About

Hi, I’m Paul Thornton, the person behind PT Licensing.

I help all manner of current and potential licensees get the licences they need, vary licences for those who want to improve their hours or conditions, and offer practical advice and assistance when things go wrong.

Licensing can feel like a maze of forms, deadlines, notices and objections, and getting it wrong can cost you trading hours, an event or even your licence. My job is to take that weight off you. I deal with the council, the police and the other responsible authorities, make sure everything is right first time, and keep you updated in plain English at every step.

My background

I have a sound background in licensing.

I was a Local Authority Licensing Officer for 16 years, giving advice to licensees and potential licensees, liaising with the Responsible Authorities (Police, Fire, Environmental Health), administering hundreds of licensing applications and attending several dozen Licensing Committee hearings.

I set up PT Licensing 5 years ago and now apply my experience of working inside a Licensing Authority to help those who need practical, sensible and honest licensing advice.

I have excellent knowledge of the information and detail required for a successful licensing application, and I take a practical approach, aiming to agree a workable licence with the authorities before anything reaches a hearing.

When a hearing can’t be avoided, I prepare thoroughly and put your case clearly, using my considerable experience.

Why work with me

You deal with me, start to finish

No call centre and no handing you on to someone else. When you ring, you speak to the person doing your application.

I know the trade

I understand how important a licence is to your business and will offer you sensible, practical and above all honest advice. There’s no point in being promised something that is quite frankly unachievable, and I’ll tell you so.

Local knowledge

I work with licensing authorities across East and West Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, and have a solid, respectful relationship with them.

Fixed, upfront fees

You know the cost before I start. No hourly billing and no surprises, just the fixed fee plus the council’s own charges. See our fees.

Qualifications and memberships

Associate Member of the Institute of Licensing

Let’s talk about your licence

Whether you’re opening a new venue, changing hours or conditions on your licence or facing a review, a quick chat is usually the best place to start.

Call or WhatsApp: 07795 600885 · Email: paul@ptlicensing.co.uk

Get in touch