Stephen Walsh KC specialises in corporate and public safety risk management. His expertise spans health and safety, fire safety, licensing, sports arena safety and safeguarding, with specialist knowledge and extensive experience across the hospitality, sport, gambling, built environment and construction sectors. He also has extensive experience in the conduct of inquests and public inquiries which touch upon public safety and general regulatory conformity.
He has been recommended in the legal directories as a leading practitioner in each of these fields of practice for many years, including a “Star” ranking in licensing law.
His practice centres on helping directors, board members, and organisations to manage regulatory and criminal risk before it becomes a crisis. That advice is grounded in deep courtroom experience. He has prosecuted and defended in criminal proceedings, appears in licensing enforcement and application cases, and in inquests, public inquiries, and judicial review proceedings. Over the years, his clients have included:
Stephen’s practice encompasses a range of regulatory legislation, particularly health and safety, fire safety, environmental protection and the safety of sports stadia. He prosecutes and defends in a broad range of cases, advises regulatory authorities generally on matters of enforcement, and provides guidance to corporate and individual clients on compliance.
Stephen has appeared for both the prosecution and defence in a number of health and safety cases arising from accidents resulting in serious injury and death with particular specialisms in the leisure, sports and construction sectors and in fire cases. He advises and represents the London Fire Commissioner on enforcement issues and is regularly consulted by leisure and construction companies in connection with enforcement proceedings arising from serious accidents in the work place. He has also been called upon by sports governing bodies such as The FA to provide advice and guidance on regulatory compliance.
Stephen has broad experience of inquests and public inquiries arising from major incidents including the Hillsborough Inquests (Stadium Safety Phase), the Lakanal tower block fire in south London and the latter stages of the inquest into the 7/7 terrorist bombings (in which he advised the London Fire Brigade). He represented the London Fire Commissioner as lead counsel in both phases of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Stephen’s licensing practice is comprehensive. He deals with all forms of licensable activities and is the first port of call for advice and representation by a number of the most prominent operators of bars, night clubs, restaurants and casinos in the UK, while his advice on compliance with licensing law is also sought from manufacturers and suppliers to the licensed trade. Stephen also advises and represents a number of local licensing authorities.
In the field of gambling Stephen has represented most of the notable providers of terrestrial betting and casino facilities in the UK for many years and regularly provides advice on the provision of both terrestrial and remote (internet) gambling products to financial traders and the media.
He has also appeared in several judicial review cases which impact on licensing law for many years.
Office of Nuclear Regulation v Bylor Joint Venture – 2026 (trials in 2027/8)
Representing a multinational corporate joint venture construction entity in connection with the prosecution of health and safety offences brought by the Office of Nuclear Regulation concerning the death and injury of two construction workers at Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor site.
Grenfell Tower Fire
Advising the London Fire Commissioner concerning the ongoing investigation by the metropolitan police into the circumstances surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire.
The FA (2026)
Advising The FA on risk management of a range of health and safety duties including the safety of sports stadia, events at Wembley Stadium and the wider football pyramid.
RFU (2022)
Advising the RFU as the sports governing body for rugby union on the regulatory requirements and licensing/certification of dedicated sports grounds
HSE v Explore Manufacturing – 2016/17
Prosecution of a manufacturer of construction materials concerning the death of a factory worker
Heathrow Terminal Two – Fatal Accident – 2016
Representing a company charged with health and safety offences in connection with a fatal accident in the final phase of refurbishment works for Terminal Two
LFEPA v London Borough of Southwark 2016/17
Prosecuting local authority owner of residential tower block for fire safety breaches
HSE v LO 2015
Defending a principal contractor in connection with an accident on a major sewage works project.
London Borough of Enfield v Thames Water Utilities 2015
Defending a utility company in a prosecution alleging persistent defective excavations and remedial works
City of Westminster v Stonegate Pub Company 2014
Defending a national leisure company in connection with an accident involving an infant in a fall into a restaurant stairwell.
