Jeremy Phillips KC

Call: 2004  QC: 2018
Practice areas:
Public Access
Practice areas:
Practice Profile

Jeremy Phillips KC is one of England and Wales’ leading licensing and environmental lawyers who offers the highest levels of expertise and advocacy as a barrister following, uniquely, an equally successful career as a solicitor  in leading international law firms. His practical experience leading a firm and then teams is a critical addition to his legal work at the Bar. He is also a Band 1 Licensing Silk. “Jeremy is first-class. His knowledge of premises licensing is immense.” [Legal 500, 2025]

Licensing - Editor-in-Chief of Paterson's Licensing Acts (the only work of reference in the field) and a General Editor of Smith & Monkcom - The Law of Gambling he has been recognised for the past three decades as a leader in both fields. Over that time he has appeared before local authorities to the Court of Appeal, advising upon and determining novel issues arising in numerous important licensing applications relating to gambling, taxi, alcohol & entertainment legislation in both the UK and overseas.

Disciplinary  - Jeremy chairs or has sat upon a number of disciplinary panels in both the  Professional or Sports sectors, including: LTA ( Disciplinary Division, Safeguarding Division and Registration Appeals Divisions of the Judicial Panel)  | Sport Resolutions UK Mediation Panel and Safeguarding Case Management Programme (SCMP) & Legal Advice Service | The Football Association’s Judicial Panel | The Referees’ Association | British Equestrian Foundation (Legally Qualified Chair) and the Teaching Regulation Agency Professional Conduct Panel. He has also represented parties in connection with disciplinary proceedings brought before the British Horseracing Authority, Archery GB, The FA Referees’ Association, Social Work England, Nursing & Midwifery Counsel, Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants etc.

In  2025 he was appointed by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) to perform the function of Senior Independent Panel Member on appointment of the next Chair of the Board for UK Sport.

Regulatory & Environmental - representing leading companies, the Environment Agency, HSE, Marine Management Organisation and local authorities in inquests and prosecutions concerning a range of waste, food, health & safety and breach of licensing offences, in relation to due diligence and criminal confiscation issues.

Jeremy is also an authority on statutory nuisance abatement appeals and prosecutions, having dealt with a wide range of major Abatement Notice appeals and prosecutions throughout the country. He has particularly  specialised in nuisances claimed to have arisen from the proximity of housing to large-scale commercial operations or transport infrastructure. Publications in the field include: The Law of Regulatory Enforcement Sanctions - A Practical Guide - OUP (2011) and LexisPSL: Corporate Crime, Environmental Statutory Nuisance and Wildlife Crime (2017).

Advisory & Judicial Review - numerous High Court challenges on a wide range of public law issues ranging from: local authorities' Standards of Conduct  to Assets of Community Value (ACV); from the repayment of s.106 monies, to the sufficiency of Reasons. Contributions also to the work of the Law Commission, Department of Culture Media and Sport, Cabinet Office and former Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, as well as the Bar Council, its Ethics committee and the Licensed Trade Charity (trustee/school governor).

Public Inquiries - various major footpath, TVG and planning Inquiries as well as objection to the £4.1bn Thames Tideway Tunnel infrastructure project, promoting rail crossing extinguishment orders (Network Rail) and representation of the Ramblers' Association in relation to the Bristol Bus Rapid Transit Scheme. Also, supporting the successful Weymouth Relief Road and South Devon Link Road and others.

Complex Mediations - including the multi-party multi-issue mediation which he devised arising from the Business & Enterprise Select Committee (BESC): Relationship Between Pub Companies and Lessees - Seventh Report of Session 2008-09. Resolution (both as mediator and mediation advocate) of major environmental litigation involving local authorities and national and international operators as well as smaller property disputes.  Head of FTB's Mediation Group.

Charity & Pro Bono – Jeremy has always allocated a proportion of his time for the benefit of others. As a KC he has been on the Bar’s Pro Bono Recognition List  since 2024. He has been the only lawyer-member of a large and well-established charity since 2015.

For more information, please visit https://jeremyphillipskc.co.uk/.

Read more

As a solicitor Jeremy Phillips was recognised for some years as the leading practitioner in England and Wales. As a barrister he has been since been involved in many of the leading decisions in this field before licensing committees, magistrates, in the High Court and Court of Appeal, representing operators, residents, trade associations, police and licensing authorities. He has advised in overseas jurisdictions on appellate proceedings and issues of vires.

Jeremy’s unique experience in both betting law and that relating to the disciplinary rules & procedures binding the holders of public offices, professionals as well as sportswomen/men 
has led to his appointment to a number of such disciplinary panels, as well his representation of individuals before tribunals following incidents involving allegations of cheating.

