Philip Kolvin KC

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, Boom Battle Bar and Deltic 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.

Pubs. Philip has advised many pub operators including Stonegate, 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 and Morrisons 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 and 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.

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 is acting for DELTA in the Court of Appeal in a case concerning the right of operators to permit drivers to contract as principals.

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.

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. 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.

Sex licensing

Philip has advised operators of sex establishments, including Spearmint Rhino, Platinum Lace, Secrets and Sophisticats among others.

Philip has recently acted for Selfridges in its successful opposition to a new sex establishment next to its flagship Oxford Street store. He also acted for the owner of Debenhams in its successful opposition to a venue opposite its former Oxford Street store.

Philip acted for the Soho sex shop owners whose legal campaign to reduce licence fees in Westminster went to the Supreme Court and the European Court (the first UK licensing case to do so), and which succeeded in reducing fees by 90%.

He worked pro bono for the Fawcett Society and Object in their successful Parliamentary campaign to change the law governing sex establishments. He has also worked with UK Feminista to change the law of prostitution and with Peter Kyle MP and Shelter to prevent landlords offering sex for rent.

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.

“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

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

“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