The proper purpose of licensing
£200 + VAT (member) / £250 + VAT (non-member)
We are delighted to be returning to the Hilton Glasgow* for the first in our Scots Law 2025 Conference Series, exclusively available to delegates in person on the day.
Our new conference, chaired by leading licensing advocate, Scott Blair of Terra Firma Chambers, will cover topics ranging from the licensing of major events to animal welfare and will also seek to answer the question ‘what is the proper purpose of licensing?’.
With a keynote presentation from Jim Wilson, the Scottish Government's Licensing Team Leader, the conference will also include presentations from Lawyer of the Year, Stephen McGowan of TLT, Raymond Lynch from North Ayrshire Council, Kevin Clancy of Shepherd & Wedderburn, TLT's Lynn Simpson and Niall Hassard of Hassard Licensing.
Questions to be considered will include
- what are the current projects being worked on in the Scottish Government?
- what are the multiple licences which underpin Scottish festivals and events?
- what is the current situation with minimum unit pricing and over-provision?
- what is the proper purpose of licensing?
What's being covered?
Update from the Scottish Government
In this session delegates will hear about some of the most important projects currently in progress within the licensing team in Scottish Government.
Jim Wilson, Scottish Government
Civic licensing update
The practice of Licensing Committee hearings in a modern context, statement of reasons and the appeals process will be considered. In addition, the recent Scottish Government consultation on the “Regulation and Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures”, and also the recent HMRC consultation on tackling the hidden economy expanding tax conditionality to new sectors will be discussed.
Raymond Lynch, North Ayrshire Council
The licensing nexus
What is the proper purpose of licensing? What is the true remit of the licensing authority, and how far can they stretch their considerations? This has been referred to in the Scots law licensing jurisprudence as the “licensing nexus”; that is, the connection or link between the licensed activity, and a mischief complained of. Stephen McGowan will examine the case law and the coal face, as he endeavours to take us on a journey “through the nexus”.
Stephen McGowan, TLT LLP
Short term lets update
Kevin Clancy, Shepherd & Wedderburn
Navigating the licensing landscape: essential considerations for large festivals and events
A "backstage pass" to explore the multiple licences which underpin all manner of festivals and events that take place across Scotland. This session will be a practical exploration of how successful event organisers work in harmony with the local authority and partner agencies to ensure events are delivered safely and legally. In addition, the discussion will provide an update on Martyn's Law and proposed changes to the GPG for Noise Control at Outdoor Concerts & Similar Events.
Niall Hassard, Hassard Licensing
Minimum unit pricing and over-provision
Lynn Simpson, TLT LLP
Animal licensing law - review and reform
In this talk Scott will provide an overview of current Scottish law on animal related licensing law. Looking forward, he will discuss the recent Scottish Government Consultation on Licensing of activities involving animals including proposals to update and widen the licensing of equine related activities; introduce licensing for commercial dog walking and grooming; modernise animal boarding; and introduce licensing for greyhound racing and canine fertility services.
Scott Blair Terra Firma Chambers
*A reduced parking rate of £10 per car is available onsite at the hotel. A code will be issued during the conference which can be entered into the pay station when paying before leaving the car park.