Jeremy is Editor-in-Chief of Paterson's Licensing Acts, the only work of reference in this field. He is also a General Editor of Smith & Monkcom – the Law of Gambling and author of numerous other works and articles in the field.

He was formerly appointed to membership of International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).

Notable Cases

  • Co-op Live – representing the US-based Oak Group in defeating the objection from Manchester United’s Arena and securing a comprehensive new licence for the City’s Etihad arena, the largest new purpose-built arena in the UK
  • McDonald’s, Fulham – representing local residents’ groups in securing the refusal of the fast-food operator’s application for a 3am Late Night Refreshment licence
  • Walk Safe Security Ltd v Lewisham London Borough Council  - securing clarification from the High Court in connection with the practice of holding licensing hearings online.
  • Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) – successfully judicially reviewing a refusal to renew an SEV, resulting in the licence renewal.
  • Gambling Commission v Operator – represents one of the ‘Big Five’ national gambling operators in relation to a range of high-value AML, KYC, SR and RG online gambling issues  
  • NR v Bestway Ltd – defending overseas online betting operator against civil action concerning customer’s alleged AML issues. Claim withdrawn, with costs.
  • Online PHV provider – representing global PHV ‘taxi’ service company in relation to its involved dealings with TfL, resulting in the issue of a new London Operator Licence.
  • Chohan v Gambling Commission [2012] UKFTT (Gen) - duties of a holder of a personal management licence (PML). First ever appeal determined by First Tier Tribunal (Gen - Gambling)
  • Bamboodle Bar and Grill Limited v Stratford District Council – representing licensing authority and successfully resisting appeal against revocation and closure of premises. Full costs awarded.
  • R (Lalli) -v- Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Newham Borough Council  - Whether on summary review premises associated with serious crime on the basis of a single violent incident. Permission granted to appeal to the Court of Appeal - case raised issues of national importance.
  • Patel (t/a Funky Brownz) v London Borough of Barnet - 'food safety' did not specifically engage Public Safety licensing objective LA correct to revoke the licence.
  • Gurgur v London Borough of Enfield – determined which policies and versions of S of S s 182 Guidance should apply to licensing appeals
  • R (Thompson and Spearmint Rhino Ventures (UK) Limited) v Oxford City Council - extent to which licensing authority able to refuse renewal of an SEV without distinguishing from previous grant in (virtually) identical circumstances.
  • Little France Ltd v Ealing London Borough Council (2013) QBD (Admin) - determined extent of reasons required on licensing appeals.
  • Crawley BC v Attenborough [2006] EWHC 1278 Admin - entitlement of Justices to order licensing authority to pay costs on appeal - requirement for conditions imposed to be intelligible to parties and those not involved in the proceedings
  • R (on the application of the British Beer and Pub Association and Others) v Canterbury City Council [2005] EWHC 1318 Admin - clarified the extent of a licensing authority's power in relation to its published Statement of Policy
  • Hashtroudi v Bournemouth Borough Council (2012) - Bournemouth magistrates granting first new licence to large bar/nightclub in town's Cumulative Impact Zone.
  • Combine Leisure Limited v Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Constabulary (2011) – representing police in licensee’s appeal against revocation. Summary review including quashing of High Court stay on suspension of licence. Costs order against director in personal capacity.
  • Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire v JD Wetherspoon (2007) Tesco Express (2009) Waitrose (2010) All Saints Ltd (2010) – successful objections on behalf of the police.
  • Marstons Plc (1) and Greene King Pub Company Ltd (2) v Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire – successful licensing appeals for operators following a related fatality in the area (2010)
  • British Horseracing Authority (BHA) – advised re inquiry into allegation that overseas national and racehorse owner had profited from ‘inside information’.
  • Re Swim Wales – advised former swim coach and drafted Statement of Case for High Court civil claim against former employer / club.
  • B v A (an EA licensed coach) – advising parents (pro bono via Sports Resolutions UK) of an Paralympic athlete in relation to potential claim for recovery of expenses paid to former coach.
  • GMC v Dr A – considering substantial file of papers detailing historic position and advising (pro bono via Advocate) on prospects of success before the MPTS (Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service) on having the right to practice restored.
  • Fitness & propriety – has been a key element of the practice over four decades, forming a major element in a large proportion of licensing decisions. Central also to role as law firm Senior Partner, member of Bar Council’s Ethics Committee, Law Commission’s Panel concerning taxi licence reform, and role as trustee and governor.

