Luke Elford

Luke is a specialist licensing lawyer with a focus on alcohol and entertainment licensing. He advises a broad range of clients, from high-profile venues and restaurant groups to private members’ clubs, hotels, and individual operators.

Luke has significant experience of premises licence applications, particularly in cumulative impact areas, as well as reviews, closure notice and other regulatory matters. His client base includes some of the most recognisable names in hospitality and nightlife, including Ministry of Sound, JKS Restaurants, and The Arts Club.

Luke also advises private individuals, licensing authorities, responsible authorities, and one-off operators.

Luke qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2025, he worked at the following firms:

John Gaunt & Partners

Woods Whur

TLT

He is a member of the Institute of Licensing (IoL), the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA). Luke also holds the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH).

Away from licensing I enjoy most sports, but particularly football and cricket – more watching than playing these days unfortunately. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and bars, as well as watching films at the cinema.

Advised private members’ clubs and workspaces such as One Warwick, Mortimer House, The Ministry, and The Arts Club.

Obtained a new 3am premises licence in Westminster City Council’s West End Cumulative Impact Area.

Advises the iconic Ministry of Sound on all licensing matters.

Assisted Bloomberg in obtaining 27 provisional statements for its London headquarters.

Helped a sexual entertainment venue operator challenge a summary review of its premises licence.

Obtained new premises licences for Edyn Limited in respect of various Locke aparthotels.

Representing JKS Restaurants (which owns restaurants and pubs including Gymkhana, Brigadiers, Trishna, BAO, and The Cadogan Arms).

Assisted a licence holder in Camden faced with a summary review arising out of a gang-related incident.

Appointed Night Time Industries Association Ambassador for London.