Surprise retirement dinner for John Saunders QC

The “great and the good” of the legal licensing community (including our own John Gaunt) gathered last night (Thursday, 13 October) to throw a surprise retirement dinner for “formidable licensing advocate” John Saunders QC, who will be known – if only by reputation - to many operators. In 2004, John was appointed a full-time circuit judge as well as taking the honorary appointment of Recorder of Birmingham (the most senior judge at Birmingham Crown Court) and in April 2007 was elevated to the High Court bench.

To mark his retirement as a judge and recalling his time as a leading licensing QC, many, who worked with him, hosted a surprise retirement dinner in his honour at the Reform Club in London.  In addition to a three course dinner, musical entertainment was provided by a cappella choir of which John (with music as a love of his life) was a member.