Philip is one of the country’s most eminent licensing KCs. His practice spans all fields of licensing, including alcohol and entertainment, gambling, sexual entertainment, taxis, sport, caravans and the security industry. He acts across the board for national and independent operators, national regulators, local authorities and local residents and community groups.

He has been ranked in the top tier for licensing in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories for many years. As one client put it, “There isn’t anyone who comes close to his stature” (Legal 500).

He is a Patron and former Chair of the Institute of Licensing, the professional body for licensing practitioners, and a Visiting Professor at Westminster University’s Centre for Law, Society and Popular Culture.

  • Quotation symbolPhilip Kolvin is simply the very best licensing barrister in the country. He is a fantastic advocate who can maximise outcomes every single time.

    Quotation symbolChambers and Partners 2026

  • Quotation symbolPhilip Kolvin is best in class. He has a phenomenal brain, is strategic and is able to look at the bigger picture.

    Quotation symbolChambers and Partners 2026

  • Quotation symbolOne of finest licensing lawyers in the country. Encyclopaedic knowledge of licensing law and policy. Highly persuasive before the court and local authority licensing panels. The go-to barrister for the highest profile, most challenging matters.

    Quotation symbolLegal 500 2025

Expertise

ToggleLicensing

Philip is a leading practitioner in all the main fields of licensing.

Alcohol and entertainment

For over 20 years, Philip has acted for leading operators including:

Festivals. Clients have included Live Nation, Festival Republic, AEG, Broadwick, Mama Group, Boomtown, Cuffe & Taylor as well as independent festivals. He acted for Haringey Council in the Court of Appeal case which established the scope of local authority powers to mount festivals in parks.

Nightclubs and venues. Philip’s clients have included Academy Music Group, Broadwick, Novus Leisure, Tokyo Industries and Boom Battle Bar among many others. He acted for the world-leading club Fabric in recovering its licence on appeal following revocation on account of drug deaths in the venue. He also acted for the Academy Music Group in relation to the O2 Academy Brixton fatalities. Philip has recently acted for UK’s largest nightclub Drumsheds, the well-known LGBT club Heaven, the famous members’ club Groucho’s and Dreamland Margate whose licences were under review. He also obtained a late licence for the world famous Blue Note Jazz Club in St Martin’s Lane in Westminster’s cumulative impact area.

Pubs. Philip has advised many pub operators including Stonegate, JD Wetherspoon, Punch, Mitchells and Butler, Brewdog, the Columbo Group and Hall & Woodhouse. He has secured and protected many licences, including in cumulative impact areas.

Supermarkets. Philip has advised Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op, Morrisons and Home Bargains on general licensing issues as well as obtaining licences, including in cumulative impact areas.

Hotels. Philip’s clients have included The Ritz, Chiltern Firehouse, The Standard, Mama Shelter, Premier Inns and Holiday Inn. His work has included advising The Standard on its flagship 24 hour licence opposite St Pancras Station.

Other. Philip worked extensively on a pro bono basis during the Covid crisis to support the sector including:

  • Convening industry groups and leading operators which commissioned the Institute of Occupational Medicine to advise on re-opening the hospitality sector, leading to a roadmap presented to government.
  • Advising the Grand Outdoor Summer Café campaign which successfully proposed legislation to simplify outdoor tables and chairs licences.
  • Advising the Night Time Industries Association and the leading leisure insurance brokers NDML relating to business interruption policies and the FCA litigation.
  • Working with organisations internationally, including Responsible Hospitality Institute (USA), Night Time Industries Association (Sydney) and Vibe-Lab on principles underpinning urban regeneration and reactivating the leisure economy following Covid.
  • Contributing the chapter on State Assistance to the Global Night Time Recovery Plan.

Philip works with the Night Time Industries Association and is the author of its influential manifesto Darkest before the Dawn.

Gambling

Philip has run a busy gambling practice for 25 years.

Gambling Commission. Since the Gambling Act 2005, Philip has been the preferred Counsel of the Gambling Commission, advising and acting in a wide variety of technical, policy, licensing, prosecution and enforcement cases. Notably, he appeared for the Commission in the first gambling case under the Act to reach the Court of Appeal, concerning Greene King’s bid to obtain a bingo operating licence for its public houses. He acted for the Commission in the first gambling- related Inquest, concerning the death of Jack Ritchie.

