The normal rule in English courts is that the loser pays the legal costs of the winner, as well as their own costs. However, this is not always so. One of the circumstances in which this rule may not apply is in a licensing appeal.
Recently, two appeals were heard which were brought by local authorities after costs orders had been made against them following their unsuccessful opposition to appeals against licensing decisions.
The two cases were decided inconsistently. In one case, the council’s appeal against the costs order was upheld, but in the other it was rejected. On balance, however, it should be assumed that appeals against costs orders in such cases are more likely to fail than succeed.
For further information about liquor licensing contact Adams on 020 7790 2000 (Whitechapel) or 020 7712 1779 (Canary Wharf/Docklands). |
