Restaurants

Do you own, or are you purchasing a restaurant?


Our specialist legal team provides expert advice on a restaurant purchase or sale; recruitment and sponsorship of chefs; and on all aspects of alcohol licensing.


We regularly assist restaurants on the following.


  • Applying to UKVI to grant the Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence;

  • Applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship;

  • Adapting your HR systems to ensure Home Office compliance;

  • Acquisitions of acclaimed destination restaurants and casual dining companies;

  • Legal support and advice to start-up restaurants; and

  • All aspects of Alcohol licensing law.


Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence

What to consider when applying for a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

  • If a sponsorship licence is granted to your organisation, it will either be granted with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ rating. An ‘A’ rating is required to employ migrants who reside outside of UK/Europe.

  • A sponsorship licence is valid for 4 years (starting from the date from which the licence is granted), after which it will expire. The licence end date is the last date you can make an application to renew your licence.

  • As a Private Limited Company at least 5 of the following documents will be required for the application.

  1. Employers Liability Insurance Certificate for at least £5million pounds from an authorised insurer.

  2. Proof of registration with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as self- employed. (You must provide each partner’s unique Tax Reference (UTR) and or the Partnership/ Business Unique Tax Reference (UTR).

  3. Current financial report or audited annual report with the name of the accountant clearly shown. The accountant should be a member of an accredited accounting body.

  4. Evidence of Registration with HMRC as an employer to pay PAYE & National Insurance. You would be required to provide proof of PAYE Reference Number and Accounts Office Reference Number.

  5. Latest acknowledgement of Company Tax Return CT620.

  6. The Company’s latest Audited Annual Accounts with the name of the accountant clearly shown. The accountant should be a member of an accredited accounting body, such as the ACCA/CIMA etc.

  7. Latest Annual self-assessment tax return to HMRC – Statement of accounts (SA300 or SA302).

  8. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) VAT registration certificate – confirming VAT registration number and “effective date of registration” if business’ VAT taxable turnover is more than the ‘threshold’.

  9. Latest corporate/business bank statements and/or letter from Bank setting out the dealings it has with you, including the nature and duration of its dealings.

  10. Proof of ownership or lease of business premises. If you send a copy of the lease agreement – it must be signed by all parties concerned.

    Additional documents
    • Any regulatory certificates (sector specific) if applicable;
    • Proof of Registration with a Governing Body - if this is required to operate legally in the UK; and
    • Company hierarchy chart [This is a must].