The Licensing Conference at Scots Law 2024

Murrayfield Stadium is the venue for the next event in our Scots Law Conference Series, exclusively available to delegates in person on the day.

We are delighted to welcome Stephen McGowan of TLT LLP who will be chairing our new Licensing Conference which will include topics ranging from the licensing of unconventional premises and objections, representations and hearings to gambling and the latest civic government concerns. Scott Blair of Terra Firma Chambers will present his annual round-up of key decisions from both sides of the border.

Stephen and Scott will be joined by a panel of expert speakers, including Audrey Junner from Miller Samuel Hill Brown, Raymond Lynch of North Ayrshire Council, Gerry Mays from City of Edinburgh Council, Douglas Frood of West Lothian Council and Lynn Simpson from TLT LLP.

Early booking is strongly advised.

Questions to be considered will include

• how do you approach the licensing of more unusual premises?
• what are the potential areas for reform of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act1982?
• what should you look out for when making a gambling licence application?
• what does the recent caselaw in Scotland and England tell us?

What's being covered?

Licensing of unconventional premises

Audrey will look at how to approach the licensing of more unusual premises including vessels, vehicles, dual premises and marquees. Her presentation will include case studies and analysis of the relevant provisions.

Audrey Junner, Miller Samuel Hill Brown

Licensing 101 – objections, representations and hearings conduct

Stephen McGowan, TLT LLP

Licensing caselaw

This session will include an update on liquor and civic government Scottish caselaw, consider appeals awaiting a decision and look at recent English cases.

Scott Blair, Terra Firma Chambers

Clerking the Capital – an overview of the current licensing scene in Edinburgh

Gerry will talk us through some of the current topics of interest in Edinburgh from a clerk’s perspective.

Gerry Mays, City of Edinburgh Council

Gambling law basics

In this session we’ll take a look at the basics of gambling licence applications, from varying an existing premises licence to applying for a new operating licence. What should you look out for? How do the application processes differ from alcohol licences? This session is intended to be both an introduction for newcomers and a refresher for those already familiar with gambling licences.

Lynn Simpson, TLT LLP

Civic licensing update

Raymond will look at the terms and scope of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 and consider potential areas for reform and the current challenges for civic licensing in a modern context. He will also discuss current areas of interest with regard to taxi licensing.

Raymond Lynch, North Ayrshire Council

Treading the fine line

In this session, Douglas will consider how the decisions in various licensing cases have affected his approach in dealing with certain matters as an LSO (noise and matters covered by other legislation). He will reflect on the importance of relationships and their helpfulness for all stakeholders in the licensing regime.

Douglas Frood, West Lothian Council