Jeremy Phillips' three decades' year experience in the regulatory field ranges from defending leading supermarket retailers in smaller scale prosecutions for breach of regulatory legislation, to involvement in major environmental and health and safety criminal cases, both as prosecution and defence counsel. His particular speciality of statutory nuisance has included case throughout the UK concerning landfills, overground and underground railway lines, vehicle spraying, recycling plant, regional dairies and breweries, racing circuits, public houses, restaurants, open-air parties and food and flavourings factories.

He is also co-author of the new leading work: The Law of Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions - A Practical Guide, which examined the potential impact of the Regulatory Enforcement & Sanctions Act 2008. Also co-author of LexisPSL: Corporate Crime, Environmental Statutory Nuisance and Wildlife Crime (2017).

Jeremy was ranked in Tier 1 for environmental by the Legal 500 2021 guide. He is described as "Responsive, unflappable and thoroughly prepared, his experience and commerciality make him a real asset."

  • Newcastle upon Lyme BC v Walleys Quarry Ltd – advising throughout odour statutory nuisance proceedings and securing permission from the government to pursue legal action against the company for alleged breaches of the abatement notice.
  • Bats – successfully securing the dismissal of a criminal prosecution brought against a County Council following its alleged disturbance of a roosting bat population
  • LB of Newham v Memon – defending 32 cases of food poisoning & alleged fatality at professionally catered event. Both defendants convicted following 20-day trial, but entirely cleared on core issue of responsibility for fatality that occurred.
  • MMO v Boyce -  successful prosecution on behalf of the licensing authority for first national breach of marine environment licensing requirement.
  • Slough BC v Sabar Bros – defending H&S prosecution for s.2 and s.3 HSWA offences and breach of LOLER requirements concerning safety of goods lifts, following serious accident.
  • Cheshire West & Chester Council v Ungerer Ltd - successfully representing local authority in 8-day Odour Abatement Notice appeal. Long-term historic town centre issue resolved.
  • Westminster City Council v Maiden London Ltd; Ealing BC v Nijjar Dairies Ltd - defending heavily contested prosecutions re Noise Abatement Notice. Both prosecutions withdrawn.
  • EA v Stroud - representing defendant in relation to confiscation proceedings (POCA) arising from a larger complex environmental prosecution.
  • R (on prosecution by LB of Tower Hamlets) v Fitness & Leisure club - representing national operator in H&S noxious fumes prosecution.
  • Hart DC v Medvit Ltd - defence of hotel/conference centre for breach of food hygiene regulations.
  • R (on prosecution by the Environment Agency) v Paul Crabb – prosecuting for the EA on range of waste offences.
  • Environment Agency v Two Sisters Food Group Ltd - defending allegations of multiple breaches of Environmental Permitting Regs
  • HSE v Citytex -  HSE prosecution and Newton hearing into causes of substantial building collapse; having throughout regard to potential civil issues/liability.
  • Health And Safety Executive v KD Childs (1) & Persimmon Homes (Midlands) Limited (2) - representing HSE at inquest re fatality arising from the flawed application of certain building systems on site.

Jeremy Phillips has a broad range of experience in the specialist field of planning work, ranging from important local footpath challenges to major infrastructure inquiries. Examples include for an interested party successfully raising objections at the hearing stage in the £4bn Thames Tideway Tunnel project, to assisting in the promotion of the Weymouth and Newton Abbot bypass schemes); advising on draft Core Strategy; High Court challenges on technical issues (e.g. Beazer Homes re monies held under a s.106 and Metro Construction re designation of conservation areas); to smaller inquiries on enforcement issues and housing and retail development schemes. Jeremy represented the Bristol Ramblers Group pro bono at the inquiry concerning the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Jeremy also gained unique experience at the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), working for a period in-house on the development of the new regime and policies.

