Matthew Phipps

Matthew is a Trustee (and Companion) of the British Institute of Inn Keeping, legal officer for the Welsh region of the Institute of Licensing and former secretary to the All Party Welsh Assembly Food and Drink group.

Matthew is independently recognised as a "Star Individual" by Chambers UK and is recognised within the Legal 500's Hall of Fame. These legal directories comment; " The "fantastic" Matthew Phipps is widely acknowledged as one of the top licensing solicitors in the country, with one client hailing him as an "extremely knowledgeable yet down-to-earth person," while another adds: "His level of knowledge of licensing along with his knowledge of our business allows him to provide us the best advice." Clients also commented; "‘Matthew is contactable 24/7 and understands the commercial aspect like no other legal rep I have met. It's this understanding that makes him outstanding in his field". I would consider Matthew as a key member of my inner team and have worked extensively with him over the last four years".

The team act for substantial estates, pub companies, hotels, music festivals, restaurants, retailers, developers and other leisure operators, as well as local authorities. Matthew is a regular speaker at national licensing conferences and has presented at the annual national Institute of Licensing Conference, as well as numerous other events, to local authority officers and other key stakeholders, for many years.

Matthew has presented and defended many hundreds of applications before local licensing authorities and Magistrates Courts. With regulation and compliance a significant licensing issue, Matthew advises clients on the setting up of robust due diligence systems as well as advice following enforcement, review and prosecution.

Matthew and the team have provided all clients with significant update information on the fast changing Covid situation, covering regulations, guidance, tiering, enforcement etc.

Jurisdiction: England & Wales