Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and advises on all areas of alcohol and civic licensing, in particular relating to the provision of alcohol and entertainment in pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Michael also advises on gambling issues ranging from obtain premises and operating licences to dealing with compliance issues. He regularly appears at licensing boards and committees around Scotland dealing with a range of licensing hearings from grant applications to premises licence reviews.

Michael also contributes to national journals on matters affecting the licensed trade and has been invited to speak at conferences and seminars.

Recent experience

• Advising on and obtaining licensing permissions to authorise the sale of alcohol and entertainment at a football fanzone. One of the first in the country and involving extensive negotiations between police and council officials.
• Obtaining an operating licence from the Gambling Commission to allow a company interest company to operate a lottery - one of the first company interest companies to hold such a licence. There was significant time pressure owing to the client’s contractual obligations.
• Appearing at a review of a premises licence brought by licensing standards officers owing to significant noise complaints. The review requested a significant reduction to the terminal hour for music. Michael persuaded the licensing board to take no action to allow for sound proofing works to be carried out.  This allowed the client to trade unrestricted during the busy festive period.