Providing a ‘totally unique, above and beyond service’, TLT is praised as ’the market leader in licensing advice in Scotland’. The team of specialist lawyers is well geared to act across the entire licensing space, particularly excelling at advising public venues and attractions on public entertainment licenses, gambling and track betting licenses, and complex premises licenses. The firm acts for an enviable roster of on-sale and off-sale clients, and also assists with short-term letting mandates. Group head Stephen McGowan is a highly praised liquor licensing adviser, and Caroline Loudon is widely lauded by clients for her expertise and ‘can-do’ attitude, with ’very impressive knowledge of the Edinburgh market, trends and likely response from the licensing boards’. Lynn Simpson is a go-to in the practice for short-term let issues. Niall Hassard left the firm in October 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘TLT have been our "go to" practice at all times. They have a wide knowledge of our sector, and are able to provide us with the full up to date advice where we need it.'

  • ‘We have worked with Caroline Loudon for many years now, and consider her as a very good friend, as well as work colleague. Her must-do attitude is absolutely infectious, and she is an absolute asset to the TLT brand and company.'

  • ‘We outsource our licensing work to TLT who we consider to be the market leaders in licensing advice in Scotland. Their knowledge of licensing law, coupled with the experience of working with all the licensing boards in Scotland, makes their input invaluable. And every person I've spoken to at TLT in the licensing team has been extremely knowledgeable and helpful, with an obvious real interest in the area.’

  • ‘Caroline Loudon is our go-to person, very easy to deal with, clear and quick advice and a real expert in the licensing field. She really understands the client's needs, and has a very impressive knowledge of (in particular) the Edinburgh market, trends and likely response from the licensing board.'

  • ‘The team are very friendly and proactive.'

  • ‘Totally unique above and beyond service, innovative service with attention to smallest details and always on hand.'

  • ‘Caroline Louden makes room every day in her busy schedule to attend to every query with a most pleasant can-do attitude.’

Key clients

  • Aldi Stores Limited
  • Sainsbury’s
  • Celtic FC
  • Ian Macleod Distillers
  • Flight Club
  • Chris Stewart Group
  • Signature Group
  • Greene King
  • Rangers FC
  • National Trust for Scotland

Lawyers

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.

Stephen McGowan

Other key lawyers

Caroline Loudon, Lynn Simpson