Introduction
Andy Grimsey is a leading licensing lawyer, specialising in alcohol, entertainment and regulatory law. Called to the Bar in 1993 and a solicitor for more than 30 years, he has spent over 20 years practising exclusively in licensing law. He is widely recognised for his contribution to the development of modern licensing law, having co-written the Live Music Act 2012 and advised Government on licensing and entertainment law reform. More recently, he has worked with leading security and counter-terrorism experts providing guidance to the hospitality and events sectors on the implications of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. He remains a non-practising solicitor.
Andy appeared as an expert witness before the House of Lords Select Committee reviewing the Licensing Act 2003 and was a member of the Government’s Live Music Special Guidance Group and Entertainment Licensing Reform Technical Group. He also played a significant role in the re-drafting of the regulated entertainment chapter of the Statutory Guidance issued under the Licensing Act 2003.
Andy authored the chapter on Premises Licences in Philip Kolvin KC’s Licensed Premises: Law, Practice and Policy (Second Edition), edited Poppleston Allen’s legal column in the Morning Advertiser for over a decade, and is a regular speaker at national conferences including the Institute of Licensing National Training Conference. He has also been quoted and interviewed by national media including BBC Radio 4, Sky News and the national press.
Licensing
Andy has appeared before more than 100 licensing authorities throughout England and Wales and represented clients in hundreds of licensing hearings, including complex applications, reviews and summary reviews, major festival applications and high-profile matters involving allegations of serious violence and sexual offending.
His clients range from independent operators to many of the best-known names on the British high street, together with leading businesses in the hospitality, leisure and events sectors.
Festivals, Events and Music Venue Licensing
Andy has advised on licensing matters relating to festivals, iconic music venues, major sporting stadia and nationally significant events. His experience encompasses the full range of licensing, regulatory and operational issues that arise in the planning and delivery of large-scale entertainment and public events.
He regularly advises event organisers on Event Management Plans and works closely with promoters, local authorities, responsible authorities and Safety Advisory Groups to deliver practical solutions to complex regulatory challenges.
Advisory Work
Andy has advised Government departments, industry bodies and trade associations on licensing and regulatory policy, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Night Time Industries Association.
