Most of you who have been in the pub game in Queensland would have heard of Brisbane based lawyers, Mullins, or certainly Managing Partner, Curt Schatz.

For almost 40 years, Mullins has been acting for pubs, hotels, accommodation and resorts of all sizes, advising on legal issues ranging from acquisitions and divestments of assets, management agreements, licensing issues, new hotel developments, compliance and dispute resolution. It’s safe to say that in the liquor and gaming lawyer space, they are hard to beat.

The three partners primarily responsible for this reputation are Curt Schatz, Matthew Bradford and Louise Wallace. We asked each of them what they enjoyed about working across these industries, and what tips they had for people looking to buy or sell assets in these industries.

Mullins are Liquor and Gaming Experts, an all in one service for pubs and restaurants - click here to learn more 

Curt Schatz

“The people. Having worked across these industries for so many years, I have developed very personal connections with my network and many of them are close friends. They are really what make this work so enjoyable for me.

Mullins Managing Partner, Curt Schatz

I think anyone looking to purchase an asset in this space should consider using an industry expert due to the specific complexities around transacting businesses which include liquor and gaming licences.”

Matt Bradford

“I enjoy working on high profile acquisition / sale transactions. These transactions are highly sophisticated and can be very challenging, but it’s exciting being part of something that will change a local market or bring a new dynamic to the industry.

Mullins Partner, Matthew Bradford

My tip would be for sellers to have their house in order before going to market – make sure you tidy up loose ends and consider issues that you would want resolved or clarified if you were a buyer.  Being ready as a seller helps make a deal happen much more cleanly and quickly, which benefits all parties.”

Louise Wallace

“Perhaps good champagne?! Apart from that, I also enjoy the technical aspects of working on acquisitions, sales, and leasing of hotels, particularly negotiation of agreements for lease and leases for ‘greenfield’ hotel sites. It’s a very satisfying constructive area of the law to work in”.

My tip is, when purchasing or selling, work with your Broker to complete a Heads of Agreement before instructing your lawyers. This is such a simple step but getting the details right at the start of a matter can save miscommunication or double handling down the line.”

Mullins Partner, Louise Wallace

The trio are supported by an established Property team including five Partners and seven Lawyers. The Mullins team continues to grow, with new Property Partner, Dan Hourigan, joining them in July, increasing the firm’s scale and capacity. Beyond the hospitality industry, the firm’s 12 other Partners provide broader Corporate legal services to businesses on a national scale.

Most recently, the team worked on the purchase of Ibis Styles Brisbane, sale of QT Port Douglas and the acquisition and re-positioning of Rydges Mackay Suites. They are not strangers to big transactions, with Curt stating:

“We act for some pretty big hitters in this space. Key clients of ours include ALH Group, Event Hospitality & Entertainment Ltd, Redcape Hotels Ltd, Hotel Property Investments Ltd and various private hotel investment groups.”

Mullins are proven leaders in Hospitality Law - click here to view their Hotels, Accomodation and Resorts web page

On the topic of ALH / Woolworths and the supermarket’s exit from gaming sales in pubs, Curt had to say:

“Both Coles and Woolworths were motivated to buy pubs in Queensland as it would present the opportunity to sell packaged liquor to the public, for off premises consumption. Historically, Queensland’s liquor laws have required pub ownership to do this, however, restructuring in both these camps is occurring (or has occurred) and, whilst this main commercial activity is preserved, these supermarket giants will be largely removed from any involvement in the gambling components of pub businesses. This evolution will see them return to their original DNA, and will take them out of the gaming sector.”

As well as advising clients, Mullins advises and works closely with peak industry bodies including the Queensland Hotels Association and the Accommodation Association of Australia to deliver value to members. They also have strong relationships with the Office of Liquor & Gaming, and have filed more liquor and gaming applications than any other law firm in Queensland.

When asked about Mullins’ point of difference, Curt said:

“We find brokers usually like working with us because we know our stuff, work collaboratively with them and help them get the deal done. And, clients usually like us because we give them the best outcome possible, teamed with industry specific insights that extend far beyond legal expertise. Our firm has a “catch phrase” if you like, called “more than law” and we certainly try to deliver on that.”

If you have any legal queries or wish to seek further advice in the Pubs, Accomodation or Resort sector, phone or email Mullins Managing Partner Curt Schatz via the contact details below. 

This is a sponsored article from Mullins Lawyers - Find out more about Mullins on their website