Malcolm Ireland
Partner
LicensingMalcolm 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
Harrison Drury is ranked by leading independent guide to the UK’s top legal firms and solicitors, Legal 500.
The guide highlights 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.