Poppleston Allen‘s practice attracts a diverse clientele including such well-known names as Ottolenghi and Domino’s Pizza. The team advises pubs, bars, and nightclubs on the licensing aspects of acquisitions, and license variations and applications. Graeme Cushion helms the practice, balancing his time between securing new premises’ licenses and handling licensing-related criminal cases. James Anderson‘s caseload regularly features the licensing aspects of development work and presenting applications for major refurbishments, and Lisa Sharkey‘s experience has positioned her as an active advisor on complex, high-value licensing matters. Jonathan Smith
Licensing in East Midlands
Poppleston Allen
Practice head(s):
Graeme Cushion
Other key lawyers:
James Anderson; Lisa Sharkey; Jonathan Smith; Suraj Desor; Joe Harvey
Testimonials
‘Joe Harvey’s advice has been invaluable, and he has consistently guided us with his expertise. What sets Joe apart is his unwavering commitment to a timely and efficient process. He understands the urgency that often accompanies these matters and consistently delivers on time.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable and consistently give us full confidence with our late-night trading.’
‘Poppleston Allen are without doubt the very best in the business; their in-depth knowledge not just of the law but local knowledge, local planning teams, residents and more allows them to deliver a very relevant and local solution for a national business.’
‘Poppleston Allen is truly unique because of its deep understanding of our properties and its ability to craft strategic, value-driven licensing solutions tailored to our specific needs. As we are looking to expand our brand’s reach, help negotiate complex agreements, and protect our property, the team has the knowledge and experience to help us achieve our goals.’
‘They are not just a service provider, they act as a trusted advisor, always focused on long-term client success.’
‘Suraj Desor is very personable, helpful and responsive.’
‘Excellent execution and service from start to finish. All licensing concerns are expertly covered.’
‘Graeme Cushion is very knowledgeable, and when he doesn’t know the answer comes back with one after a bit of research.’
Key clients
Pig Hotels
The Sloane Club
Rudy’s Pizza
Ottolenghi
Des Gunewardena
Time Out Markets
Butcombe Brewery
Domino’s Pizza
Mitchells and Butlers
Stonegate Pub Company
ITSU
Fullers
PizzaExpress
Five Guys
Azzurri Group
Park Resorts
Vue Cinemas
Burger King
Sixes Cricket
Bourne Leisure
Youngs
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Boparan Restaurant Group
Sticks n Sushi
Work highlights
- Obtained a new premises licence, at a hearing, for Iko Projects’ innovative 300-capacity bar/restaurant/event space atop an NCP Car Park in Chester.
- Licensing due diligence and reporting on 160 Premises Licences and 40 Pavement Licences for Epiris LLP’s purchase of entire Amber Taverns estate.
- Appearing as an advocate for Sonny’s Bar, persuaded the licensing committee to only temporarily suspend the Premises Licence for 21 days despite the police seeking a revocation.
Flint Bishop
Flint Bishop offers its clients a comprehensive range of alcohol and entertainment licensing advice, with a core area of work coming from large tenanted or managed estates, such as the National Trust. Andrew Cochrane
Practice head(s):
Andrew Cochrane
Other key lawyers:
George Domleo; Karen Cochrane
Testimonials
‘The team are excellent – they communicate well and have a strong grasp of our needs.’
‘Andrew Cochrane is exceptional to deal with.’
Key clients
Star Pubs & Bars Limited (Heineken UK) Limited
National Trust for England and Wales
Chilled Pub Company
Q Hotels
Youth Hostel Association for England and Wales
Axiom Hospitality Limited
Macdonald Hotels Limited
Kew Green Hotels Limited
Safestay Hostel
E. Hart & Co
Omenport Developments Ltd
Work highlights
- Assisting the National Trust with all aspects of licensing including applying for major and minor variations and new premises licences.
- Assisting Star Pubs & Bars Ltd (the leased and tenanted pub division of Heineken UK) with all aspects of licensing across England, Scotland and Wales.
- Assisting Q Hotels Collection with all aspects of licensing across their hotel estate in England and Scotland.
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP‘s licensing practice is well-prepared to handle a comprehensive range of regulatory services, including matters regarding application variation, new licensing applications and reviews. The team also has expertise extending to trading standards, food safety, and health and safety matters. Lisa Gilligan heads the practice and has experience assisting licensed and leisure industry clients, including individual independent operators and national chains, frequently acting before the licensing authorities and the Magistrates’ Court.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Gilligan
Testimonials
‘We have never experienced anything other than efficiency, helpfulness and transparency in our dealings with the team at Freeths.’
‘Lisa is a tremendously capable and experienced advocate and a fantastic communicator. She has also always been, without fail, highly professional, helpful, personable and approachable. We’ve been working with Lisa and her team for a significant number of years now and are pleased to be able to continue doing so.’
‘Always proactive regarding any issues.’
‘Lisa Gilligan has an exceptional customer focus and is willing to always go the extra mile.’
‘Always available and happy to advise on ad-hoc matters, whether they are large or small.’
‘Lisa Gilligan is our go-to adviser on all things premises licensing and regulatory.’
‘Lisa Gilligan, who has helped us for years, got a major win for us. We, as always, are incredibly happy with her abilities.’
‘Lisa Gilligan was hugely approachable, she did not assume I had any background knowledge and explained things simply.’
Key clients
Aldi Stores Limited
Cheshire Cat Pubs
NEC
Noisily Festival Limited
Charles Wells and Co
Various Eateries
Red Cat
Leyton Orient Football Club
Smart Group
Work highlights
- Advising Aldi on all licensing matters supporting an expansion programme and providing a full licensing administrative for an estate of over 1000 stores.
- We advise the NEC Group in relation to all licensing matters.
- Representing Noisily Festival Limited in relation to a Magistrates’ Court appeal following a license review hearing.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP's team is well-placed to advise an array of retail, hospitality and leisure sector clients, as well as clients in other regulated sectors including road transport and travel, on both contentious and non-contentious licensing matters. Kirsty Hughes frequently advises clients in the on-trade and off-trade sales sectors, including major pub chains and both national and independent licensed retailers, regarding new premises licenses, variations and reviews.
Practice head(s):
Kirsty Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Elaine Rayner
Testimonials
‘The team at Shoosmiths are exceptional. The quality and care they put into every case is second-to-none. Every angle is thought about, and they are an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Kirsty Hughes is a visionary solicitor, she is knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Elaine Rayner is a superstar. She manages complex licensing work with ease and is always pleasant and friendly.’
‘The team have great experience in working with large chains that have licensing issues on a local, regional and national level. They have a dedicated team to deal with our business needs.’
‘I have worked with Shoosmiths for almost 7 years now and have always found them efficient, timely, and trustworthy. I would gladly recommend Shoosmiths to anyone who wants advice.’
‘The team really get to know and learn about your business, and it’s great to have some human connection.’
‘Quick, efficient, and friendly service at all times.’