Napthens launches licensing service to help hospitality venues

Preston-based law firm Napthens has launched a new specialist service in support of those managing licensed premises across the hospitality and leisure industry.

AfterHours has been created following a review of cases the firm has supported across the north west, when premises licences have been put under threat of, or where there are significant impacts on, their licences, from preventable issues.

The firm aims to support the owners of pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels who face difficulties with their licences, and to help manage the administrative burden.

The new division is being headed by industry expert and head of licensing at Napthens, Gill Sherratt, who has worked as a licensing adviser to a wide variety of premises and businesses across the UK since the inception of the Licensing Act 2003.

Gill said: “This is a significant moment for the hospitality industry at a time when it faces issues from all sides.

“AfterHours will support premises navigate the often complex issues around licensing, and also help when things don’t go according to plan.

“Recent incidents, some of which have made national news, have led to increased scrutiny on the relationship between licenced establishments and anti-social behaviour and serious disorder, however these cases are not cut and dry, which is why we’re here to help.

“We want to continually support all types of premises, from pubs to restaurants, golf clubs to hotels and off licences to bars, to play a significant part in helping a key industry in the UK thrive. This will remove the administrative strain it can sometimes put on premises operators and it will give peace of mind to allow them to look after their customers.”