General Dental Council v Jamous [2013 EWHC 1428 (Admin)
Representing the respondent in a judicial review concerning the correct approach to private prosecutions by the GDC in “tooth whitening” cases by unlicensed practitioners
London Olympics 2012
Advising the Olympic Delivery Authority on regulatory compliance for the Olympic Village
Gambling Commission v Mann Singh, Panchal 2012
Defending three former directors of a company in administration charged with operating a chain of unlicensed gambling premises
R v New Look Retailers Plc [2010] EWCA Crim 1268
Court of Appeal upheld £450,000 fine for breach of fire safety regulations in a flagship Oxford Street store. Representing the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
R v Precis Holdings Limited
Defending in a prosecution of occupier of premises in which a security guard died from carbon monoxide poisoning
R v McDaid
Defending in a prosecution for health and safety offences arising from a gas explosion in a secure community in which an elderly couple lost their lives
HSE v Restaurant Group plc
Defending in Health and Safety prosecution following accident involving deep fat fryer causing serious injuries
HSE v JD Wetherspoon plc
Defending in Health and Safety prosecution following accident at work resulting in injuries sustained from a collapsed ceiling
Environment Agency v Von Essen Hotels
Defending in a prosecution concerning the discharge of toxic waste from a sewage plant
Inquest concerning the death of a professional footballer – 2026
Representing The FA
Grenfell Tower Inquiry – 2017/2024
Representing and advising the London Fire Commissioner in Phases 1 and 2 of the public inquiry into the catastrophic fire at Grenfell Tower
Inquest concerning the death of Huseyn Yaman (2020)
Representing Aspers Casino in the inquest into the death of a customer who had sustained financial losses while gambling at the East London casino.
HSE v Explore Manufacturing – 2016/17
Inquest and subsequent prosecution of a manufacturer of construction materials concerning the death of a factory worker
Hillsborough Inquests 2014/15
Representing The FA in the Stadium Safety phase of the inquests
Lakanal House Fire – 2013
Representing the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) at the three month inquest into fatalities following a fire in a London residential tower block
7/7 Inquests – 2011
Advising the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) in the latter stages of the inquest into the terrorist bombings in London
Leconfield House (2026)
Representing the owner of a large office block in Mayfair which was the former MI5 HQ, in an application for a premises licence concerning a major redevelopment of office space with ancillary provision of hospitality facilities.
Trocadero Casino (2025)
Represented an international casino operator in an application for a large new casino in the Trocadero Centre in London.
Wembley Stadium (2025)
Advised The FA in connection with large, licensed events at Wembley National Stadium
Maison Estelle Notting Hill (2025)
Advising and representing a leading hotelier and operator of private members clubs on an application for a new private members club in Notting Hill
Kensington Roof Gardens (2024/5)
Represented the iconic Kensington Roof Gardens in an application to license a remodelled private club to replace former defunct operation.
Walksafe Security Services Ltd v London Borough of Lewisham [2024] EWHC 1787 (Admin)
Represented a London local authority in a judicial review opposing a challenge to the lawfulness of remote licensing hearings with national impact on licensing authority procedures.
Art’Otel Hoxton (2024)
Representing an international hospitality and real estate company in an application for a new five star rotunda hotel in Hoxton, London
Commercial Incentive Games for Premier League (2023)
Advising the provider of commercial incentive games aimed at Premier League clubs on compliance with gambling laws.
02 Brixton Academy (2022/3)
Representing the O2 Brixton Academy in summary review hearings following the fatal crushing incident in December 2022
Caprice Group George Club (2022)
Represented Caprice Group in an application for major refurbishment of the George Club in Mayfair
RFU (2022)
Advising the RFU as the sport’s governing body for rugby union on the licensing and certification of dedicated sports grounds
The Ivy Brasserie 2017
Advising and appearing on applications for new “Ivy” restaurants in the London area
R (Qin) v Metropolitan Police [2017] EWHC 2750 (Admin)
Representing the Metropolitan Police in two applications for judicial review and an appeal by case stated concerning the test for awards of compensation to owners of premises affected by closure notices and the effect of non-compliance with requirements to inform interested parties of the issue of closure notices
The London Stadium 2016
Representing the London Stadium (formerly the Olympic Stadium) in an application for a premises licence following the Olympics for use as a premier league football and events stadium for West Ham United.