  • Marriner v Dorset County Council, Lyme Regis TC et al (Order Ref: FPS/C1245/7/38) – successfully resisting confirmation of footpath order from historic town centre to the seafront.
  • Mexico Crossing and Buriton Crossing - securing rail crossing extinguishment orders notwithstanding significant local objections, for Network Rail
  • Thames Tideway Tunnel project – successfully representing an interested party raising objections in relation to the impact of the £4bn major infrastructure project, which raised novel issues under the Planning Act 2008
  • Taylor v Honiton TC (East Devon DC) - representing local authority in case deciding duties of principal authorities and the extent of sanctions which m be imposed.
  • UCS new sports pavilion scheme (on behalf of LB of Barnet) - for local authority seeking to uphold a refusal of permission following officers’ recommendation to grant
  • Reliant Building Contractors Ltd v Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council: Midland Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire (APP/W3710/A/12/2176750) - proposed developments of erection of 84 houses. Successful s.78 appeal against refusal to grant outline planning permission
  • RB of Tunbridge Wells v Arriva Plc (on behalf of Tesco Stores) [APP/M2270/A/10 /2138774] - resisting appeal against refusal of permission for development of new  Supermarket in District Centre
  • Greensquare Residents Association) v Higgins Homes PLC & Ors – Village Green Inquiry on behalf of residents association [LLC/MM/004/2008]
  • Hampshire CC v Beazer Homes Ltd [2010] EWHC 3095 (QB) - declaratory proceedings as to the obligations of LPAs in relation to monies held under a s.106 agreement
  • R (on the application of Metro Construction Ltd) v Barnet London Borough Council [2009] EWHC 2956 (Admin) - concerning the lawfulness of the designation of sites as Conservation Areas (2009)
  • Weymouth Relief Road - public inquiry jointly with Leading Counsel into major road scheme (2008) - resulting in the confirmation of the CPOs needed to enable the construction of the road required for the 2012 Olympics to proceed. Similarly involved in 4 week public inquiry into the South Devon Link Road (2009)
  • McCarthy & Stone (Developments) Ltd v Hertsmere Borough Council [APP/N1920/A/07/2018226] – successfully resisting appeal against refusal to grant planning permission and proposal to meet affordable housing requirement with off-site provision
  • Mediating a licensing issue between the Metropolitan Police, a London Borough and a late-night operator
  • Co-Mediator with Michel Kallipetis KC in unprecedented mediation concerning contractual, commercial and property issues affecting the licensed trade (see Seventh Report (2009) Business & Enterprise Select Committee)
  • Devising and then resolving (as mediation advocate) to resolve long-standing alleged odour nuisance affecting City Centre, thereby avoiding 3-week magistrates’ court appeal.
  • Successful mediation of long standing major environmental (involving national regulator).
  • Resolving as mediator long-standing local land ownership and boundary disputes
  • Resolution of licensing and environmental disputes concerning a major national sporting event by informal mediation (advocate)
  • "Finding Common Ground" ('Planning' magazine March 2008 - with John Parmiter)
  • CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) - Accredited Mediator (October 2007)
  • SCMA (Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates) - Member

Publications

'The (Underutilised) Role of Mediation in Licensing' (with Conor Fegan) [2019] Journal of Licensing.

Non-contentious

  • Commercial contracts - advisory work on issues of overage, conditional contracts, auction particulars etc.
  • Insurers (City of London) - comprehensive revision of specialist ‘loss of licence' policy
  • SIA - advising international exhibition venue on various technical issues arising under Private Security Industry Act 2001
  • Gambling Commission - advisory work on various elements of published policy
  • Mediation - various, including multi-party multi-issue mediation arising from the Business & Enterprise Select Committee (BESC): Relationship Between Pub Companies And Lessees - Seventh Report of Session 2008-09. To see further details of Jeremy's mediation profile, please click here
  • SENDIST - supporting parents through IPSEA - appeals under the Education Act 1996
  • Commercial contracts - advisory work on issues of overage, conditional contracts, auction particulars etc.
  • Insurers (City of London) - comprehensive revision of specialist ‘loss of licence' policy
  • SIA - advising international exhibition venue on various technical issues arising under Private Security Industry Act 2001
  • Gambling Commission - advisory work on various elements of published policy
  • Mediation - various, including multi-party multi-issue mediation arising from the Business & Enterprise Select Committee (BESC): Relationship Between Pub Companies And Lessees - Seventh Report of Session 2008-09. To see further details of Jeremy's mediation profile, please click here
  • SENDIST - supporting parents through IPSEA - appeals under the Education Act 1996

Publications

  • Editor in Chief of 'Paterson's Licensing Acts' (105th Edition - date: Gen Ed since 1997) and advisor to the Department of Culture Media and Sport in that capacity.
  • General Editor of Smith & Monkcom -The Law of Gambling (2017 4th Edition) – the leading specialist textbook on gambling law.
  • Lexis PSL: Corporate Crime, Environmental Statutory Nuisance and Wildlife Crime (2017)
  • The Law of Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions - A Practical Guide (Co-author) published by the Oxford University Press in 2011.
  • Halsbury's Laws of England - the authoritative source on the laws of England and Wales (contributor to 4th and 5th Editions)  - Volumes 13, 26, 67 & 68.
  • Atkins Court Forms - UK's only encyclopaedia of Civil Litigation Forms, Precedents of Pleadings and Procedure - Volume 27 (1).
  • 'Phillips' Licensing Guide' (1st, 2nd and 3rd Editions),
  • Other publications: 'New Law Guide', 'The Lawyer's Remembrancer', 'Gambling for Local Authorities', Westlaw UK Insight & Consulting Editor to Licensing Review'