Philip acted for all 16 local authorities given permission by Parliament to licence so-called super-casinos, successfully defending all challenges to decisions.  He also acted for Redbridge Council in the first case of revocation of a gaming machine permit (Wetherspoons).

Taxis

Philip’s taxi and private hire work bridges the public and private sector and involves policy, advisory, licensing and enforcement work.

Philip’s industry work has included Uber, FreeNow, Bolt and DELTA.

Philip’s work for Uber helped it to consolidate its UK business. This included: Knowsley (successful High Court challenge of policy purporting to restrict cross- bordering); London Cab Drivers Club (successful defence of High Court challenge to Uber’s appeal against revocation by TFL); Reading v Ali (successful High Court defence of prosecution alleging that cross-bordering was plying for hire); Uber v Brighton CC (successful appeal against Council refusal of licence establishing authorities could not restrict inward cross- bordering by licence condition); Lalov (persuaded Director of Public Prosecutions to take over and discontinue private prosecution by a rival trade group based on allegation of plying for hire).

Philip also acted for FreeNow in its successful defence in the Court of Appeal of a claim that private hire drivers were unlawfully plying for hire: R (United Trade Action Group) v TFL and Transopco.

He acted for DELTA in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in a case against Uber which established the right of operators to act as booking agents for drivers.

He also advises Wolverhampton City Council, the largest private hire licensing authority outside London, on a number of strategic, operational, constitutional, policy and regulatory matters and have handled contentious revocation applications and appeals for other authorities.

Philip’s work for licensing authorities has included appearing for Guildford BC in High Court cases establishing the lawfulness of livery policies and the principles for calculation of taxi licensing fees, and for South Cambridgeshire DC resisting a judicial review of its CCTV policy.

Philip was a member of the Expert Panel to the Law Commission’s report on Taxis and Private Hire, and wrote the Foreword to Button, the leading text on taxi licensing law.

Sports and security

Philip’s work in this field included successful representation at the Hillsborough inquests for Sheffield City Council, which had certificated the safety of the stadium.

His licensing work for stadia has included Chelsea FC and Everton FC.

Philip has also advised the Security Industry Authority, including on its central policy document Get Licensed.

Additionally, Philip advises leading security operators on compliance and regulatory matters.

He has also advised LIVE and Live Nation on Martyn’s Law and Special Police Services.

Insurance

Philip was engaged by the Night Time Industries Association and the leading leisure broker NDML in relation to business interruption insurance on behalf of 150 late night venue operators.

Caravans

Philip acted for Arun DC in Marigolds Management Ltd & Others v Arun DC, the first FTT appeal regarding the fitness of a site manager.

Quotation symbol

  • Philip is the pre-eminent KC dealing with licensing. He understands the industry and lives and breathes it.

    Chambers and Partners 2024

  • Philip Kolvin is the don of licensing. No other lawyer does as much high-profile licensing work as him.

    Chambers and Partners 2026

  • You can’t talk about licensing without talking about Philip.

    Chambers and Partners 2018

  1. Delta Merseyside Limited v Uber Britannia Limited

    [2024] EWCA Civ 802

    Acting for Delta in leading Court of Appeal case which established that operators can contract as booking agents for drivers.

  2. R (United Trade Action Group v TFL and Transopco

    [2022] EWCA Civ 1026

    Acting for FreeNow in Court of Appeal case which established that private hire apps are lawful.

  3. Daub Alderney Ltd v Gambling Commission

    [2022] (First Tier Tribunal)

    Acted for Commission in response to appeal against £5.85m penalty imposed on operator.

  4. The Marigolds Management Ltd v Arun DCC

    [2022] (First Tier Tribunal)

    First Tier Tribunal appeal regarding fitness of site manager, for Arun DC.

  5. Stakers v Gambling Commission

    [2021] (First Tier Tribunal)

    First Tier Tribunal appeal regarding suspension of operating licence, for Gambling Commission.

  6. Aldemir v Cornwall Council

    [2019] EWHC 2407 (Admin)

    Leading case on third party costs orders in licensing.

  7. R (We Love Hackney) v London Borough of Hackney

    [2019] EWHC 1007 (Admin)

    Security for costs in licensing JRs.

  8. R (United Cabbies Group) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court

    [2019] EWHC 409 (Admin)

    Defeated challenge to Uber’s successful appeal against revocation.

