled expertise and a remarkable ability to handle complex matters with ease.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Leo Charalambides
    Leo Charalambides

    Leo Charalambides

    Leo Charalambides has a strong practice that sees him handling instructions from across the country. He often acts for local authorities tackling a range of issues, including those relating to taxi, SEV and busking licensing. He is noted for his effective advocacy style.

    • Leo Charalambides is very amenable, helpful and always very approachable.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Leo Charalambides is simply superb. He has a vast knowledge of licensing and High Court challenges.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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  • Charles Streeten
    Charles Streeten

    Charles Streeten

    Charles Streeten has built a significant licensing practice and appears in high-profile judicial reviews, with a strong focus on the taxi sector. He regularly acts for community groups as well as Westminster City Council.

    • Charles Streeten has licensing and planning experience and a lot of experience in High Court.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar

    • Charles Streeten has an excellent understanding of how local government works. He is also a very experienced licensing lawyer.

      Licensing respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Francis Taylor Building (7)

London (Bar)

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