Southampton Large casino Competition 2015
Representing a corporate applicant in the last major new casino project under the Gambling Act 2005
Damian Hirst Gallery 2015
Representing Mr Hirst in his application to licence a substantial new private gallery in South London
JD Wetherspoon plc v Newcastle City Council 2015
Representing the appellant company on an appeal against the refusal of the Licensing Authority to vary licences to avoid payment of the Late Night Levy
Aspers Casinos 2014
Representing Aspers in two reviews brought by the Metropolitan Police of the largest casino in the country.
Blackpool EMRO 2014
Representing Stonegate at the widely publicised hearing to determine the question whether Blackpool Council should adopt an Early Morning Restriction Order impacting on all licensed premises in the centre of Blackpool
R (on the application of Mawusi) v Cambridge City Council, Cambridge Constabulary, Cambridge Business Against Crime 2013
Representing a private business association in a judicial review (permission stage) concerning the rights of businesses to regulate the behaviour of individuals on their premises and the data protection issues which arise
London Borough of Newham v Paddy Power Bookmakers 2013
Representing the Association of British Bookmakers in a judicial review concerning the correct application of the Gambling Commission’s policy on the “primary gambling activity”
Hong Kong Municipal Appeals Board (Escape from Fenwich) 2013
Advising and drafting written submissions to the Hong Kong Municipal Appeals Board on behalf of the licensee of a large night club in the centre of Hong Kong
Olympic Concerts in Hyde Park 2012
Representing the Royal Parks in the contested application to permit the use of Hyde Park for a series of major concerts in the year of the London Olympics
R (Clockfair Ltd) v Sandwell Borough Council [2012] EWHC 1857 (Admin)
Representing interested party in a judicial review concerning the power of licensing authorities to correct historical errors in decision making through the licensing review procedure
Gambling Commission v Mann Singh, Panchal 2012
Defending three former directors of a company in administration charged with operating a chain of unlicensed gambling premises
R (on the application of Prassanan) v West London Magistrates Court (2010) High Court (Admin) (unreported)
Administrative Court ruling on the powers of appellate tribunals to award costs in licensing cases
R (on the application of Boyle) v Haverhill PubWatch [2009] EWHC 2441
Administrative Court ruling concerning the extent to which the actions of private societies of publicans may be susceptible to judicial review
R (on the application of Proud) v Buckingham Pubwatch Scheme [2008] EWHC 2224 (Admin)
Decisions of unincorporated private bodies with links to public authorities may be subject to judicial review
R (on the application of TC Projects Limited) v Newcastle Licensing Justices [2008] EWHC Civ 428; 2008 WL 1867185
Representing three of the largest casino operators in the UK. Landmark case under the Gaming Act 1968 concerning the exercise of discretion by licensing authorities and appellate court
Luminar Leisure v Wakefield Magistrates Court [2008] EWHC 1002 (Admin)
A claim by way of Case Stated concerning the exercise of a district judge’s discretion in “cumulative impact” policy licensing cases
R (on the application of 4Wins Leisure Ltd) v Blackpool D Council [2007] EWHC 2213 (Admin)
Judicial review concerning the extent to which local authorities have a discretion to allow representations to licensing applications from local businesses or residents on the grounds that they operate or live in the vicinity of subject premises
R (on the application of Gala Casinos Ltd) v Beacon Casino and the Northampton Betting and Gaming Justices
[2007] EWHC 2185 (Admin)
Representing an interested party in a judicial review of a decision of a licensing authority concerning the exercise of discretion under the Gaming Act 1968.
R (on the application of JD Wetherspoon plc) v Guildford Borough Council (2006) EWHC 215 (Admin)
First judicial review concerning the implementation of “cumulative impact” polices by licensing authorities
R (on the application of Borwork) v London Borough of Newham [2005] EWHC 3450 (Admin)
Acting for licensing authority in a judicial review concerning the extent to which a premises licence may have “lapsed” by reason of insolvency during the transitional period under the Licensing Act 2003.