  9. Reading Borough Council v Ali

    [2019] EWHC 200 (Admin)

    Defeated appeal against acquittal on charge alleging that the Uber booking model involved plying for hire.

  10. R (Delta Merseyside) v Knowsley MBC

    [2018] EWHC 757 (Admin)

    Succeeded in quashing local authority policy requiring private hire drivers to drive predominantly within the borough.

  11. Rostron v Guildford Borough Council

    [2017] EWHC 3141 (Admin)

    Defeated challenge to taxi licensing fees based on UK and European law.

  12. R (Friends of Finsbury Park) v Haringey London Borough Council

    [2017] EWCA Civ 1831

    Defeated vires challenge to a large festival in a London Park.

  13. R (Hemming) v Westminster City Council

    [2017] UKSC 50

    Long-running litigation instructed by Soho sex shop operators, which resulted in 90% reduction of annual licence fees from £29,000 to £3,000 per shop.

  14. R (Greene King) v The Gambling Commission

    [2017] EWCA Civ 372

    Defeated challenge to Gambling Commission’s decision to refuse bingo operating licence to a pub chain, due to incompatibility of high stake and prize gambling and pub environments.

  15. Lalli v The Commissioner of Metropolitan Police

    [2015] EWHC 14 (Admin)

    Acting for Police, defeated challenge to summary review decision based on allegation that a single incident could not found a summary review application.

Download Licensing CV

Achievements

ToggleClient Testimonials

I just wanted to express my enormous gratitude, both personally and with my company hat on, for agreeing to represent us with our licence review. Having you on our side was a huge comfort. Thankfully the councillors agreed with our arguments, and the way you presented them was brilliant. – Director

The fashion show was a huge success and everyone is delighted with how everything went. Thank you for all your help and guidance preparing the licence, it was a complex event in an usual space and your experience and knowledge was invaluable in helping us navigate the process to gain the licence. And thanks for your service and support. We don’t do the shiny bits but they can’t shine without us! Hope to work with you again soon. It’s been a great experience. – Nicole Tur, Kennedy London

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Philip and the entire team who put together a very strong case for us to satisfy Westminster Council that we should be awarded the late licence.- Operator

Well done yesterday. I’m not being overly gushing to say I thought it was one of the best marshalled and tightly presented hearings I’ve heard. – MAKE Associates

Thanks for all your help in getting our wonderful brand across the UK and enjoy your next adventure. – Property and Expansion Director

What a wonderful result. Thank you for all your extraordinary dedication and skill here. – Legal director

Just wanted to thank you again. I can’t think of another case I have been involved in over 30+ years of doing this that has been better delivered. The whole strategy you and Remi devised and implemented has been text book and really exciting to be involved in. Bloody brilliant. – Licensing solicitor

I have worked in property for nearly 30 years. That was by some distance the best and most complete performance by a professional person I have ever seen. I was incredibly proud of our team and as I say below you could see it in the committee’s eyes that they had never received anything quite as good as our application and the skeleton argument. I’m sure we will need your services again in the not too distant future and have others that would like an introduction. – Tim McCormac, Property Director, The New World Trading Company.

Working with Philip Kolvin was wonderful. He was incredibly thoughtful and intelligent in his approach, always putting our interests first. Highly recommended. – John Driebergen, Great Beyond Brewing Company

I wanted to write with a huge thank you for all the hard work and thought and care and ideas and energy that you both put into our licence over the last few months. I needn’t tell you that the hours are going to be transformative for our company. High stakes all round, and we came out winning. So happy, really. It’s been the proverbial roller coaster but I wouldn’t have been on the ride with anyone else, so thank you, I’m very grateful and appreciative. – Hackney late night operator

You genius wizard….. honestly I need to have more children to make you godfather! The more I think about yesterday the more I realise you literally pulled off the impossible heist. I honestly don’t have the words to express my gratitude. You were truly brilliant and I know that was not just run of the mill. From the very bottom of my heart thank you. – West End night time venue owner

My sincere and deep felt thanks to Philip for an amazing display of clarity today. Really some of it was beyond brilliant. Thank you. I know you won that for us, and I know without you we would have lost. Philip I am in your enormous debt, thank you. – West End club owner

Thank you so so much. I can’t express how happy I am with your help getting this over the finish line. Thanks for using a ballerina’s slipper to get through the front door. – Paul Loffler, Operator

