Malcolm Ireland

Legal Services Partner

Regulatory, Compliance & Licensing

t: 01200 401131 m: 07436 219979 e: [email protected]

Malcolm is part of Harrison Drury’s licensing team and heads up the firms Leisure sector team, leading a 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 of the 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

Malcolm Ireland provided us with invaluable guidance and support!

We recently worked with Harrison Drury, under the guidance of Malcolm, to consolidate three licences into one for easier operation of our different licensed areas. From the very start, Malcolm provided invaluable guidance during the early stages of the process, even before we formally instructed the firm. His thorough understanding of our sector and trading style was evident throughout, ensuring every aspect of the application was managed with care and precision. His strong working relationships with the relevant authorities were invaluable, making what could have been a complex process feel seamless. We are delighted with the outcome and would highly recommend Harrison Drury for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication.

Jon Russ, University of Central Lancashire Student’s Union

Malcolm Ireland’s delivery was excellent!

Malcolm Ireland’s delivery of our stance to the Chair and Committee was excellent and certainly made our case the strongest it could be.

David Hills, Seven Hills Taverns

The team, and Malcolm Ireland in particular, have an in-depth understanding of the leisure industry and also local government.

Legal 500

Malcolm Ireland and Samantha Faud both speak in plain English and do not tie you up with words and phrases that bamboozle.

Legal 500

Malcolm Ireland is the outstanding licensing solicitor in the country. He has an ease with clients, local authorities (including the police) and residents. I have no reservations in highlighting Samantha Faud as an outstanding licensing solicitor.

He has a keen knowledge of licensing law along with associated areas, he is able to see the wider legal and commercial context of a given case.

Legal 500

Malcom’s experience and knowledge of licensing is a comfort to our business and activity. He is great at communication and always available for a chat to help support our business.

Chambers and Partners

Malcom Ireland’s level of dedication to the cause is a refreshing change. He will always take the time to understand our company and values to ensure he promotes what matters to us as a business.

Chambers and Partners

You can send Malcolm an email and get an immediate response, which is helpful when we have strict time constraints. He has a good attention to detail and knowledge of that area of law.

Chambers and Partners

Malcolm Ireland is fabulous. No matter what the nature of the matter is, I can call him and he will get us advice straightaway; nothing is too much trouble for him.

Chambers and Partners

Malcom Ireland’s depth of knowledge and networking skills mean that we are completely confident in any advice that he gives.

Chambers and Partners

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.