Articles include:

  • “O, reason not the need!” Why King Lear was wrong or: The Importance of Reasons in Disciplinary Proceedings (with Mark O'Brien O'Reilly).  Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers Quarterly Bulletin Winter 2023
  • Securing ‘Sufficient and Adequate’ Reasons in Disciplinary Proceedings (with Mark O'Brien O'Reilly)
  • Legal Professional Privilege: Reporting AML suspicions is “not black and white” (with Mark O'Brien O'Reilly)
  • Guest Editorial, Journal of Licensing, Number 31, November 2021
  • Does the SRA Treat Sexual Misconduct Cases Seriously? (with Esther Drabkin-Reiter). Solicitors Journal, April 2020  
  • 'The (Underutilised) Role of Mediation in Licensing' (with Conor Fegan) [2019] Journal of Licensing
  • Two Blue Doors (footpaths),  Waymark, Autumn 217
  • The Hand We've Been Dealt (Gambling), Solicitors Journal, 5 September 2017
  • Calling Time on the Licensing Act, Solicitors Journal, 25 April 2017
  • Burden of Proof in Licensing Appeals, Solicitors Journal, 24 January 2017
  • Public Safety Versus Public Health, solicitors Journal, 19 January 2016 
  • Here's to Her Majesty and Other Licensing Developments, 7 June 2016
  • Drinking, Gambling and Mistakes and Notices, 11 October 2016
  • Noise Nuisance in the Licensing Arena, 22 September 2015
  • Licence to Thrill, solicitors Journal, 30 June 2015
  • Hemming: outcome and implications, 10 February 2015
  • Licensing Update, Solicitors Journal, 30 September 2014
  • Licensing Update, Solicitors Journal, 1 July 2014

Jeremy has also for many years chaired and spoken at major conferences & on national radio.

  • Solicitor (1980)
  • Partner, Cartwrights (1982)
  • Co-founder, Holt Phillips (1984)
  • Equity partner Eversheds (1994)
  • Equity Partner Osborne Clarke (2001)
  • Called to the Bar /Inner Temple (2004)
  • Accredited mediator – CEDR (2008)
  • Trustee, Licensed Trade Charity (2015)
  • Elected Bar Council (2015) and Ethics Committee (2016)
  • Appointed Queen’s Counsel (2018)
  • Disciplinary Panel - Lawn Tennis Association (2019)
  • International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) (2020)
  • Appointed to Sports Resolutions' Mediation & Development Arbitration Panels (2021)
  • Appointed to FA Safeguarding Review Panel (to October 2025)
  • Appointed to Police Misconduct Hearings for South Wales
  • Named as a leading licensing expert by Global Law Experts
  • DCMS Senior Independent Panel Member on appointment of the next Chair of the Board for UK Sport.

Licensing & Disciplinary
As a solicitor Jeremy Phillips was recognised for some years as the leading practitioner in England and Wales. As a barrister he has since been involved in many of the leading decisions in this field, before licensing committees, magistrates, in the High Court and Court of Appeal enjoying representing trade associations, operators, residents, police and licensing authorities. He has advised in overseas jurisdictions on appellate proceedings and issues of vires.

Jeremy is Editor in Chief of Paterson's Licensing Acts, the only work of reference in this field. He is also a General Editor of Smith & Monkcom – the Law of Gambling and author of numerous other works and articles in the field.

Notable cases

 