I’m 100% sure I’m not the first one to say that, but you are an extremely charismatic and good speaker!! – Lecture delegate

Never mind Muhammad Ali, you were a knockout team and I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work and determination on this application. Given the battle at the hearing I am completely shocked and surprised with the decision. I take back all my comments about the Councillors! A fantastic result – Operator

Thanks to another social media platform for reminding me of ‘on this day’, but, on this day six years ago I met my very first Queens Counsel, obviously they’re real on the telly but not to me, this is Philip Kolvin KC, he went on to represent me and wipe the floor of our opponent, plus costs! If there was a TripAdvisor for Licensing Barristers then he would have nothing but 5 Star reviews, we could even call it SilkAdvisor – Andrew G. Whitney

Thank you so much, for all your work on this case for us. Everyone was delighted with what you said on our behalf, and we are all pleased with the outcome. For me, it is a delight to work with you – Local resident

We are all so very grateful for the work that you have done. You are a true friend of all operators – Club operator

We write to say a huge thank you for your expertise and help in the preparation, the hearing and the really positive outcome. It was incredible reassuring for us to have you represent us, I left the hearing in great appreciation for your skills, undoubted expertise and your calm demeanour in the face of the applicant’s onslaught. The result was a really positive one for us and the other residents – Local resident

Thanking you for not only the help, but the moral support of feeling I wasn’t alone, I am very much in your debt – Club operator

Thank you for your wonderful advice and superb knowledge of the terrain, which I am sure was pivotal in this decision. The Royal Parks have announced their decision, which will really make a difference to all of our lives. We could not have got there without your help. Hopefully we can now sleep at night. – Primrose Hill residents

Philip Kolvin KC ‘s elegant and persuasive advocacy provided clarity and simplicity to the judiciary in our hour of need. – Delta Merseyside Limited

“It is impossible to overstate the impact your attendance and presentation had upon the audience at the conference. The tone was perfect, and for most of our members it would be rare to hear someone with your vast experience speak. The quantity of feedback we have received from your session has been overwhelming, I fear we will be answering comments for weeks to come.” – UK Crowd Management Association

“I wanted to extend the biggest thank you. I’ve been meaning to apply for this extension for about seven years, but have always avoided doing so because the process was so off-putting. You all made that process one hundred times easier, and there is no chance that I would have achieved this result without you. Thank you so much for all your hard work and advice, it’s been invaluable.” – Kerry Maisey, Dalston bar owner.

“I want to thank you again for your work, without you and your expertise we wouldn’t have managed to survive the legal challenges posed.” – Bar owner

“100% success rate. Can’t ask for more. In the words of Tina, ‘Simply the best’!” – West End Solicitor

Once again thank you for your continued support in our businesses. You are the greatest legal representative we have worked with – Late night venue operator

“Thanks so much for your efforts on this case. I’m embarrassed about how many times we dropped the ball and despite that you got us the result we wanted. I was so impressed with how you performed in front of the committee.” – Late night venue operator, following review proceedings

“A superb strategist and leader” – Gary Kilbey, Managing Director, fabric nightclub

“Working with Philip for the first time has been fantastic.” – Licensing solicitor

“Many thanks yet again for looking after our client’s case with such care and attention. You are simply the best and such a pleasure to work with.” – Licensing solicitor

“I was struck midway through your submissions that there is a beauty to the form and structure of what is said that, just occasionally one can only marvel at. That was one of those submissions.” – Licensing solicitor

“I am able to say that I have never felt so protected in my life. It genuinely felt to me as though you were representing a family member. I will always remember the kindness and professionalism you have extended to me.” – Club owner

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your efforts in getting us to a successful conclusion at the appeal. Getting you on board was perhaps the defining moment. I have many good licensing lawyer friends and they all called me to say we had the right man for the job.” – Peter Marks, Chief Executive, Deltic Group

“May I thank you for your patience and competence. It restores faith in humanity when you come across someone who can actually deliver what they say they can.” – Gary Oates

“I’d like to pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation for all the hard work, skill and intelligence that culminated in the outcome of the hearing.” – Paul Harbottle, Group Commercial Director, Enterprise Inns

“I am immensely grateful to you for getting me out of jail Sir. You did an outstanding job in the face of resolute opposition. You are worth every penny and a lot more. It was a huge pleasure and privilege to see you work at close quarters.” – Club owner

