Cumulative Impact
Freeths provides expert legal advice on all matters relating to cumulative impact assessment and cumulative impact policy. Whether you're applying for a new premises licence or appealing a local authority's decision, our team of specialist solicitors can guide you every step of the way and offer valuable guidance and advice.
- Legal experts in licensing, planning, property, and hospitality sectors
- Over 200 years of exceptional service and legal advice
- Full-service law firm ranked highly in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners
Experts in cumulative impact law
Our team has extensive experience in cumulative impact law, guiding clients through the complex frameworks established under the Licensing Act 2003, and the Policing and Crime Act 2017. These laws introduced cumulative impact assessments or CIAs, which allow Licensing Authorities to raise a presumption against the grant of new licences and variations to existing licences.
Cumulative impact policies are used in areas where a high number of existing licence premises puts a disproportionate strain on local services and undermines the promotion of licensing objectives. We aim to help our clients navigate these rules while aligning with commercial goals.
Why choose our cumulative impact lawyers?
We deliver clear, commercial advice tailored to your business and informed by deep understanding of cumulative impact law and licensing frameworks.
- Established national reputation - Freeths is recognised by the The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for delivering practical, strategic advice on complex issues such as cumulative impact assessment and licensing policy reviews
- Specialists in the hospitality and leisure sector - We understand the operational challenges faced by pubs, bars, restaurants, and developers, helping clients overcome restrictions arising from cumulative impact zones
- Proven success across the UK - From challenging cumulative impact policies to securing new licences in saturated areas, our lawyers have a strong track record of achieving positive outcomes for clients
- Focused on delivering clear, commercial solutions - We combine legal precision with commercial insight, ensuring every decision around cumulative impact assessments supports your wider business goals
How we can help you
We provide practical and commercially focused advice on every aspect of cumulative impact law:
- Advising on the cumulative impact assessment process under the Licensing Act 2003
- Reviewing local cumulative impact policies and identifying strategic opportunities
- Preparing or appealing applications within cumulative impact zones
- Gathering evidence and preparing submissions to counter cumulative impact objections
- Advising on the overlap between licensing, planning and operational strategy
- Supporting appeals, reviews and judicial appeals against licensing decisions
Key contact
Lisa Gilligan
Leicester Office Managing Partner
“Cumulative impact issues can be complex, but our job is to make the process straightforward and commercially focused for our clients. With decades of experience in licensing and planning law, we help businesses find practical solutions that achieve their goals while staying fully compliant with the law."
Lisa Gilligan
Partner, Licensing
Our specialist team also focuses on:
Cumulative impact law FAQs
A cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is an evidence-based evaluation performed by local licensing authorities. Its purpose is to determine whether the density or concentration of licensed premises in an area negatively affects licensing objectives. It forms part of the local cumulative impact policy and can influence how new applications or variations are determined.
Licensing authorities use the following objectives to evaluate licensed premises and cumulative impact assessments:
- Prevention of crime and disorder
- Prevention of public nuisance
- Protection of children from harm
- Public safety
A cumulative impact zone (CIZ) is an area where evidence shows that the number or density of licensed premises is impacting licensing objectives. Applications in these areas are not automatically refused, but it raises a rebuttable presumption against grant and applicants must demonstrate that their premises will not add to the cumulative impact.
Yes. If your licence application is refused because of a Cumulative Impact Policy or CIP, you can appeal the decision. Our licensing lawyers can guide you on the right option for your situation.
Testimonials
MA
“Leo and his team at Freeths act for The Big Table Group. I have had a longstanding relationship with Leo including my present role as Director of...
Matt Ainger, Property Director
Big Table Group
MG
“Freeths LLP have been our long term legal partner providing expertise and professionalism in handling both our everyday needs as well as supportin...
Mark Grunnell, Co-founder and Chief Executive
Red Oak Taverns
KA
“I have worked with Leo since April 2021 and he has provided me with inciteful and commercial support which can only come from someone who understa...
Kamran Aziz, Managing Director
RedCat Pub Company
HS
"Peach Pubs grew through acquiring freeholds and leaseholds (both private and pubco) over 20 years. Freeths became part of our success in the la...
Hamish Stoddart, Co-founder
Peach Pub Company
PD
“Leo and all of the team at Freeths are undoubted leisure sector specialists and are both commercial and pragmatic in their advice. They are able...
Phil Derbyshire, Group Property Director
The Restaurant Group Plc
RM
“Partnering with Freeths has provided us with invaluable support for our property activities. Their expert guidance and seamless service have prove...
Richard Maslin, Property Director
The Liberation Group
JD
“We have worked with Freeths for well over a decade for matters concerning our wine business and wine bars and restaurants, and are consistently im...
James Davy, Chairman
Davy’s
GB
"I have worked with Freeths for over two decades, firstly as an advisor alongside them when acting for a client, and more recently as the principal...
Graeme Bunn, Property & Acquisitions Director
Red Oak Taverns
TD
“Leo and his team at Freeths act for BKUK Group Limited and have done so since the inception of the business in its current form in 2017. I have ha...
Tim Doubleday, CFO
BKUK Group Limited
NB
“Freeths has provided unrivalled legal advice to our portfolio businesses in the pubs sector for many years. Their team regularly goes above and be...
Noah Bulkin, Managing Partner
May Capital
JL
“I have used Freeths for many years now, both on property and transactional matters. There are many reasons that I have used them so much, but top...
John Leslie, Chairman
Oakman Inns
PM
"The Late-Night sector has had some particularly difficult trading conditions over the last year, which meant unfortunately we had to take on board...
Peter Marks, Chairman
Neos Hospitality
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Contact our cumulative impact lawyers today
Need guidance on cumulative impact law or licensing challenges? Our experienced solicitors are here to help you protect your business and achieve your goals. Get in touch with our team today by calling us on 0330 100 1014 or filling out the form below.
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