Hotels and Licensed Premises
Hospitality is a fast-moving, highly regulated industry, especially when alcohol licensing is involved. Whether you’re buying, selling or leasing a hotel, pub or restaurant, you need legal advice from solicitors who understand both property and licensing law. At Pomphreys Solicitors in Wishaw, we help hospitality businesses across Scotland handle licensed premises transactions with confidence.
The Legal Landscape for Licensed Premises
Licensed premises are subject to a wide range of legal and regulatory obligations. Unlike standard commercial property transactions, you must also comply with Scotland’s licensing laws and secure the correct permissions for alcohol sales, late openings, food hygiene and entertainment.
These additional layers mean that getting the right legal support early on is essential, particularly if your deal includes staff, goodwill, stock, or trading licences.
How We Can Help
We provide end-to-end legal support for licensed premises transactions, including:
- Buying or selling licensed properties – from stand-alone pubs to hotels and restaurant groups
- Lease negotiations and assignations – for those letting or taking on licensed premises
- Premises Licence transfers and variations – ensuring you can trade legally from day one
- Due diligence on planning and licensing history – identifying issues that could affect your operation
- Asset sales including fixtures, fittings, goodwill and licences – where the business is being sold as a going concern
- Advice on alcohol and late-opening legislation – including objections, conditions and Licensing Board requirements
We liaise directly with Licensing Boards, landlords, surveyors, and accountants to make sure your business is set up for long-term success.
Once we understand the nature of your business—whether it’s a local café, family-run B&B, gastropub or nightclub—we tailor our advice to reflect your commercial and operational goals.
Our support goes beyond ticking boxes. We take the time to understand your business model, premises layout, and trading plans so we can anticipate legal issues before they arise. Whether you’re navigating a first-time lease, restructuring a family-owned hotel, or acquiring a chain of pubs, we offer practical guidance that helps you make confident, informed decisions—not just about the legal mechanics, but about the bigger picture of risk, reputation, and regulatory compliance.
Selling or Buying a Hospitality Business?
The sale or purchase of a licensed business can encompass more than just the physical assets. You may be acquiring or transferring:
- The Premises Licence and Personal Licence
- The brand or trading name
- Furniture, equipment, and point-of-sale systems
- Staffing contracts and employment obligations
- Supply agreements and stock
We’ll help you identify what’s included, handle the transfer process, and avoid common pitfalls, such as missed licence transfers or planning breaches.
Why Choose Pomphreys Solicitors?
Hospitality operators trust us in Motherwell and Wishaw, across Lanarkshire and beyond for:
- ✅ Practical advice that balances legal requirements with commercial realities
- ✅ Deep knowledge of both property and licensing law
- ✅ Prompt, reliable communication with clients and third parties
- ✅ Experience with Licensing Boards throughout Scotland
We understand the pressures of running a licensed business, and we’re here to help you focus on your customers while we manage the legal details.
Legal Support for Hospitality Businesses that Works
If you’re buying, selling or leasing a licensed premises, you need solicitors who understand the hospitality sector. Pomphreys has the expertise to support your commercial goals and handle all licensing aspects with care. Contact us today to discuss your plans.
You may also want to explore:
- Commercial Leasing – if you’re letting or taking on licensed premises
- Partnerships & Company Formation – to structure the ownership of your business
- Estate Planning – if your licensed premises form part of a family business or legacy
❓ Common Questions About Hotels and Licensed Premises
Can I keep trading after buying a pub or hotel?
Yes, but only if the Premises Licence is correctly transferred or varied. We’ll coordinate with the Licensing Board to ensure continuity.
What licences might I need beyond alcohol?
Depending on your business, you may need licences for food handling, entertainment, late-night opening or outdoor seating.
How long does it take to transfer a licensed premises?
It depends on the Licensing Board’s schedule, but with early preparation and the right paperwork, it typically takes 6 – 8 weeks.