Eddie Holland
Senior Clerk
Health and Safety
“He is a go-to KC for this area of work. He has a really good way with clients and provides clear and concise advice on complex and interrelated issues.” (Chambers UK 2026)
“Stephen is at the top of his game, his judgement is second-to-none, and he provides strategic legal advice to clients in crisis situations.” (Legal 500 2024)
“Stephen Walsh is an exceptional advocate and diligent silk. He has great insight and takes care on strategic issues.” (Chamber UK 2025)
“A much respected senior practitioner. Stephen is calm, sensible, intelligent and a highly effective lawyer.” (Legal 500 2025)
“A strong and measured advocate, who is excellent on strategy and provides cogent advice.” (Legal 500)
“A go-to individual for health and safety, who is a great advocate and good on the law.” (Chambers UK)
“Able to handle complex technical cases with consummate ease.” (Legal 500)
“He proved to be a most effective colleague, understated but very clever and a shrewd tactician.” (Chambers UK)
Licensing
“He is charming, responsive, client- and magistrate-friendly, and a skilled advocate with enormous expertise in the most difficult matters.” (Chambers UK 2025)
“Stephen is a star of the licensing Bar and a joy to work with” (Legal 500 2025)
“He is our go-to person for difficult licensing issues. He is charming, responsive, client- and magistrate-friendly, and a skilled advocate with enormous expertise in the most difficult matters.” (Chambers UK 2025)
“He has the ability to sift through complicated issues and offer first-class advice, never losing sight of the practical aspects which are so important to our clients. His court presentations are faultless and extremely successful.” (Chambers UK)
“He understands the industry from the operator’s point of view; he has a commercial head on his shoulders. He is very conscientious and puts the client first.” (Chambers UK)
“He has a down-to-earth manner, is highly intelligent and is pragmatic. He is a persuasive advocate with a charming manner, who is very good with clients.” (Chambers UK)
Inquests & Inquiries
“Stephen has an extraordinary gift in advocacy.” (Chambers UK 2025)
“He has tremendous judgement and a sureness of touch which he brings to bear in the most sensitive of cases. An extremely impressive practitioner.” (Legal 500 2024)
“A reassuring presence.” (Legal 500)
I, Stephen Walsh KC, am a data controller and can be contacted at 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH or by telephone on 020 7400 6400 or by email at clerks@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found here.
All personal data that I process is for the purposes of providing legal services, conducting conflict-checks, marketing, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, and/or exercising a right to a lien. The types of data that I process vary upon the nature of the legal matter in relation to which I am engaged to advise, but can include names, contact details, biographic details and ‘special category personal data’ (such as details of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life and criminal convictions and proceedings).
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the legal bases upon which I process personal data are (i) the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract, (ii) the processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations to which I am subject, or (iii) the processing is necessary for the legitimate interests set out above, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child. When I rely on (iii) legitimate interests, my ‘Legitimate Interests Assessment’ can be found here. When I process data which has not be obtained directly from the data subject (e.g. personal data contained in evidential materials), it will have been supplied to me as part of my instructions in circumstances covered by legal professional privilege.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:
I retain personal data for no longer than seven years after the case has come to an end or as otherwise required by law.
I do not intend to transfer data to any country which is not either within the European Union, ‘white listed’ by the EU or otherwise permitted by EU law (e.g. to the USA under the provisions of the ‘Privacy Shield’).
Under the UK GDPR, data subjects whose personal data I process have the right to request from me access to, and rectification or erasure of, their personal data, the right to the restriction of processing concerning them, the right to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Data subjects also have the right to lodge a complaint. Three Raymond Buildings has a data protection complaints procedure which applies to chambers and its barristers. You can find a copy of our procedure here.
In cases where there is a contract between me and the data subject, the provision of personal data is a contractual requirement and the data subject is obliged to provide the personal data in order that I can supply legal services. A failure to provide such data may mean that I will not be able to provide the legal services.
Rev 2.2 – 09.07.2026
Stephen Walsh KC is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.
For further information please contact our Clerks.
| Address | 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH |
|---|---|
| DX | 237 LDE |
| Opening hours | 08:30 – 18:30 |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7400 6400 |
|---|---|
| clerks@3rblaw.com | |
| Senior clerk | Stephen Walsh KC |
