Leisure Operator Lawyers
As rising costs, expansion plans and new legislation impact your business, our hospitality and leisure lawyers offer a range of practical and cost-effective services. We can help with licensing, looking after intellectual property, advising on staffing concerns, or managing your property portfolio.
- Full-service law firm with over 1,200 committed colleagues across 13 UK offices
- Expert hospitality and leisure lawyers advising operators of gyms, sports clubs and other leisure businesses
- Ranked highly in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners
- Winner of numerous awards, including Law Firm of the Year at the City AM Awards 2025
Focused support from our leisure lawyers
A growing expertise in advising leisure operators is based upon parallel experience in the licensed trade sector.
Leisure law expertise
Competition for discretionary spend has been under pressure, as have margins. Issues like AI, immigration, rising energy and labour costs and sustainability continue to impact businesses across the UK.
Our practical and forward thinking approach to legal services ensures that your business is equipped to adapt to these changes and maintain long-term success.
Our legal services in leisure law
Do you need advice from experts in the hospitality and leisure field? We offer a range of legal services, including advice on:
- Brand protection and patents
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Employment and HR
- Franchising
- Licensing
- Property disputes
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Regulatory enforcement
Why choose our leisure operator lawyers?
We will ensure your business operates smoothly and legally by providing expert hospitality and leisure law advice tailored to the unique challenges of the industry. From risk management and liability concerns to employment law and consumer protection, our team will work closely with you to mitigate potential legal risks.
- We have 13 offices across the UK, from Glasgow to London, but our team of leisure lawyers is committed to meeting you wherever suits you
- We provide you with tailored solutions to help you manage your gym, sports clubs, spa, caravan park, holiday park or other leisure or hospitality business
- We assist you in overcoming any barriers within the industry at a strategic and operational level using our expert and up-to-date knowledge
- We are an award-winning law firm that consistently delivers value to our clients, from household names such as Burger King and Wagamama to managed house estates, restaurant chains, hotels and gyms
Key contact
Leo Skinner
Partner, Head of Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
"Leisure operators face increasing pressure from rising costs, evolving regulations and intense competition. Our role as leisure lawyers is to provide clear, actionable legal advice that helps you tackle these challenges head-on, ensuring your business stays compliant, minimises risk and thrives through periods of uncertainty. We work with you to find practical solutions that support your growth and keep your operations running smoothly."
Leo Skinner
Head of Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
Our specialist team also focuses on:
Leisure law FAQs
Leisure operator lawyers are specialists who provide legal support to businesses in the leisure industry, such as hotels, pubs, restaurants, gyms, caravan parks and entertainment venues. These legal professionals assist with everything from contractual negotiations and employment law to regulatory compliance and property matters.
If you are facing any legal challenges related to contracts, disputes, health and safety, employee relations, or compliance with industry regulations, it's a good idea to consult a legal expert. Freeths can provide an initial consultation to help you assess your needs and guide you through any potential legal issues.
Leisure operators face a range of complex legal issues when expanding their business, especially abroad, such as:
- Tax implications
- Contracts, franchises and partnerships
- Planning and licensing
As every expansion is unique, it’s crucial to consult with a legal expert to ensure you're fully compliant and protected. You can contact our leisure operator lawyers to effectively navigate these challenges and avoid costly pitfalls.
Yes, our team of business regulation specialists has experience in delivering tailored advice to leisure operators. We offer comprehensive support across a wide range of regulatory challenges, including up-to-date guidance on health and safety laws, licensing, the Employment Rights Bill and changes to National Insurance contributions.
Additionally, we deliver training sessions designed to help businesses successfully navigate these complexities. Whether you're looking for assistance with compliance or need strategic solutions to stay ahead of regulatory updates, we provide practical, industry-specific advice to protect and grow your business.
Choosing the right leisure lawyer is crucial for effectively managing legal risks and ensuring compliant, successful operations in the leisure industry. Our leisure lawyers have deep sector experience, a multidisciplinary approach and strong commercial awareness, while offering value for money.
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
Related insights
Meet our team
Christopher Ainsworth
Partner
Leo Skinner
Partner, Head of Drinks, Hospitality & Leisure
Contact our hospitality and leisure lawyers today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide- ranging experts in leisure law can support you and your business. Call us on 0330 100 1014 or fill in the form below, and get in touch with the right leisure solicitor.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.