Stephanie Perraton heads the licensing team in the UK. Her particular expertise covers all aspects of licensing, including alcohol, entertainment and late night food sales.

Stephanie has 30 years of specialised licensing experience, and clients include a wide range of operators, from listed companies to entrepreneurs. The applications she has dealt with range from stadiums and full-service hotels to small, bespoke catering outlets and off-licences. Stephanie prides herself on providing a “one-stop shop” for clients and takes on the management of all their licensing requirements. She has experience in reviewing and advising upon due diligence systems and has drafted operations manuals and compliance documents for numerous clients as part of their overall compliance. She has also provided training at both a legal and operational level, including general updates and training on specific changes in law.

Stephanie has experience in all aspects of regulatory law, including the Security Industry Act. In addition, she can advise on the licences required for playing copyright music by the Music Licensing Agency, Civil Ceremonies, Special Treatments and Gaming Licenses.

Stephanie also provides support on corporate, property and insolvency transactions involving licensed premises.

Stephanie and her team regularly write client updates on topical legal issues for the licensed trade in England and Wales, and she is a member of the Institute of Licensing.

In a recent edition of Chambers UK, Stephanie was described by her peers as "an absolute powerhouse who has a level of gravitas that clients appreciate."

Further, Stephanie and her team are "very prompt in dealing with enquiries and they provide good value for money." "The team is extremely knowledgeable within its sector; they have a detailed knowledge of our business and sometimes know more than we do."

Stephanie was appointed as Deputy Vice President of the Birmingham Law Society in March 2019 and will become President of the organisation in May 2021.