Although this area of law may have previously only been a concern when the bartender called last orders, licensing rules now have a more wider social purpose. Generally, the aim is to protect the public and their health against potential harm by regulating the sale of alcohol. By regulating who can consumer alcohol and how it can be distributed, means the law helps to better control its supply and effect. Licensing lawyers can act in a number of capacities, from applying for licences, negotiating their terms or acting for an organisation in a dispute over the terms of a licence.