“Philip Kolvin’s knowledge and advice is of the highest standard and I would recommend him to both licensed operators and local authorities.” – Neil Robertson, former Chief Executive, British Institute of Innkeeping

“I have always had a great admiration for him, not only for his legal knowledge on licensing laws but his endless enthusiasm for the subject and the capacity to inspire others. From time to time, I am asked for details of a good barrister in this field, and there is no better person than him in my opinion.” – Licensing consultant

“Your expert legal advice and leadership on this made the difference, and enabled us to get the outcome we were looking for.” – Phil Doyle, PDL Consultants

ToggleDirectory Testimonials

“Philip is the go-to guy as far as licensing is concerned. To everyone who knows who he is, his word is law.” Chambers and Partners 2026

“Philip Kolvin is the don of licensing. No other lawyer does as much high-profile licensing work as him.” Chambers and Partners 2026

“Philip Kolvin is the greatest in the licensing game.” Chambers and Partners 2026

“Philip Kolvin is simply the very best licensing barrister in the country. He is a fantastic advocate who can maximise outcomes every single time.” Chambers and Partners 2026

“Philip Kolvin is best in class. He has a phenomenal brain, is strategic and is able to look at the bigger picture.” Chambers and Partners 2026

“One of finest licensing lawyers in the country. Encyclopaedic knowledge of licensing law and policy. Highly persuasive before the court and local authority licensing panels. The go-to barrister for the highest profile, most challenging matters.” – Legal 500 2025

“Philip is the pre-eminent KC dealing with licensing. He understands the industry and lives and breathes it.” Chambers and Partners 2024

“He’s simply the best when it comes to gambling regulation and licensing.” Chambers and Partners 2024

“There isn’t a licensing job in England that he wouldn’t be able to do.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“The go-to barrister as far as licensing and gaming is concerned.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“He wants to win for the client and you feel it when you’re working with him. It feels like he is part of the team.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“He is very sharp and thinks outside the box.” Chambers and Partners 2023

“Excellent knowledge and understanding of the law, combined with first rate advocacy skills that make every hearing feel like a masterclass” Legal 500 2023

“An outstanding leading practitioner – extremely bright and a keen thinker and innovator around all issues involving the hospitality and night-time sectors.” Chambers and Partners 2022

“He goes beyond the call of duty to understand a client’s business and offers no-nonsense, commercial advice.” Chambers and Partners 2022

“Philip is the name to look for in licensing” The Legal 500 2022

“Mr Kolvin KC is an absolute star, and a standout person these days in licensing.” “His knowledge is second to none and he is a go-to for the most complex licensing matters.” Chambers and Partners 2020

“There isn’t anyone who comes close to his stature.” The Legal 500 2020

“We continue to use Philip Kolvin KC on particularly complex matters or matters which involve a difficult point of law or an innovative and lateral piece of thinking.” “He understands his clients and wins cases for them. He is a modern KC in that he is not bogged down with history or tradition, but gets on with the job, presenting as a very commercially minded barrister.” Chambers and Partners 2019

“An extremely accomplished counsel.” The Legal 500 2018

“Always to be found at the cutting edge of licensing decisions, he has an amazingly incisive mind, and produces proactive and clear advice.” Chambers and Partners 2018

“Philip’s reputation undoubtedly now precedes him. He is, almost certainly, the pre-eminent licensing counsel in England and Wales.” Chambers and Partners 2018

“You can’t talk about licensing without talking about Philip.” Chambers and Partners 2018

“He is a lateral thinker, and is very knowledgeable but also commercial.” The Legal 500 2017

“He is calm, gives clear and concise advice, and is fantastic on his feet. He is essentially an encyclopaedia on licensing.” Chambers and Partners 2017

“He is simply in the top rank in the licensing field and has been for a while.” Chambers and Partners 2017

“The go-to guy for all licensing matters. He is determined and frighteningly bright. He is able to assess the key issues in any case with speed and precision.” Chambers and Partners 2017

“Remains the standard-bearer of licensing silks”. The Legal 500 2016

ToggleNews, Articles & Publications

Books

Philip’s books are all more than legal texts. They are designed to further legal debate, instigate discourse regarding policy development and provide navigable pathways for practitioners.

