James Hoffelner
Licensing Strategy and Regulatory Crisis Specialist
James Hoffelner specialises in complex licensing matters, advising licensed premises, hospitality operators, licensing solicitors and licensing barristers on some of the most challenging proceedings under the Licensing Act 2003.
His work focuses on premises licence reviews, summary reviews, contested applications, police objections, cumulative impact cases and strategic regulatory support following serious incidents affecting licensed premises. He works closely with legal teams and specialist consultants to develop licensing strategy, coordinate evidence and help clients navigate proceedings where the commercial, regulatory and reputational risks are significant.
James has developed particular expertise in the coordination of multidisciplinary teams, bringing together former senior police officers, environmental health professionals, acoustic consultants, security specialists and other recognised experts to provide comprehensive support in complex licensing matters.
Alongside his consultancy work, James is committed to improving public safety within the hospitality sector. He is a Director of Ask for Angela CIC and the Founder of the Violence in Venues Agreement (VIVA), initiatives that promote safer licensed environments, partnership working and responsible venue management.
His professional interests include public safety, regulatory resilience, data protection, evidence management and risk management, reflecting the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of modern licensing practice.
James believes that successful licensing is about far more than obtaining permissions. It is about helping licensed businesses prepare for, respond to and recover from complex regulatory challenges while protecting their long-term commercial interests and supporting the licensing objectives.
The rest of the team
Principal Crime Prevention and Licensing Consultant
Richard Bunch
Former Licensing Sergeant for the City of Westminster, responsible for more than 6,000 licensed premises, and a full member of the Association of British Investigators.
Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst
David Oates
More than 20 years in data analytics and performance management across policing, adult social care and local government.
Director of Training and Educational Lead
Ray Bailey
Complete Licensing’s Director of Training, after more than 30 years in the Metropolitan Police and a Home Office secondment on the Alcohol Strategy.
Writer and Editor
Tony Jefferies
Former national newspaper journalist who has written the Complete Licensing blog since the company's early days.
Office Manager — Licensing Applications and Operations
Angela “Angie” Message
Manages licensing applications from preparation to submission, with experience across pubs, festivals and major hospitality groups.
Chief Environmental Health and Safety Consultant
David Nevitt
Forty-one years in environmental health, most of it at Westminster City Council as the Responsible Authority under the Licensing Act 2003.
Director of Strategic Crime Prevention and Night-Time Economy Security
Tony Nash
Thirty-one years in the Metropolitan Police, retiring as Borough Commander for Newham, with a background in homicide and serious crime.
Director of Strategic Licensing and Night-Time Economy
Edward Sherry OBE
Former Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector, with 20 years in Westminster and an MSc in risk, crisis and resilience management.
Senior Licensing and Compliance Advisor
Jim Sollars
Former manager of the Westminster Police Licensing Team, after 35 years in the Metropolitan Police.
Director of Strategic Licensing and Public Safety
Adrian Studd
Led Metropolitan Police licensing for the London 2012 Olympic Games, after a decade on the MPS Clubs and Vice Unit.
Senior Licensing & Compliance Consultant
Sandy Tracey
Thirty years in policing, including nine as a Police Licensing Officer in Westminster and five in Northamptonshire.
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