We were able to successfully assist a York pub with their retrospective variation of its Premises Licence.

Our client had taken the pub, a 200-year-old former coaching inn on the outskirts of York, on a 20-year lease.  After getting planning permission and listed building consent for alterations and improvements to the premises, it went ahead and carried out the work at a cost of over £350,000 but it overlooked the need to obtain permission from the local licensing authority.  It had to make a retrospective application for consent to the alterations.

Our litigation team came onboard part way through the process after the application to vary the licence was opposed by a number of local residents who objected to the application citing noise and disruption caused by the revamped premises

In addition to enhancing the premises with internal works and the addition of a glass-sided pergola, a walled garden and a wine cave, the client had turned part of the premises into a delicatessen selling local cheeses, bread, fresh fish and a limited selection of craft beers and wines.  It also sought an extension for the supply of alcohol from 08:00 hr to 10:00 hrs, albeit as an ancillary to the service of food.  The pub has 10 bedrooms which it is intended will be let out to guests.

We assisted the client with advice on the preparation of their case and represented them at the hearing of the Licensing Sub-committee which was held remotely and was broadcast live by the council as a webcast.

Two objectors appeared at the hearing and made representations against the application.  The councillors adjourned the hearing to consider their verdict having heard final submissions on behalf of the applicant from James Staton.

The decision was published the following day.  The application was successful, the client got all they wanted to achieve from the application.

A by-product of the application was that the premises featured two days on a local news website, which as well as quoting from James Staton’s written submissions to the council, generated a great deal of support for the public house from people in the locality.

If you need any assistance with a licence application, or issues arising from your application including dispute resolution, we’re here to help – get in touch.