Malcolm Ireland

Partner

Licensing

t: 01200 401131 m: 07436 219979 e: malcolm.ireland@harrison-drury.com

Malcolm heads Harrison Drury’s licensing team as well as leading the team of specialists supporting clients in the leisure and hospitality sector across a range of legal disciplines. He is a nationally recognised leader in licensing law with many years of experience in dealing with issues revolving around the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment including transfers, new licence applications, variations, the defence of review applications, appeals and judicial reviews. He is known for his solutions-driven approach and his accomplished advocacy and has acted for a wide range of businesses, from individual bars through to regional breweries through to some of the largest pub companies in the United Kingdom.

In 2008, Malcolm dealt with a judicial review which resulted in the High Court delivering a judgement believed to be the first of its kind under the Licensing Act 2003, creating case law that still stands.

Having worked in hospitality prior to embarking on a career in law, and having specialised in leisure throughout his legal career, Malcolm has a deep understanding of how the sector operates which enables him to provide commercially focused, practical advice which takes account of client’s business objectives and trading conditions in the market. Malcolm spends a great deal of time getting to know his clients and their aspirations enabling him to deliver a tailored, effective service.

Malcolm is a passionate advocate for leisure businesses as well as a personal licence holder, a member ofthe BII and CAMRA, and he also holds the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing. Malcolm is a regular key speaker at industry events.

Outside of work you can find me…

Outside of work, Malcolm enjoys spending time with his young family, and being out on the hills with his dogs. He has a passion for good food and good beer and can often be found indulging in both, so a commitment to sports and fitness is also needed to maintain a balance!

Awards and Rankings

I consider Malcolm Ireland to be the best in his field.

We have worked with him for many years on anything licensing related. His attention to detail, commitment to providing the best advice, and his excitation of cases is second-to-none. He has helped us with very complex licensing cases with great success.

Malcolm’s the best there is – simple as that.

Carlo Graziani, The Parlous

We consider Malcolm to be the leader in his field.

Warren Bennett, James’ Places Group

Malcolm has been our trusted legal advisor for licensing and hospitality related matters for many years. His outcome-focused advice has been invaluable to the group and we consider him to be the leader in his field. Malcolm is not only vastly experienced in the sector but also ensures he knows how your business ticks in a highly professional but also personable way.

Malcolm is always a pleasure to work with and my go to person

Rebecca Farley, Admiral Taverns

Malcolm is always a pleasure to work with and my go to person to make sense of the predicaments we all face in the Licensing industry. I am always grateful for the quick turn around on the advice needed and am confident that he will always take the necessary steps to understand a situation in full. He is down to earth, professional, approachable and very well respected. Working with him is never a chore.

We would recommend Malcolm to anybody who has a licensing challenge on their hands.

Mike Hampson, Tiger Lounge

Harrison Drury assisted us with an application for a late licence at one of our sites – an application which attracted opposition from both residents and Responsible Authorities. Malcolm worked with us at the outset to devise a strategy for dealing with the matter and then executed that strategy with real skill to get us the outcome we wanted.

Malcom Ireland, of whom I have the highest regard, leads one of the best hospitality licensing teams. It is a go-to firm.

Legal 500

I’m very happy with their work and I would highly recommend them.

Craig Kennedy, Drop the Beat Festival

I have had the pleasure of working with Malcolm and his team on a couple of premises licences over the past few years. I’m very happy with their work and their approach and I would highly recommend them.

I would recommend Malcolm and Harrison Drury’s services to anybody who asks.

Simon Tauber, Stanley House Hotel & Spa

After the first phone call with Malcolm to discuss our Premises Licence I knew that Harrison Drury was the right company to advise the hotel on the best route to take. Malcolm used his vast knowledge and expertise in this area to ensure the hotel had every area covered in our application, he went above and beyond and I am grateful that I chose Harrison Drury to handle our application. Thank you Malcolm.

Malcolm Ireland is unparalleled locally for his licensing work. The work and engagement of his team is also exceptional.

Malcolm Ireland, Samantha Faud, and the rest of the team are exceptionally knowledgeable in this field.

My personal experience of Harrison Drury & Co relates to licensing matters under the Licensing Act 2003. What I can say with absolute certainty is that Malcolm Ireland, Samantha Faud, and the rest of the team are exceptionally knowledgeable in this field. I firmly feel that they are innovative and prepared, thorough, very conscious of attention to detail, and tireless in their effort for the customer.

A practical and sensible approach to hospitality and licensing cases.

Legal 500

Malcolm Ireland is always meticulous in his instructions and his preparation for cases. He is easy to talk with and great for discussing tactics. He takes a practical and sensible approach to hospitality and licensing cases. I also work with Samantha Faud, of whom I also have the highest regard.

Malcolm Ireland will always present the best case based on commercial risk which is very different and refreshing.

Legal 500

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.

Legal 500

Malcolm Ireland is personable, approachable, very well informed, and a skilled advocate.

Legal 500

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.

Malcolm Ireland and Samantha Faud have been very approachable and keen to work with us to resolve any issues or concerns.

Legal 500

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.

Malcolm Ireland and Samantha Faud have been very approachable and keen to work with us to resolve any issues or concerns.

Legal 500

Ranked by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500

Harrison Drury is ranked by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, two leading independent guides to the UK’s top legal firms and solicitors.

These guides highlight the solicitors who are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to clients and we are ranked across our range of practice areas and people.