  • Co-op Live – representing the US-based Oak Group in defeating the objection from Manchester United’s Arena and securing a comprehensive new licence for the City’s Etihad arena, the largest new purpose-built arena in the UK
  • McDonald’s, Fulham – representing local residents’ groups in securing the refusal of the fast-food operator’s application for a 3am Late Night Refreshment licence
  • Walk Safe Security Ltd v Lewisham London Borough Council  - securing clarification from the High Court in connection with the practice of holding licensing hearings online.
  • Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV)  – successfully judicially reviewing a refusal to renew an SEV, resulting in the licence renewal.
  • Gambling Commission v Operator - represents one of the 'Big Five' national gambling operators in relation to a range of high value AML, KYC, SR and RG online gambling issues.
  • NR v Bestway Ltd - defending overseas online betting operator against civil action concerning customer's alleged AML issues.  Claim withdrawn, with costs.
  • Online PHV provider - representing global PHV 'taxi' service company in relation to its involved dealings with TfL, resulting in the issue of a new London Operator Licence.
  • Chohan v Gambling Commission [2020] UKFTT (Gen) - duties of a holder of a personal management licence (PML).  First ever appeal determined by First Tier Tribunal (Gen - Gambling).
  • Bamboodle Bar and Grill Limited v Stratford District Council - representing licensing authority and successfully resisting appeal against revocation and closure of premises.  Full costs awarded.
  • R (Lalli) -v- Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Newham Borough Council  - Whether on summary review premises associated with serious crime on the basis of a violent incident. Permission granted to appeal to the Court of Appeal - case raised issues of national importance.
  • Patel (t/a Funky Brownz) v London Borough of Barnet - 'food safety' did not specifically engage Public Safety licensing objective LA correct to revoke the licence.
  • Gurgur v London Borough of Enfield – determined which policies and versions of S of S s182 Guidance should apply to licensing appeals.
  • R (Thompson and Spearmint Rhino Ventures (UK) Limited) v Oxford City Council - extent to which licensing authority able to refuse renewal of an SEV without distinguishing from previous grant in (virtually) identical circumstances.
  • Chohan v Gambling Commission [2012] UKFTT (Gen) - duties of a holder of a personal management licence. First ever appeal determined by First Tier Tribunal (Gen - Gambling).
  • Little France Ltd v Ealing London Borough Council (2013) QBD (Admin) - determined extent of reasons required on licensing appeals.
  • Crawley BC v Attenborough [2006] EWHC 1278 Admin - entitlement of Justices to order licensing authority to pay costs on appeal - requirement for conditions imposed to be intelligible to parties and those not involved in the proceedings.
  • R (on the application of the British Beer and Pub Association and Others) v Canterbury City Council [2005] EWHC 1318 Admin - clarified the extent of a licensing authority's power in relation to its published Statement of Policy.
  • Hashtroudi v Bournemouth Borough Council (2012) - Bournemouth magistrates granting first new licence to large/nightclub in town's Cumulative Impact Zone.
  • Combine Leisure Limited v Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Constabulary (2011) - represening police in licencsee's appeal against revocation. Summary review including quashing of High Court stay on suspension of licence. Costs order against director in personal capacity.
  • Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire v JD Wetherspoon (2007) Tesco Express (2009) Waitrose (2010) All Saints Ltd (2010) - successful objections on behalf of the police.
  • Marstons Plc (1) and Greene King Pub Company Ltd (2) v Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire - two successful licensing appeals for operators following a related fatality in the area (2010).
  • British Horseracing Authority (BHA) – advised re inquiry into allegation that overseas national and racehorse owner had profited from ‘inside information’.
  • Re Swim Wales – advised former swim coach and drafted Statement of Case for High Court civil claim against former employer / club.
  • B v A (an EA licensed coach) – advising parents (pro bono via Sports Resolutions UK) of an Paralympic athlete in relation to potential claim for recovery of expenses paid to former coach.
  • GMC v Dr A – considering substantial file of papers detailing historic position and advising (pro bono via Advocate) on prospects of success before the MPTS (Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service) on having the right to practice restored.
  • Fitness & propriety – has been a key element of the practice over four decades, forming a major element in a large proportion of licensing decisions. Central also to role as law firm Senior Partner, member of Bar Council’s Ethics Committee, Law Commission’s Panel concerning taxi licence reform, and role as trustee and governor.

Environment & Regulatory Crime

Jeremy Phillips' three decades' experience in the regulatory field ranges from defending leading supermarket retailers in smaller scale prosecutions for breach of regulatory legislation, to involvement in major environmental and health and safety criminal cases, both as prosecution and defence counsel.

He is also co-author of the new leading work: The Law of Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions - A Practical Guide, which examined the potential impact of the Regulatory Enforcement & Sanctions Act 2008. Also co-author of LexisPSL: Corporate Crime, Environmental Statutory Nuisance and Wildlife Crime (2017).

