MFMac supports businesses across Scotland to navigate the full licensing landscape in a way that protects revenue, minimises operational risk and supports long‑term strategic plans.
Our licensing team acts in every local authority area and has deep, practical insight into how individual Licensing Boards and Licensing Committees approach policy, evidence, compliance and risk. That local understanding, combined with extensive national experience, allows us to anticipate issues early and resolve them before they become obstacles.
Whether the issue relates to alcohol, civic, entertainment, gambling or short‑term let licensing, we provide clear, commercially focused advice aligned to your business objectives.
Alcohol Licensing
Our licensing team advises on the full lifecycle of alcohol licences, from applications and transactions through to compliance and enforcement.
Our experience includes:
- Managing extensive licensing portfolios and advising on alcohol promotions for national supermarket operators
- Acting for national hotel chains on ongoing compliance and enforcement matters
- Advising drinks manufacturers on licensing issues tailored to their specific operational models
We advise on:
- New premises licences for all types of business, including retail, hospitality and tourist destinations
- Licence variations to support refurbishments, layout changes or changes in operating style
- Licence transfers arising from acquisitions, disposals and insolvency events
- Occasional licences and extended hours for one‑off events and special occasions
- Personal licences for premises managers and staff
- Tables and chairs permissions for outdoor drinking areas and beer gardens
- Compliance and enforcement, including licensing audits and representation at premises licence review hearings
Entertainment and Civic Licensing
Civic licensing regulates a broad range of activities, from public entertainment to street trading. As local authorities have discretion over which activities require licensing, understanding the relevant permissions is essential for operational continuity and commercial planning.
Our experience includes:
- Securing public entertainment licences for venues including concert spaces, bowling alleys and inflatable activity parks
- Supporting clients delivering large‑scale events such as whisky festivals and community fireworks displays
- Acting for restaurants, food vendors and retail operators on late hours catering licences
We advise on:
- Public entertainment licensing for venues, events, festivals, attractions and cultural spaces
- Late hours catering for businesses trading into the evening
- Street trading permissions for selling goods or services in public places
- Market operator licences for markets and multi‑vendor sites
- Indoor sports entertainment licences for venues hosting sporting events or displays for the public
- Civic regime licences, including Knife Dealers, Second Hand Dealers and Scrap Metal Dealers
Gambling Licensing
Gambling licensing is a highly regulated area requiring careful coordination between Gambling Commission requirements and local authority permissions. Ensuring the correct licences are in place and maintaining compliance with strict national standards is critical to commercial viability.
Our experience includes:
- Assisting new bingo operators through complex operating licence applications
- Securing premises licences and gaming permits for arcades and adult gaming centres
- Advising on variations to operating licences to support new activities and business growth
We advise on:
- Operating licence applications for new businesses and existing operators expanding their activities
- Premises licence applications for gaming centres, arcades, bingo operators and betting premises
- Gaming machine permits for hospitality and leisure venues
- Appeals against refusals or conditions that restrict commercial operation
Short‑Term Let Licensing
Short‑term let licensing is one of the most heavily scrutinised and fast‑changing licensing regimes in Scotland. Policy inconsistencies between local authorities, high refusal rates and strong political interest make this a high‑risk area for operators.
Our specialist licensing team manages the complexity on your behalf, making the process more predictable and commercially manageable.
Our experience includes:
- Acting for holiday let and Airbnb operators across Scotland
- Advising on licence applications for guest houses, chalet parks and glamping developments
- Representing operators at licensing committee hearings
- Working closely with planning consultants to deliver a coordinated and joined‑up service
We advise on:
- New licence applications for all categories of host, including tourism and hospitality businesses
- Home letting licences for owners letting their property while temporarily absent
- Home sharing licences for homeowners renting spare rooms in their own home
- Provisional licences for properties under construction, aligned with build and launch programmes
- Objections from neighbours, community councils and statutory consultees
- Hearings before Licensing Committees where applications are called for determination
