Shepherd and Wedderburn Licensing Lawyers
Our highly experienced licensing lawyers are independently recognised for their breadth of expertise in contractual and contentious matters relating to alcohol, gambling, civic government and taxi licensing, and are highly regarded by our clients, who include many household names in hospitality, retail, education, transport, and leisure, as well as sports clubs, sole trader businesses, individuals and community organisations. Our clients include hotels, restaurants, garden centres, convenience stores, landlords, petrol filling stations and taxi operators.
Our licensing team, led by Partner and Solicitor Advocate Kevin Clancy, collaborates with clients and works with Licensing Boards across Scotland in order to achieve a successful outcome. The team has particular expertise in contentious licensing matters, representing clients at hearings for new applications, major and minor variation hearings, review hearings, personal licence hearings, appeals to the Sheriff Court and judicial reviews.
Frequently asked questions
If you currently operate short-term lets in Scotland, you are likely to have many questions about the new scheme. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help guide you through the process.
Article guides
The new short-term let licensing scheme requires hosts of short-term lets in to have a licence to take bookings and accept guests at their property. If you have a short-term let and have questions about the new licensing scheme, Kevin Clancy, a partner in our regulatory team, has written a series of articles to guide you through the process.
Short-term lets in Edinburgh: An opportunity for a rethink on the approach to secondary letting
On 8 June 2023, following consideration of a judicial review, there was a significant legal ruling that the City of Edinburgh Council’s Short-Term Lets Licensing Policy is unlawful. This article outlines the review, the outcome of the judgment and the next steps for short-term lets in Edinburgh.
How do I apply and when is the deadline?
The new short-term let licensing scheme requires hosts of self-catering accommodation to have a licence in place to accept bookings and welcome guests. This article explains who needs to apply for a licence, when the deadlines are, and how to apply.
Planning permission, control areas, and mandatory conditions
Following the new licensing scheme for short-term lets coming into force on 1 October 2022, hosts need to understand the various conditions they must meet to obtain a licence. This article discusses details of planning permission and licensing conditions that hosts should consider.
What are temporary licences and temporary exemptions?
This article covering the new short-term letting regulations in Scotland looks at temporary licences and temporary exemptions under the new licensing scheme. The availability, length, conditions and application processes are discussed.
Staying compliant – what are the consequences of getting it wrong?
Following the introduction of Scotland’s short-term let licensing, hosts must navigate the complex series of conditions and rules to continue operating their business. Our previous articles have explained who needs to apply for a licence, the conditions that must be met, and the temporary measures available. It is important for hosts to understand the consequences of failing to comply with any of the rules we have explored. This article explains the consequences of getting it wrong.
