Licensing
UK Guide 2025 : Northern Ireland
Band 3
About
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
The Licensing team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is led by Chairman and Director, Karen Blair. The team provides advice on all areas of liquor licensing, acting for a range of companies and individuals in the licensing industry including a national supermarket chain. The team also advises local government in respect of their licensing functions, including entertainment licensing and gaming/amusement permit licensing. The licensing team also advises private organisations and companies in relation to entertainment licensing and betting, gaming and bingo licensing.
In terms of cross-departmental work, the team provides support to other departments within the firm, including working closely with the insolvency department in order to advise administrators, insolvency practitioners, lenders and prospective purchasers in relation to licensing matters arising out of insolvency and administration situations; working with the real estate department on significant projects, acquisitions and transactions requiring specialist licensing and due diligence input; and working with the corporate and banking department where financial institutions are providing security over or refinancing licensed premises.
The team has significant experience in advising predominantly GB based operations seeking to become established or to grow and develop their Northern Ireland business.
Chambers Review
Cleaver Fulton Rankin's team is well versed in dealing with premises and liquor licensing issues, including contentious matters. The firm is regularly instructed by high-profile operators in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Karen Blair is a key contact for the department.
Work Highlights
- Cleaver Fulton Rankin advised the National Museums Northern Ireland
- in relation to the licensing of its exhibition facilities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A team that specialises in licensing is a rarity in Northern Ireland. The team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin has experience of advising in all areas of licensing and is a solid choice for those matters."
"We have confidence in the team's ability to quickly assess the situation and are confident in its advice and support. There is always someone at the firm whose specialism matches our requirements."
"A team that specialises in licensing is a rarity in Northern Ireland. The team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin has experience of advising in all areas of licensing and is a solid choice for those matters."
"We have confidence in the team's ability to quickly assess the situation and are confident in its advice and support. There is always someone at the firm whose specialism matches our requirements."
Members
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin