Matthew Foster

Background

About Matthew Foster

I am based in Newcastle, and grew up in Middlesbrough, and have spent most of my working life in the North East. Away from work, in whatever spare time I have these days (kids allowing), I still try and pursue my interest in rugby. In my early career I developed a keen interest in licensing, which was later broadened into gambling during the conversion to the Gambling Act 2005. I have throughout my career dealt with all types of alcohol and entertainment related licensing, and have more recently been involved in some very interesting online gambling instructions. In my working life I am a solicitor who specialises in licensing and gaming. My licensing work has included dealing with everything from cafe's, pubs, bars, clubs and hotels. I have many regional clients and carry out instructions across the country, including working as agent for other law firms who do not have a licensing specialist. Our services include everything from training and due diligence advice to applications, contested hearings and appeals. We also have a great deal of success in resolving reviews of premises licences, in the majority of cases by mediation. In terms of gambling, I am well recognised for my experience in dealing with land based operators having advised many multiple operators on their group premises, and I represent a number of large multi-use seaside amusement arcades. Just recently, by way of example, we secured a bingo licence, with ancillary remote bingo, for a new linked national game. We have also dealt with contested applications for adult gaming centres, betting and casino. In the past five years I have gained significant experience in dealing with remote applications and issues, including bingo, betting, linked licences, prize draws, small society lotteries and ELM's. This work has dovetailed into the instructions our Commercial Department carries out within this sector, particularly following the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act.