  • LB of Newham v Memon – defending 32 cases of food poisoning & alleged fatality at professionally catered event. Both defendants convicted following 20-day trial, but entirely cleared on core issue of responsibility for fatality that occurred.
  • MMO v Boyce  -successful prosecution on behalf of the licensing authority for first national breach of marine environment licensing requirement.
  • Slough BC v Sabar Bros – defending H&S prosecution for s.2 and s.3 HSWA offences and breach of LOLER requirements concerning safety of goods lifts, following serious accident.
  • Cheshire West & Chester Council v Ungerer Ltd - successfully representing local authority in 8-day Odour Abatement Notice appeal. Long-term historic town centre issue resolved.
  • Westminster City Council v Maiden London Ltd; Ealing BC v Nijjar Dairies Ltd - defending heavily contested prosecutions re Noise Abatement Notice. Both prosecutions withdrawn.
  • EA v Stroud - representing defendant in relation to confiscation proceedings (POCA) arising from a larger complex environmental prosecution.
  • R (on prosecution by LB of Tower Hamlets) v Fitness & Leisure club - representing national operator in H&S noxious fumes prosecution.
  • Hart DC v Medvit Ltd - defence of hotel/conference centre for breach of food hygiene regulations.
  • R (on prosecution by the Environment Agency) v Paul Crabb – prosecuting for the EA on range of waste offences
  • Environment Agency v Two Sisters Food Group Ltd - defending allegations of multiple breaches of Environmental Permitting Regs
  • HSE v Citytex -  HSE prosecution and Newton hearing into causes of substantial building collapse; having throughout regard to potential civil issues/liability
  • Health And Safety Executive v KD Childs (1) & Persimmon Homes (Midlands) Limited (2) - representing HSE at inquest re fatality arising from the flawed application of certain building systems on site

Planning, Infrastructure, Rights of Way & Town and Village Greens

Jeremy Phillips has a broad range of experience in the specialist field of planning work, ranging from important local footpath challenges to major infrastructure inquiries. Examples include for an interested party successfully raising objections at the hearing stage in the £4bn Thames Tideway Tunnel project to assisting in the promotion of the Weymouth and Newton Abbot bypass schemes), advising on draft Core Strategy, High Court challenges on technical issues (e.g. Beazer Homes re monies held under a s.106 and Metro Construction re designation of conservation areas) to smaller inquiries on enforcement issues and housing and retail development schemes. Jeremy represented the Bristol Ramblers Group pro bono at the Inquiry concerning the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Jeremy also gained unique experience at the Infrastructure Planning Commission, working for a period in-house on the development of the new regime and policies.

  • Marriner v Dorset County Council, Lyme Regis TC et al (Order Ref: FPS/C1245/7/38) – successfully resisting confirmation of footpath order from historic town centre to the seafront.
  • Mexico Crossing and Buriton Crossing - securing rail crossing extinguishment orders notwithstanding significant local objections, for Network Rail
  • Thames Tideway Tunnel project – successfully representing an interested party raising objections in relation to the impact of the £4bn major infrastructure project, which raised novel issues under the Planning Act 2008
  • Taylor v Honiton TC (East Devon DC) - representing local authority in case deciding duties of principal authorities and the extent of sanctions which m be imposed.
  • UCS new sports pavilion scheme (on behalf of LB of Barnet) - for local authority seeking to uphold a refusal of permission following officers’ recommendation to grant
  • Reliant Building Contractors Ltd v Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council: Midland Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire (APP/W3710/A/12/2176750) - proposed developments of erection of 84 houses. Successful s.78 appeal against refusal to grant outline planning permission
  • RB of Tunbridge Wells v Arriva Plc (on behalf of Tesco Stores) [APP/M2270/A/10 /2138774] - resisting appeal against refusal of permission for development of new  Supermarket in District Centre
  • Greensquare Residents Association) v Higgins Homes PLC & Ors – Village Green Inquiry on behalf of residents association [LLC/MM/004/2008]
  • Hampshire CC v Beazer Homes Ltd [2010] EWHC 3095 (QB) - declaratory proceedings as to the obligations of LPAs in relation to monies held under a s.106 agreement
  • R (on the application of Metro Construction Ltd) v Barnet London Borough Council [2009] EWHC 2956 (Admin) - concerning the lawfulness of the designation of sites as Conservation Areas (2009)
  • Weymouth Relief Road - public inquiry jointly with Leading Counsel into major road scheme (2008) - resulting in the confirmation of the CPOs needed to enable the construction of the road required for the 2012 Olympics to proceed. Similarly involved in 4 week public inquiry into the South Devon Link Road (2009)
  • McCarthy & Stone (Developments) Ltd v Hertsmere Borough Council [APP/N1920/A/07/2018226] – successfully resisting appeal against refusal to grant planning permission and proposal to meet affordable housing requirement with off-site provision

