London borough appoints Woods Whur to advise on Olympic Stadium premises licence
The London Borough of Newham has appointed Woods Whur as the Olympic Stadium looks to a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol and provision of entertainment.
The law firm will provide legal advice as the council considers the application.
Woods Whur has worked for Newham for the last five years, after partner Paddy Whur was instructed by the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, to conduct a review of policies and procedures in the borough for licensing applications and procedures.
Since then Whur has gone on to deliver his report, conduct training to elected members and officers and advise the sub-committee on Licensing Act 2003 applications and Gambling Act 2005 applications.
In addition, he has represented the borough on appeals at Thames, Stratford and Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court and also in the High Court on two occasions.
London Borough of Newham Enforcement Manager Sheila Roberts said: “Paddy and Woods Whur have been our lead licensing solicitors for the last five years. Paddy has advised panels as legal advisor, represented us in appeals before the Magistrates Court and successfully defended our robust licensing stance in the High Court on two occasions…..
“A key value of the professional relationship is that he is very quick to respond to our queries and has contributed greatly to the confidence and expertise that officers now have when dealing with and identifying solutions to complex and challenging licensing issues.
“We have had a significant run of success in Magistrates Courts appeals, winning costs; and have accepted advice from Paddy to compromise certain appeals with a contribution to our costs by appellants. The most important feature is it feels like he is one of the team and we value his balanced judgement and advice.”
Whur said the arrangement with Newham was one of his “most prized client relationships”.
He added: “I am looking forward to the panel hearing in May of this year and it is fantastic that the regeneration continues the Olympic legacy in Stratford and the wider borough.”