  • Kolvin on Licensing (Bloomsbury Professional, forthcoming)
  • Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents, Licensing (Lexis Nexis, 2023): editor.
  • Darkest before the Dawn, Night Time Industry’s Manifesto for the Night Time Economy (2023)
  • From Good Night to Great Night: The Mayor of London’s vision for the night time economy (2018).
  • Cornerstone on Councillors’ Conduct (Bloomsbury, 2015). Led the editorial team for this book, which deals with standards of conduct for local councillors.
  • Cornerstone on Anti-Social Behaviour, the New Law (Bloomsbury, 2014): consultant editor.
  • Licensed Premises: Law, Practice and Policy (Bloomsbury, 2012). Editor and main writer of the second edition of this major work, which is a policy prescription for the creation of sustainable leisure economies and safe, well-regulated licensed premises.
  • Atkins Court Forms on Licensing (Lexis Nexis, 2011). Editor and writer.
  • Sex Licensing (Institute of Licensing, 2010). This demonstrates how authorities may regulate the commercial sex industry so as to protect dancers, customers, the public and the character of localities.
  • Gambling for Local Authorities: Licensing, Planning and Regeneration (Institute of Licensing, 2010). Editor and main writer of second edition of this work, which simplifies and explains the complexities of gambling law, and demonstrates how gambling can be used to further the planning aspirations of local authorities while protecting vulnerable people.
  • Saving Open Space (GreenSpace, 2005). This set out principles for vigorous and successful local environmental campaigns.

Recent articles

The Partnership Charter
Institute of Licensing Link Magazine, Winter 2026

Are we there yet? Uber’s trips through the English courts
Journal of Licensing
November 2025

It was Darkest Before the Dawn
Local Government Lawyer, August 2025

On the hazard
Journal of Licensing, July 2025

Saving Shadow Licences:
Institute of Licensing, Link Magazine, Issue No. 24, Winter 2025

Peddling myths: when is a pedlar a street trader?
The Journal of Licensing, November 2024

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – a classic case of reinvesting the wheel
The Journal of Licensing, July 2024

When Systems Clash: The Case for a Single Regulatory Body for Licensing
Entertainment and Sports Law Journal, July 2024

Darkest before the dawn: a manifesto for the night-time economy
The Institute of Licensing, March 2024

Deterrence and sanctions in licensing
Journal of Licensing, November 2023

From bar to Bar: the notorious case of the Porky Pint
Journal of Licensing, July 2023

The Ethical Social Economy,
Journal of Licensing July 2022

Caravans sites: fit and proper persons
11KBW Website (Articles), June 2022

Justification for MUP has failed
11KBW Website (Articles), June 2022

Global Night Time Recovery Plan (2021)
Chapter on state support for the night time economy

The Global Nighttime Recovery Plan
Journal of Licensing, November 2021

Gambling Operating Licences
11KBW Website (Articles), June 2021

Voices of South London – Vice Chair of the Crystal Palace Park Trust
Crystal Palace Programme, May 2021

Can Remote Licensing Hearings Continue?
Local Government Lawyer, April 2021

Beyond Regulation
Journal of Licensing, November 2020

Regulators v Insurers: The Verdict
Publican Morning Advertiser, September 2020

Ensure the curtain doesn’t fall: lessons from the panto sector
Propel, September 2020

Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Standards
Local Government Lawyer, September 2020

Rethinking licensing
Journal of Licensing, July 2020

A shout-out for the cultural sector
Propel, June 2020

The outdoor café campaign and roadmap
Publican Morning Advertiser, June 2020

Covid’s Metamorphoses
(with Alicia Scholer, Responsible Hospitality Institute, USA)
Institute of Licensing, May 2020

Late night levy in lockdown
(with Claire Eames, Poppleston Allen)
Publican Morning Advertiser, April 2020

Remote hearings are lawful
Local Government Lawyer, March 2020

ToggleEducation

Philip was educated in Newcastle upon Tyne, studied law at Balliol College Oxford and was called to the Bar in 1985.

ToggleVoluntary Work

Philip’s voluntary activity is not merely extra-curricular but is symbiotic with his job, and integral to the development of his thinking about the fields he cares about.

