<b.THE licensing team at Hampshire law firm Blake Lapthorn is celebrating a UK record for the largest number of liquor licences ever granted at one time for a waterfront development.

The 26 licences have been granted for the Gunwharf Quays development at Portsmouth for the Berkeley Group and Lordland Holdings.

More than, 8,300 square metres of space has been set aside in the development for 20 restaurants, bars and cafes. All have a waterside frontage.

Steven Hassall, of the Berkeley Festival Waterfront Company, said the success of the application was largely achieved through the comprehensive information pack prepared by Blake Lapthorn for the licensing committee, after extensive consultation with the local authorities and police.

Blake Lapthorn's 13- strong specialist team is the region's largest and has recently been boosted with the arrival of Lisa Inzani and solicitor Lisa Croft.

"The size of the firm and our strong specialisation in this area meant that such an application was logistically possible,'' said Walter Cha who heads the department. We are delighted to have been involved in such a record-breaking project.''

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