Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Licensing - UK-wide
What the Team is Known For
John Gaunt & Partners is a highly regarded licensing boutique in Sheffield that also has offices in Portsmouth and London. Fielding an impressive bench of experienced practitioners who act on behalf of a raft of top-drawer clients, the firm is able to handle a large volume of contested licence hearings across the UK. It is the preferred choice of many hotels, retailers and pub chains.
Strengths
There is a reason John Gaunt is one of the top firms to work with in the industry. We are lucky to work with this team, it is always ahead of the game.
The lawyers at John Gaunt were efficient, effective and remained so professional. The team was always very responsive.
The firm has an excellent ability to handle challenges that require a nuanced and strategic approach. The knowledge and experience of the lawyers creates a robust foundation to address challenges.
Work Highlights
John Gaunt advised John Lewis on numerous alcohol licence applications.
Notable practitioners
Jon Wallsgrove has substantial experience in the full spectrum of licensing matters, both contentious and non-contentious. He advises clients in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.
Jon is excellent and we are fortunate to work with him.
Jon is a pragmatic, caring and extremely knowledgeable licensing solicitor. He always has the best interests of his clients at heart. We work with Jon because he is that good!
Tim Shield acts for an impressive list of clients and is particularly adept at representing those in the leisure and hospitality sectors. He regularly advises on variations to existing licences and new licence applications.
Tim Shield always gets results for our business.
Tim is a true professional and worked hard to achieve our goals.
Christopher Grunert handles a broad range of issues, from licensing reviews by regulatory bodies, to new licence applications. He is regularly called upon by clients in the hospitality, retail and hotel sectors.
Christopher is very professional, very knowledgeable and is able to discuss our position at all levels.
Christopher Grunert is down-to-earth, very experienced and dedicated.
Karen Lush is head of licensing at Trethowans and is based in Southampton. She focuses on advice to restaurants on new premises applications and variations to existing licences.
Karen is superb. She and the team she works with have always made an effort to support our business needs in a professional and efficient manner.
Karen is always supportive and looking for ways to support our business, as well as keeping us compliant at all times.
Michelle Hazlewood is well regarded in the licensing market. She is regularly called upon by clients in the hospitality and education sectors to advise on a wide spectrum of issues, including contested licence applications, review applications and new licence applications.
Michelle Hazlewood always gets results for the business.
Michelle has provided excellent support for us on licensing issues.
Luke Elford centres his practice on alcohol and entertainment licensing matters. He has specific expertise in premises licence applications and closure notices.
Luke Elford is great, professional and efficient.
Without Luke's skills we would not have had our licence application approved. He skilfully negotiated with a total understanding of what would be acceptable to all parties.
