Skip to main content Skip to footer

Jo Soar

Senior Associate

Jo is a Senior Associate in Rothera Bray’s Licensing team and is based at our Nottingham office.

Jo Soar is a Senior Associate on the Licensing Team at Rothera Bray

Expertise

  • Licensing Law
  • Gambling Law
  • Nominated Tutor for the Award for Personal Licence Holders

Approach

Jo is an experienced Senior Associate with a demonstrated history of working with operators from the leisure, retail and hospitality industry. She is dedicated to delivering results with attention to detail, dealing with clients, contacts and colleagues in a professional, friendly and approachable manner.

Jo has significant experience in both public and private sector licensing. Jo advises on all aspects of alcohol and entertainment licensing law and gambling law for pubs, clubs, restaurants, hotels, leisure complexes, off licences, golf and sports clubs, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, outdoor events and festivals, wedding venues, entertainment venues, late night food venues and SEVs.

With clients ranging from small independent businesses to breweries and iconic sporting venues, Jo deals with applications for premises licences and variations, reviews, transfers, designated premises supervisor variations, temporary event notices and personal licences under the Licensing Act 2003.

Jo is also a British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) nominated tutor and delivers the Award for Personal Licence Holder’s qualification course on a monthly basis.

Career Highlights

  • Jo started her career in licensing and gambling law in the public sector at Erewash Borough Council where she progressed to the Head of Licensing
  • In 2005, Jo joined Fraser Brown Solicitors to assist in setting up a new licensing department to deal with applications and advice under the new Licensing Act 2003 regime. Jo was promoted to Associate in 2017 and became Head of Licensing in 2019. In 2020 Jo became a Senior Associate at Knights when Fraser Brown was taken over
  • Jo joined Rothera Bray as a Senior Associate in 2024
  • Jo is a BIIAB nominated tutor and has delivered the Award for Personal Licence Holder’s training course since 2006
  • Jo has been accredited for making contributions to Paterson’s Licensing Acts, the leading source of reference for licensing practitioners

Jo Soar's Experience

Experience

38 years

Memberships & Accreditations

Member of the Institute of Licensing

Testimonials

“I was very lucky to have been passed onto this company specifically Jo Soar, they/she were absolutely amazing in every way. They responded and acted immediately to help resolve my case, to anyone looking for solicitors I highly recommend these from someone who regularly uses solicitors I have never received such a fantastic service. Just want to add Jo is the best solicitor I have ever come across and I thank her for her fantastic service.”
Keith Smith
“It has been a genuine pleasure to work with Jo, whose expertise and dedication to the field of licensing law is second to none. At Ever So Sensible Restaurants, we have always prided ourselves on delivering exceptional drinking and dining experiences, and Jo has played an instrumental role in helping us navigate the complexities of alcohol and entertainment licensing. Her in-depth knowledge of the hospitality sector, coupled with her practical experience advising independent businesses, makes her an invaluable partner. Jo's approachable and professional manner is matched by her attention to detail, ensuring that our licensing matters are handled efficiently and with care. I would not hesitate to recommend Jo to any business in the leisure, retail, or hospitality industries. Her professionalism, knowledge, and genuine passion for her work make her a trusted advisor and a standout leader in her field. We are fortunate to have her expertise at our side ”
Ever So Sensible
“We have worked with the licensing team for many years, mainly with Jo, Lesley, and Caroline, who have consistently supported us with all our licensing matters. Their expertise and guidance have been invaluable, helping us navigate the complexities of licensing law while allowing us to pursue creative ways to enhance the customer experience and maximise profit.The team is not only efficient but also serves as a critical friend, ensuring our ambitions remain compliant. Their training opportunities have also been a great asset, with many of our team successfully completing their personal licence courses. We highly recommend Rothera Bray for their outstanding service and commitment.”
Motorpoint Arena / National Ice Centre
“Jo and the team at Rothera Bray are a critical part of our project team on any licensing matter at our existing or new sites. They bring a high level of expertise, collaboration, and sound advice. They communicate brilliantly with us as a client and with responsible authorities to reach our desired outcomes. Their advice on approach, what can be pushed back on and what can be overcome is invaluable, we cannot them recommend highly enough.”
Big Penny

Jo Soar's Experience

Experience

38 years

Memberships & Accreditations

Member of the Institute of Licensing