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Richard specialises in licensing and regulatory law, and heads our licensing team.

He has a national reputation as a licensing specialist, representing pub companies, nightclub operators, convenience stores and supermarkets, hoteliers and restaurateurs, as well as Local Authorities and Police Forces on all aspects of the law relating to the sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment.

Richard represented and supported many national convenience store operators throughout the country. In particular, Richard and his team have been sole licensing lawyers to Co-operative Group Food for the past 14 years.

Richard regularly speaks on licensing topics to both the trade and the media.

He is a former Regional Director of the British Institute of Innkeepers and a member of the Association of Multiple Licensed Retailers. He has contributed to the Licensing Review, the legal section of The Morning Advertiser and to The Off Licence News.

Richard was a keynote speaker at the 2017 MA300 Event hosted by The Morning Advertiser Magazine.

Richard is a member of the Government’s Better Regulation Delivery Office Licensing Group. He also regularly attends IGD industry events and is in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame.

He has represented clients in a number of significant and nationally reported cases.

In addition, Richard has a significant regulatory practice and is a very experienced advocate appearing before Courts throughout the country. He represents and advises clients in all aspects of enforcement and compliance, including investigations and prosecutions. Clients include not only defendant companies and individuals but also enforcement agencies for whom he has prosecuted. In such circumstances, Richard advises on preparation of the prosecution, witness management, and drafting and lodging proceedings, as well as advocacy. He has prosecuted for the DTi  and SRA, as well as having formerly been the Deputy Force Solicitor at Northumbria Police.

Richard’s areas of expertise include fire safety, environmental, health and safety, food safety and labelling, agricultural prosecutions, firearms and Maritime Management investigations. He also advises and represents clients in general criminal matters.

What people say

  • I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for the excellent job you did for us yesterday . I have no doubt your input made a massive difference in the outcome off the case... I will highly recommend you to anyone who asks about a solicitor for any related prosecutions.

    Client Quote
  • Richard Arnot is well-regarded by market sources who describe him as 'a good advocate who is experienced within the industry.'

    Chambers & Partners
  • Richard Arnot is a licensing specialist noted for his ability to 'explain difficult legislation in sound, clear language'. Clients comment that he 'knows his stuff and stays up to date with changes'.

    Chambers & Partners
  • [Richard has an] intricate understanding of our organisation, astute and savvy approach and keenness to get a resolution that is fit for purpose.

    Client quote, Chambers & Partners
  • Richard has always gone that little extra for us. He genuinely wants to help and get the best result possible.

    Graeme Thompson
  • The highly regarded Richard Arnot has substantial experience representing clients before licensing committees and in contested licencing applications

    Legal 500
  • Richard is "knowledgeable, great to work with and respected throughout the industry.

    Chambers & Partners
  • [Richard Arnot] is completely professional, very approachable and most certainly proactive in support of my business and its premises licences. His proactive approach has most certainly prevented costly reviews by his being ahead of the game approach. His fees are realistic and considering his success rate are in fact a financial saving when considering the negative impact that licencing changes could have on my business. He is ahead of the game.

    Joe Smith, Pub Estates & Operations Director, Camerons Brewery Ltd

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