Demonstrating expertise in all aspects of alcohol and entertainment licensing, Harrison Drury & Co‘s licensing team acts for a diverse client base, including independent bars, regional breweries, as well as nationwide estates and pub companies. The team provides licensing advice on change overs, investments, new licenses and variations of licenses, and enforcement issues. The ’exceptional’ Malcolm Ireland, who specialises in the leisure sector and has vast experience in dealing with a broad range of issues revolving around the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment, leads the practice. Samantha Faud specialises in licensing work in the leisure sector and issues relating to licensed properties.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The overall team delivers a fast and efficient service.’
  • ‘Malcolm Ireland will always present the best case based on commercial risk which is very different and refreshing.’

  • ‘I found the team I worked with to be exemplary.’

  • ‘My main point of contact is Malcolm Ireland. Thorough knowledge of the law, and exploring all angles to maximise the likelihood of a good result.’

  • ‘Malcolm Ireland is personable, approachable, very well informed, and a skilled advocate. He has a persuasive and effective style of advocacy. He is not necessarily aggressive and maintains his focus on the goal which is to secure or preserve a licensing asset. He is very effective. he appreciates the tactical considerations that are engaged by licensing work.

  • 'Samantha Faud is contentious and well prepared. She understands that licensing sits within a network of legislation and concerns (some very wide) and takes a holistic approach.’
  • ‘Experienced, well established and respected practice that are always willing to listen and work with you to resolve issues. Communication and response times are always excellent.’

  • ‘Malcolm Ireland and Samantha Faud have been very approachable and keen to work with us to resolve any issues or concerns. They have a pragmatic approach whilst always being reasonable and proportionate in our discussions. The knowledge and experience the licensing team has is considerable and respected and I regard them as one of the national leads in the licensing law field.’

Key clients

  • Admiral Taverns Limited
  • Daniel Thwaites Plc
  • Inglenook Group
  • Timothy Taylor & Co Limited
  • Blind Tiger Inns Limited
  • Bowland Inns & Hotels Limited
  • E A Wallace Limited
  • 85 Group Limited
  • Lancaster Brewery
  • AJP Pub Group
  • Wyre Villa Sports Club
  • Lancashire Management Limited
  • Eric and Amanda Dowson
  • TCHB Limited
  • Skiddle Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising Daniel Thwaites Plc on a retained basis for all licensing and investment matters.
  • Advised E A Wallace Limited in relation to a new premises licence application for a 64 acre former equestrian centre near Preston, which was seeking to become a performance and event venue.
  • Advising Inglenook Group (including Inglenook Inns and Taverns) on a retained basis in relation to all licensing matters.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Malcolm Ireland

Other key lawyers

Samantha Faud