What is the purpose of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry?

The Inquiry will examine, consider and report on preparations and the response to the Covid pandemic in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What are the aims of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry?

The aims of the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry are to: 1) Examine the COVID-19 response and the impact of the pandemic in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and produce a factual narrative account, including: a) The public health response across the UK, including: b) The response of the health and care sector across the UK, including: c) The economic response to the pandemic and its impact, including government interventions by way of: 2) Identify the lessons to be learned from the above, to inform the UK’s preparations for future pandemics. Who is entitled to Public Funding for legal representation before the Covid Inquiry? Legal Representation at Public Expense is governed by the Inquiry’s March 2022 Costs Protocol Funding may be granted to either a ‘Core Participant’ in the Inquiry or an individual witness not so designated. Application must be made to the Solicitor to the Inquiry

What is a Core Participant?

Core participant status must be approved by the chair to the inquiry. Core participants are parties involved in a public inquiry who may have played a direct or significant role in the subject of the inquiry. They can be individuals, government bodies (for example the police) or corporate bodies. For those who appear as core participants the appearance at the inquiry may be of very real importance and there may be much at stake for those compelled to appear.

What is a Public Inquiry 'Rule 9' Warning Letter?

Rule 9 of the Inquiry Rules 2006 require an inquiry to send a ‘written request for a written statement to any person from whom the panel proposes to take evidence’. The request may also cover production of documentation or some ‘other thing’ and may request the recipient to provide oral evidence. Anyone receiving a Rule 13 letter should seek immediate legal advice.

What is a Public Inquiry 'Rule 13' Warning Letter?

Under Rule 13 of the Inquiry Rules 2006 the Chair to an Inquiry may send a warning letter to a person who may be criticised during the inquiry or in the report or interim report. Anyone receiving a Rule 13 letter should seek immediate legal advice.

Do witnesses and core participants get funding for legal representation at a Public Inquiry?

Public Funding for legal representation before an inquiry can be made available to core participants and witnesses to the inquiry. An application for funding must be made to the inquiry and will be subject to specified criteria. See our article on funding for legal representation before the Covid Inquiry.

Licensing Compliance, Reviews and Appeals Solicitors

Licensing issues can have serious consequences for businesses, licence holders and those working within the hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors. Allegations of non-compliance, enforcement action by local authorities, police objections, licence reviews and appeals can place your business, reputation and livelihood at risk.

At Olliers Solicitors, we advise and represent businesses and individuals facing licensing disputes, enforcement action and regulatory scrutiny. Drawing upon our recognised expertise in criminal defence and regulatory law, we provide strategic advice where licensing issues intersect with criminal investigations, local authority enforcement or other regulatory proceedings.

Premises Licence Reviews

A premises licence review can threaten the continued operation of a business and, in the most serious cases, may result in suspension or revocation of a licence.

Reviews are commonly initiated by responsible authorities where concerns are raised regarding:

Crime and disorder
Public safety
Public nuisance
Protection of children from harm

We represent licence holders throughout the review process, advising on regulatory compliance, preparing representations, gathering supporting evidence and advocating before Licensing Committees.

Our objective is to protect both your licence and your business while addressing the concerns raised by the reviewing authority.

Licensing Committee Hearings

Licensing Committee hearings often determine issues of critical importance to businesses operating licensed premises.

We provide representation in relation to:

Premises licence reviews
Objections raised by responsible authorities
Compliance concerns
Enforcement-related hearings
Matters affecting existing licensed premises

Our solicitors prepare detailed submissions, advise on evidential matters and provide robust representation throughout the hearing process.

We understand the commercial implications of adverse licensing decisions and work closely with clients to achieve the best possible outcome.

Licensing Appeals

Where a Licensing Committee has reached an adverse decision, there may be a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.

We advise and represent clients in appeals arising from:

Licence review decisions
Licence suspensions
Licence revocations
Restrictive licence conditions
Other enforcement-related determinations

Prompt legal advice is often essential, as strict time limits may apply.

Our team provides practical advice on the merits of an appeal and represents clients throughout the appeal process.

Personal Licence Matters

Personal licence holders may face significant professional consequences if concerns arise regarding their conduct, compliance or suitability.

We advise individuals in relation to:

Licensing investigations
Regulatory compliance concerns
Enforcement action
Review proceedings
Appeals relating to personal licence decisions

Where licensing issues arise alongside criminal allegations, we provide coordinated advice designed to protect both your professional standing and legal position.

Alcohol Licensing Compliance

Businesses authorised to sell alcohol are subject to ongoing regulatory obligations and scrutiny.

We advise licence holders on:

Compliance with licensing objectives
Responding to enforcement concerns
Regulatory investigations
Alleged breaches of licence conditions
Risk management and compliance strategies
Preparing for inspections and reviews

Our focus is on helping businesses understand and meet their obligations while minimising the risk of enforcement action.

Late-Night Venues

Operators of bars, clubs and other late-night venues often face increased attention from licensing authorities, police and local authorities.

We advise businesses dealing with issues such as:

Review proceedings
Noise-related allegations
Public order concerns
Closure notices
Enforcement action
Alleged breaches of licensing conditions

Our experience in criminal defence and regulatory proceedings enables us to provide effective representation where licensing concerns arise from allegations of violence, disorder, drugs or other criminal offences.

Entertainment Licensing Compliance

Businesses and organisations involved in entertainment activities must comply with a range of regulatory requirements.

We assist clients facing:

Compliance investigations
Licensing disputes
Enforcement proceedings
Alleged breaches of licensing conditions
Reviews affecting entertainment permissions

Our solicitors provide practical and commercially focused advice aimed at protecting both ongoing operations and future business activities.

Licensing Enforcement and Regulatory Investigations

Many licensing problems arise alongside wider investigations by local authorities, police forces and regulatory bodies.

Our team regularly advises clients facing:

Regulatory investigations
Enforcement action by local authorities
Allegations of licensing offences
Closure notices
Criminal investigations affecting licensed premises
Concurrent criminal and licensing proceedings

By combining expertise in licensing, criminal defence and regulatory law, we are able to provide a coordinated response to complex investigations involving multiple agencies and overlapping legal issues.

Criminal and Regulatory Expertise

Licensing issues rarely arise in isolation. Allegations concerning fraud, public order, health and safety, trading standards, environmental health or other regulatory matters can have serious implications for premises and personal licences.

Olliers Solicitors is uniquely placed to assist where licensing matters overlap with criminal or regulatory enforcement action. Our integrated approach ensures clients receive comprehensive advice designed to protect their licences, businesses, reputations and livelihoods.

Related Services

Facing a licensing investigation, review or enforcement action?

Licensing problems can quickly place your premises, reputation and livelihood at risk. Early, strategic advice can make a significant difference, particularly where police, local authority or criminal investigations are involved.

Olliers Solicitors provides robust, commercially focused representation to businesses and individuals facing licensing reviews, enforcement proceedings and appeals. Contact our specialist team today for confidential advice on protecting your licence and your business