Department profile
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Licensing

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland


Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

We combine sector knowledge and legal expertise to achieve successful outcomes for a wide range of licensed organisations across Scotland.

We advise clients in the hospitality, retail, education, transport and leisure sectors, among others. They include sports clubs, sole trader businesses, hotels, convenience stores, petrol stations, individuals and community organisations.

We advise on everything from licence applications to health and safety to civil appeals. For every client, we work with the relevant licensing board, applying both our legal expertise and our understanding of the sector to achieve a successful outcome. We are particularly strong in contentious matters: hearings for new applications, major and minor variation hearings, review hearings, personal licence hearings, appeals to the Sheriff Court and judicial reviews.

Our expertise includes:

  • Applications for premises (liquor) licences
  • All licences required to operate a taxi or private car hire business
  • Public entertainment licences, short-term lets licences and HMOs
  • Variations to licences
  • Transfers of licenses
  • Licensing board hearings, committee hearings and review hearings
  • Personal licence applications, including representation before the licensing board if required
  • Civil appeals when a licence is refused, suspended, or revoked
  • Judicial reviews
  • Criminal prosecutions arising from legislative offences
  • Health and safety advice

Industries (3)

  • Hospitality & Leisure
  • Sport
  • Retail & Consumer

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Licensing - Scotland

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Shepherd and Wedderburn is well regarded for its licensing work on behalf of large supermarket chains, taxi companies and petrol station clients. It demonstrates expertise in alcohol and premises licensing matters. The department also represents clients at contentious hearings and is skilled in handling the licensing aspects of corporate transactions.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Shepherd and Wedderburn advised Uber on taxi licensing queries, which included appearing at a hearing before the Edinburgh Licensing Committee.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I am always happy with their responsiveness. Any questions I have regarding the case are always answered, either by an email or phone call.

    Licensing respondentUK
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn has a focused team who are specialists within their field and who actively listen and provide detailed solutions.

    Licensing respondentUK
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn consistently stay one step ahead, providing accurate information and advice in a way that is easy to understand and implement.

    Licensing respondentUK
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn offers very swift response times and detailed support.

    Licensing respondentUK
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn are really good at listening and guiding. They are so kind to me.

    Licensing respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Kevin Clancy
    Band 2Kevin Clancy

    Kevin Clancy

    Kevin Clancy is particularly noted for his expertise in contentious licensing matters. He acts for a wide range of clients, including petrol stations and those in the restaurant, hotel and taxi industries.

    • Kevin is fantastic at disputing my case to achieve a successful outcome. I am very happy with the service.

      Licensing respondentUK
    • Kevin Clancy consistently demonstrates the highest level of professionalism. His expertise, attention to detail and proactive approach have made him an invaluable asset to our team.

      Licensing respondentUK
    • Kevin Clancy provides an excellent service and is really confident on the subject.

      Licensing respondentUK
    • Kevin Clancy is a very prominent and clever guy.

      Licensing respondentUK
    • Kevin Clancy represents us for applications and is very knowledgeable.

      Licensing respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP (1)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership