Richard is a Partner in the Regulatory Department and has specialised in licensing for almost fourteen years. He advises and represents clients in all aspects of the Licensing Act 2003. In addition, he is an experienced gaming lawyer.

He also has a well developed Regulatory practice, representing clients on many matters  including food hygeine, waste and food labelling prosecutions. He is the sole provider of representation and advice to Tesco employees when they are prosecuted as individuals.

Prior to joining Watson Burton, Richard was a Partner and Head of Licensing as Mincoff Jacksons ( formerly Mincoffs ). He was also formerly Head of Licensing at Dickinson Dees and Deputy Force Solicitor at Northumbria Police.

Richard acts for pub companies, club operators, hoteliers and restaurant businesses, together with food retailers and off-licences. He acts for the majority of reasonably sized pubco.s based in the region, as well as many independents and national companies in respect of their local premises. He also acts for a major supermarket chain and has acted for several police forces around the UK.

Richard is a member of the British institute of Innkeepers ( formerly a Regional Director) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers ).

Both the Legal 500 and Chambers acknowledge Richard as a national figure in his field.