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Respected expert David Lucas has spent his professional life helping to shape how the UK’s licensed and gambling sectors operate. Ahead of his seminar at EAG Expo 2026, he discusses collaboration, compliance, and why building relationships with local authorities are pivotal.

Can you start by outlining your career path and where it all began?

I spent my entire career working in Nottingham in various industry sectors. In 1996 I moved to specialise in Licensing and Alcohol. The gambling sector was a natural addition or fit as the regimes were similar and it made sense to do both. Working in private practice I built a strong client base and undertook a considerable amount of work with the Police. The Licensing Act of 2003 was followed by the 2005 Gambling Act which shaped both sectors. I moved to the niche licensing practice Poppleston Allen which many in the industry will be aware of and subsequently set-up the licensing team at Fraser Brown. I served as a legal adviser to Licensing Authorities and have been involved with leading organisations including the Institute of Licensing where I currently serve as one of two Vice-Chairs on a national level.

You’re also a Director of Best Bar None. How would you describe the organisation’s core purpose and what does it take for a venue to be accredited?

Best Bar None is all about raising standards across the licensed trade. It brings operators and local authorities together to work collaboratively and recognise excellence in safe, responsible venues. The accreditation scheme helps customers identify pubs, bars, clubs, and other licensed businesses that are well managed and welcoming. It’s supported by the Home Office and enjoys strong backing from both the drinks and hospitality industries. Accreditation looks at four key areas: venue management, staff training and welfare, customer safety and wellbeing, and community engagement. Accreditation lasts a year, and the criteria is updated regularly to reflect current priorities — for example, the safety of women and girls has become a big focus in recent years. Every accredited venue gets a tailored report with feedback and practical recommendations. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about helping businesses continue to raise the bar and deliver great experiences for their customers.

Best Bar None works with big names like UKH, BII, BBPA, Greene King, Wetherspoons, and Stonegate. How much of that engagement touches on gambling?

Gaming machines provide a really important revenue stream for many pubs, and their role cannot be underestimated. When it comes to Best Bar None accreditation, the main focus around gambling is age verification — making sure staff are properly trained and that the approach is consistent across the venue. So, although gambling isn’t the central theme, it’s very much part of the conversation when we talk about responsible operations.

How important are Local Authorities to gaming operators?

They’re absolutely essential — without the authorisations that they administer, operators simply can’t trade. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to work collaboratively with local authorities at every stage: from applications and risk assessments to inspections. A constructive relationship built on mutual understanding can have a profound impact - it’s about partnership and understanding.

What will you be covering in your seminar session at EAG?

The session is a collaboration with the Institute of Licensing, it will be packed with practical insight and real-world experience. We’ve got three brilliant participants: Roz Sage, Compliance Admin Manager at Inspired, will talk about building effective relationships with local authorities; Phil Bates, who recently retired from Southampton City Council and also served with Hampshire Police, will share a candid perspective from the local authority side; and Simon Bradbury from Bacta will bring his experience supporting members on compliance and regulation. Between them, they’ll offer a complete 360-degree view on how operators can work with local authorities more progressively.

When it comes to gambling, how would you describe the outlook of Council Officers?

In my experience, council officers generally see gambling premises as one of the least problematic parts of the night-time economy. They don’t require the same level of resource as alcohol-licensed venues or taxis. The challenge comes when councillors pick up on speculative media stories about gambling harm and turn them into political campaigns. That’s where council officers have to stay professional and evidence-based, keeping a clear focus on facts rather than headlines.

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to about attending EAG Expo 2026 – what does the show deliver?

EAG is a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from every part of the industry. It’s a great place to catch up on current issues, share insights, and get a feel for the mood of the sector. For me, it’s also about continuous learning — understanding the challenges operators face and the innovations shaping the market. Events like EAG are invaluable. They’re not just networking opportunities; they’re knowledge hubs. If you’re serious about this industry, EAG is a must-attend.