  • Westminster University, Centre for Law, Society and Popular Culture. Appointed an Associate Fellow to the Centre in 2020 and a Visiting Professor in 2025.
  • UK Crown Management Association: Appointed a Patron of the organisation in 2025.
  • Institute of Licensing. Chairman of the Institute, which is the professional body for licensing practitioners, from 2004 to 2011 and was then appointed Patron. As Chairman, he led the organisation through its transition to a national charity, the leading educator in the field, a main consultee of government, a broad church for practitioners across the public and private sectors, the publisher of textbooks and a professional journal and the organiser of the leading licensing conference nationally.
  • The Loop. In 2022, Philip was appointed to the board of The Loop, a drug testing, education and welfare charity
  • The Edge Theatre Company. In 2023, Philip was appointed to the board of The Edge Theatre Company, which works with homeless and differently-abled people.
  • Crystal Palace Park. Philip’s long-standing interest in this important heritage open space led to his chairing the Crystal Palace Campaign for 7 years, which saved the park from commercial development as a multiplex cinema and secured change in the UK planning laws on environmental assessment through successful litigation in the European Court. They then established a stable, consensual forum of community and public sector organisations to produce a masterplan for the park and guide its future development. In 2016, he was appointed to the board of Crystal Palace Park Trust, which in 2023 took over management of the park from the London Borough of Bromley, financed by music events which Philip has helped introduce to the Park. Philip was appointed co-chair of the Trust in 2019.
  • From 2021 to 2023, Philip Chaired Betknowmore, a charity which supports those suffering from problem gambling.
  • Sports Grounds Safety Authority. In 2016, Philip was appointed to the Board of the SGSA, which is the national regulator of safe stadia in England and Wales, and an advisor to developers and regulatory authorities internationally. Philip served three terms on the Board, until 2023.
  • Feminist campaigns. In 2009 and 2010 Philip worked pro bono with the Fawcett Society and Object in their successful project to promote primary legislation to give local authorities greater powers to regulate the sex industry. He has also worked pro bono with UK Feminista to campaign for the de-criminalisation of prostitution and the criminalisation of those who pay for prostitutes, the “Buyers’ Law”, which operates in some other nations, and also with Peter Kyle MP and Shelter/Centrepoint to criminalise landlords who offer rooms in return for sex.
  • Night Time Commission for London. From 2017-2018 Philip served on a 12 month contract as the Chair of the Commission, appointed by the Mayor (1 day per week). During his term of office, he wrote the Mayor’s Vision for the Night Time Economy: From Good Night to Great Night, appointed the Commission from a diverse range of public, private and third sector bodies, established associated steering and data research groups, devised and implemented a public consultation exercise and established and ran the Night Time Economy Borough Champions Network to share good practice in the field and act as an advisory body and sounding board for the Commission.
  • Purple Flag. From 2007 to 2015 Philip helped devise and was the Chairman of this national scheme, which aims to define the standards of, and accredit, safe, welcoming, diverse and accessible leisure economies, from the largest (Heart of London) to the smallest (e.g. Stockton Heath near Warrington). During his tenure, the scheme developed from a nascent idea to an established programme, with over fifty participating town and city centres.
  • Best Bar None. From 2012 to 2014 Philip was chairman of this national organisation, which promotes safe licensed premises. During his tenure, Best Bar None secured industry support for an alliance of social responsibility schemes including Best Bar None, Purple Flag, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Pubwatch and PASS, under the banner of the Social Responsibility Alliance. T He also secured funding for the first national director of Best Bar None, and helped raise its profile on the national stage.
  • King’s College Hospital Charitable Trust. From 2018 to 2023 Philip served as a trustee of the Trust, which helps to support this major teaching hospital, because of his experience in community engagement and regulation.
  • Emerge Festival. In 2018 Philip was invited to join the advisory group for Emerge, a festival of late events in museums and galleries.
  • Member, Law Commission Expert Legal Panel for taxi law reform (2012).
  • Co-opted expert to Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, the sustainability assurance body for the London Olympics and Paralympics (2010 – 2012).
  • Chairman, Civic Trust, a national voice for civic societies (2007-2009).
  • South East London Green Chain Walk (2006 – 2010). He led a successful campaign involving 22 local groups to extend this walk across the green spaces of South East London from Outer to Inner London, with a disabled-accessible, mapped and way-marked trail, giving further policy protection to all the green spaces en route.
  • Herne Hill Velodrome campaign (2005 – 2010), which saved this green, historic site (which hosted the 1948 Olympic cycling competition) from redevelopment and gave it a cycling- based future. (Philip is not a cyclist.)
  • Trustee, Campaign to Protect Rural England (2004 – 2007).

