LEADING LICENSING LAWYER Applications, Objections, Reviews, Appeals

Gerald Gouriet QC is one of the leading licensing practitioners in the UK. He is General Editor of ‘Paterson’s Licensing Acts’ (2019), and ‘Smith & Monkcom: The Law of Gambling’ (2017).

Gerald Gouriet QC

Gerald Gouriet QC is a leading licensing lawyer who practises throughout the UKGerald Gouriet QC is a leading licensing barrister who advises and appears in court for applicants and objectors, residents' associations, local authorities and the police.

Commercial clients: recent clients include Tottenham Hotspur, Fabric Nightclub; the AMLR; ‘Public’; ‘Amika’; Paddy Power; Novomatic (gaming machines); London Taxi Drivers Association (LDTA); Delta Taxis; and the Noble Organisation (bingo clubs and casinos).

Local authority clients: in the past year have included Westminster, Islington, Manchester and Coventry City Councils, and London Boroughs of Richmond, Greenwich, and Southwark.

Residents’ associationsGerald has appeared for residents and residents’ associations in Westminster, Lambeth, Newcastle and York: (objections to grants of new licences, appeals against grants, and a successful review of a large public house brought by local people on the ground of noise-nuisance)... preparing bundles for Residents

Casinos and miscellaneous gambling premises: In the wake of the Gambling Act 2005 Gerald successfully obtained the last of the Gaming Act 1968 casino licences: the Hippodrome Casino (Leicester Square); the Palace Casino (Great Yarmouth); Casino Red (Huddersfield); Leo Casino (Liverpool); Thistle Casino (Middlesbrough); and the Broadway Casino (Birmingham). He has also acted for Caesar’s Palace (Las Vegas); Ladbrokes; Corals; William Hill; The Tote; BetFred; Stanley’s; Jennings; and Trafalgar Leisure (Newcastle).

Other clients for whom Gerald has acted: The BBC; The Royal Opera House; The Albert Hall; Novus Leisure; John Lewis; Waitrose; The Cooperative Group; Somerfield; Punch Taverns; Mitchells & Butlers; The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA); Star Cars (Birmingham); Rossendale Taxi association; and the London restaurants ‘Steak & Co’ and ‘Chutney Mary’s’ (successful appeals against refusals to licence small ancillary bars).

Direct (public) access has many advantages over and above reduced legal costs. Being able to telephone, email or come in and talk to your barrister directly is often more efficient than having to pass every communication via a solicitor or other 3rd party.

"Far and away the most impressive on his feet;
there is no one else in this market who is more skilful an advocate"

Chambers and Partners 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Applications, Objections, Reviews, Appeals

From an initial free consultation, through all stages of preparation and submission of licensing application, up to the hearing before a licensing committee and beyond, Gerald Gouriet QC has acted for the largest of national operators as well as more modest individual traders. In the event that an appeal is necessary, Gerald has unrivalled experience in magistrates' courts, the Crown Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

General Editor of:

The Legal Directories say:          

Chambers & Partners: Gerald Gouriet QC - "A lawyer with a stellar track record who is often chosen to act in licensing appeals of varying complexity. He provides unparalleled  support in liquor, taxi and gambling cases, and acts for a divers client base that includes local authorities, late-night venues and gambling establishments."

Strengths: "He’s very polished and very smooth." "He can be utterly devastating in getting to the heart of the case and turning it in his client’s favour." "High-profile and straight in all of his dealingsRanked 'Star Individual' 

The Legal 500: ‘‘An exceptional advocate with impeccable judgement and a wealth of experience."  Ranked Tier 1   


The Legal 500 and Chambers are directories of the leading barristers/lawyers

The Legal 500 and Chambers are directories of the leading barristers/lawyers