Non-contentious

  • Commercial contracts - advisory work on issues of overage, conditional contracts, auction particulars etc.
  • Insurers (City of London) - comprehensive revision of specialist 'loss of licence' policy
  • SIA - advising international exhibition venue on various technical issues arising under Private Security Industry Act 2001
  • Gambling Commission - advisory work on various elements of published policy
  • Mediation - various, including multi-party multi-issue mediation arising from the Business & Enterprise Select Committee (BESC): Relationship Between Pub Companies And Lessees - Seventh Report of Session 2008-09. To see further details of Jeremy's mediation profile, please click here
  • SENDIST -supporting parents through IPSEA - appeals under the Education Act 1996

Mediation Experience / Qualifications

  • Co-Mediator with Michel Kallipetis KC in unprecedented mediation concerning contractual, commercial and property issues affecting the licensed trade (see Seventh Report (2009) Business & Enterprise Select Committee)
  • Successful mediation of long standing major environmental civil dispute (involving national regulator).
  • Devising and then resolving (as mediation advocate) to resolve long-standing alleged odour nuisance affecting City Centre, thereby avoiding 3-week magistrates’ court appeal.
  • Resolving as mediator long-standing local land ownership and boundary disputes
  • Resolution of licensing and environmental disputes concerning a major national sporting event by informal mediation (advocate)
  • CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) - Accredited Mediator (October 2007)
  • SCMA (Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates) - Member

* Medieval and local history. Long-distance overland travel. Motorbike racing. Wildlife and gardening. Squash. Family.

* not necessarily in that order..

Jeremy Phillips is also a member of the Review Panel for LawWorks, a charity which aims to provide free legal help to individuals and community groups who cannot afford to pay for it and who are unable to access legal aid, and for whom he reviews applications for assistance and in a limited number of approved cases, conducts mediations.

He is named in Advocate's inaugural Recognition List of England and Wales published in June 2024.

He has advised community associations on national issues raised by threatened enforcement action, subsequently discontinued as a consequence.

Jeremy is also a trained volunteer for the work of IPSEA, a national charity providing free legally based advice to families who have children with special educational needs. In appropriate cases he has represented parents and their children before the SENDIST (Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal).

Privacy Notice

Latest from Jeremy
28
Feb' 25
Licensing Appeal for Adult Gaming Centre Dismissed

On the 6th November 2023 Sheffield City Council refused an application made by Royal Amusements a premises licence for an Adult Gaming Centre (“AGC”) at 9 Fargate, Sheffield S1 2HD. 

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19
Jun' 24
Four Members of Chambers Included in Advocate’s Inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales

Chambers is delighted that Jeremy Phillips KC, Richard Honey KC, Charles Forrest and Stephanie Bruce-Smith have all been included in Advocate’s Inaugural Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales in recognition of their dedication to providing pro bono services.

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06
Mar' 24
Licence Granted For New 23,500 Capacity Co-op Live Arena in Manchester

At a hearing on 21 and 22 February 2024, Manchester’s Licensing Sub-Committee considered a contested application for a premises licence for the new £365m 23,500 capacity Co-op Live Arena located in the Etihad Campus.

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23
Feb' 24
Three Members of Chambers Appear at Licensing Hearing for New 23,500 Capacity Co-op Live Arena in Manchester

At a hearing on 21 and 22 February 2024, Manchester’s Licensing Sub-Committee considered a contested application for a premises licence for the new £365m 23,500 capacity Co-op Live Arena located in the Etihad Campus.

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15
Nov' 22
Walleys Quarry: Mediation as an Effective Tool for Environmental Regulators

As a means of resolving environmental disputes, mediation can be shown to offer many really significant benefits to regulators, be they local authorities, the Environment Agency or central Government. 

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02
Feb' 22
Statutory nuisance - and the power of mediation…

The legislation relating to statutory nuisance can be a powerful tool to bring recalcitrant operators, or inconsiderate neighbours, into line. It is, however, a field fraught with technical traps for the unwary and, in even the most straightforward case, significant cost.

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Back to Barristers

"We really are pleased with the outcome and we’re receiving some very positive feedback from other residents. It was a pleasure to spend the last few days working with you and watch you at work"

Principal Licensing Officer, 2024

"What a brilliant fantastic outcome to this case. When we were putting the initial evidence together, were concerned that our evidence may not come up to proof and we even discussed conceding the Appeal. Thank you for all of your help, assistance and whipping the case into shape. I know the residents will be extremely happy with the outcome."

Senior Solicitor – Regulatory, 2024 Team

"Thank you for all your help on this matter; it was delightful working with you and your calm approach and immense knowledge and expertise was invaluable."

Solicitor client, 2024

“So lovely to work with counsel who know first hand what solicitors grapple with! It's been a complete pleasure.”

Solicitor client, 2024

"He is the encyclopaedia when it comes to discrete areas of licensing law."

Chambers and Partners, 2023