Speaking engagements

Philip accepts a small number of speaking invitations from government, municipal and trade bodies. In recent years, he has spoken abroad in New Orleans, Washington DC, Austin, Seattle, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Vilnius. In 2023 he led a UK delegation to the Responsible Hospitality Institute’s summit in New York City. In the zoom era he has participated in international webinar spanning four continents.

Insights&News

  1. News

    Philip Kolvin KC writes article for the Institute of Licensing’s Journal of Licensing about the cancellation of artists

    View News

  2. News

    Philip Kolvin KC has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster

    View News

  3. Articles

    Philip Kolvin KC writes for Local Government Lawyer

    View Articles

  4. News

    Supreme Court upholds freedom of contract for private hire operators

    View News

  5. News

    Philip Kolvin KC in Supreme Court in taxi licensing case

    View News

  6. News

    Philip Kolvin KC becomes Patron of UK Crowd Management Association

    View News

  8. Articles

    When Systems Clash: The Case for a Single Regulatory Body for Licensing

    View Articles

View more →

  • Quotation symbol

    His knowledge is second to none and he is a go-to for the most complex licensing matters.

    Chambers and Partners 2020

  • Quotation symbol

    Remains the standard-bearer of licensing silks

    The Legal 500 2016

  • Quotation symbol

    The go-to guy for all licensing matters. He is determined and frighteningly bright. He is able to assess the key issues in any case with speed and precision.

    Chambers and Partners 2017

  • Quotation symbol

    He is simply in the top rank in the licensing field and has been for a while.

    Chambers and Partners 2017

  • Quotation symbol

    He is calm, gives clear and concise advice, and is fantastic on his feet. He is essentially an encyclopaedia on licensing.

    Chambers and Partners 2017

  • Quotation symbol

    He is a lateral thinker, and is very knowledgeable but also commercial.

    The Legal 500 2017

  • Quotation symbol

    Philip’s reputation undoubtedly now precedes him. He is, almost certainly, the pre-eminent licensing counsel in England and Wales.

    Chambers and Partners 2018

  • Quotation symbol

    Always to be found at the cutting edge of licensing decisions, he has an amazingly incisive mind, and produces proactive and clear advice.

    Chambers and Partners 2018

  • Quotation symbol

    An extremely accomplished counsel.

    The Legal 500 2018

  • Quotation symbol

    He understands his clients and wins cases for them. He is a modern KC in that he is not bogged down with history or tradition, but gets on with the job, presenting as a very commercially minded barrister.

    Chambers and Partners 2019

  • Quotation symbol

    We continue to use Philip Kolvin KC on particularly complex matters or matters which involve a difficult point of law or an innovative and lateral piece of thinking.

    Chambers and Partners 2019

  • Quotation symbol

    There isn’t anyone who comes close to his stature.

    The Legal 500 2020

  • Quotation symbol

    Mr Kolvin KC is an absolute star, and a standout person these days in licensing.

    Chambers and Partners 2020

  • Quotation symbol

    Philip is the name to look for in licensing

    The Legal 500 2022

  • Quotation symbol

    He goes beyond the call of duty to understand a client’s business and offers no-nonsense, commercial advice.

    Chambers and Partners 2022

  • Quotation symbol

    Philip is the go-to guy as far as licensing is concerned. To everyone who knows who he is, his word is law.

    Chambers and Partners 2026

  • Quotation symbol

    An outstanding leading practitioner – extremely bright and a keen thinker and innovator around all issues involving the hospitality and night-time sectors.

    Chambers and Partners 2022

  • Quotation symbol

    Excellent knowledge and understanding of the law, combined with first rate advocacy skills that make every hearing feel like a masterclass

    Legal 500 2023

  • Quotation symbol

    He is very sharp and thinks outside the box.

    Chambers and Partners 2023

  • Quotation symbol

    He wants to win for the client and you feel it when you’re working with him. It feels like he is part of the team.

    Chambers and Partners 2023

  • Quotation symbol

    The go-to barrister as far as licensing and gaming is concerned.

    Chambers and Partners 2023

  • Quotation symbol

    There isn’t a licensing job in England that he wouldn’t be able to do.

    Chambers and Partners 2023

  • Quotation symbol

    He’s simply the best when it comes to gambling regulation and licensing.

    Chambers and Partners 2024

  • Quotation symbol

    Philip Kolvin is the greatest in the licensing game.

    Chambers and Partners 2026