Poppleston Allen > Nottingham, England > Firm Profile

Poppleston Allen
PRICE HOUSE, 37 STONEY STREET
THE LACE MARKET
NOTTINGHAM
NG1 1LS
England

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing

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 frequently advises on premises licenses and licensing variations, as well as the licensing aspects of complex M&A matters. Suraj Desor has experience representing clients in licensing reviews, whilst Joe Harvey combines criminal litigation experience with an extensive knowledge of licensing application work.

Practice head(s):

Graeme Cushion

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.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

Poppleston Allen, a large boutique licensing firm, is known for its skill in Cumulative Impact zones mandates, particularly in prestigious areas such as Westminster in which objections are common due to its ability to draw upon experience acting opposite the Environmental Health Authority, the police and the Licensing Authority. Practice head Lisa Inzani has a strong track record of assisting large national restaurant chains, but expertise within the wider group extends to alcohol-related licensing, which forms the vast majority of the wider practice. David Inzani is skilled at assisting independent companies and large chains, particularly in relation to high-value entertainment licensing work, an area in which the wider group is also engaged, while Felix Faulkner is also cited as key.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Inzani

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A go-to firm for licensing.’

‘Lisa Inzani is by far and away the best in the business in our opinion. No-one comes close!’

‘I have found the firm very professional and timely.’

‘The team provides a range of experience to assist with licensing matters and transactions are handled at the right level.’

‘Lisa Inzani is very commercial and protects her client’s interests. She is prompt in assisting us with licensing queries in property transactions.’

‘The firm has the highest national profile of any competitor in the field of licensing. As a specialist niche practice, it is able to focus on the hospitality sector to great effect.’

‘Lisa Inzani is an extraordinarily committed partner on all aspects of licensing issues which affect her client, which comprise some of the most prominent names in the hospitality sector. She is incisive when providing advice, and trusted by regulators and operators alike because of her common sense approach. ’

‘Fantastic team in relation to on-trade premises licensing and associated compliance. A long and proven track record in helping businesses navigate what can be a complex area of legislation.’

Key clients

Pavilion Fulham Green

Bechstein Hall

Breadstall

Brother Marcus

Windmill Taverns

Live Nation

The Wolseley Hospitality Group

Wagamama Limited

Caprice Holdings/The Birley Group

Thunderbird Fried Chicken

State of Play

Point A Hotels

Cote

Bills

The Royal Horticultural Society

Rosa’s Thai

CHIK’N

Selfridges Retail

51st State

Honest Burgers Ltd

Work highlights

  • Assisted The Pickle Factory with obtaining a 5am premises licence for The Pickle Factory nightclub, significantly increasing its capacity.
  • Acted for Live Nation’s Derby Summer Sessions festival to obtain a new premises licence for a 20,000 capacity 6 day live music event featuring acts such as Blossoms, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and Jess Glynne.
  • Acted for Rosewood Le Caprice restaurant in a new premises licence application.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 2

Poppleston Allen is a key destination for clients in the bingo, lottery and alcohol licensing sectors. Nick Arron leads the gambling team and handles a substantial volume of work involving the Gambling Commission, including licence reviews under section 116, judicial reviews and other relevant licensing applications, while Richard Bradley mainly assists operators with corporate acquisition projects. David Inzani is also recommended, particularly for his expertise in acquisitions and restructuring for both land-based casinos and remote operators, and both Imogen Moss and Felix Faulkner are also highlighted as key.

Practice head(s):

Nick Arron

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Nick Arron and David Inzani are knowledgeable, approachable and responsive. They are always willing to tackle complex legal issues and provide clear, practical advice that is easily understood by clients.’

‘They communicate clearly, understand the sector deeply, are commercially minded and offer proactive solutions when questions arise.’

‘The depth of their knowledge of UK gambling law and licensing is excellent throughout the practice. They stay up to date with legislative changes and legal developments, and keep their clients informed.’

‘I work with several individuals across the firm, and they are all approachable, available and prompt in responding. They are happy to tackle complex legal issues and provide clear, practical advice tailored to non-lawyers.’

‘They are incredibly helpful and friendly. They demonstrate a unique understanding of their clients and always deliver support in accessible, easy-to-understand language.’

‘They consistently go above and beyond in every interaction. Support is always friendly, available at any time or day, and delivered with a strong sense of care and commitment.’

‘They operate with strong ethical standards and maintain the highest level of client confidentiality.’

Key clients

Buzz Group Limited

MERKUR AG.com and MERKUR Group

Bingo Association

Paddy Power Betfair

Shua Limited t/a Bongo’s Bingo

MERKUR Slots UK Limited

Bandai Namco Amusement Europe Limited

Bourne Leisure Group Limited

Parkdean Resorts Limited

Palatial Leisure Limited

City Gaming Limited

Boomerang Digital Limited (formerly NRM)

Bee-Ethical Group including Bee-Ethical Limited and Bee Ethical Information Technology Services Limited

Morgan Stanley

Stade Development (Hastings) Ltd

Funbox Entertainment UK Limited

EG On the Move Limited

Dogs 4 Rescue CIC

The Veterans’ Foundation

Park Holidays UK Limited

Namco UK Limited

Merkur Casino Entertainment UK Limited

Cowells Arrow Bingo UK

John Fowler Holidays Park

Hijingo Worship Street Limited (trading as Hijingo)

A & G Amusements Limited

Nikolas Shaw Limited

Merkur Bingo and Casino Entertainment UK Limited

Carlton Clubs Limited

Veterans’ Lottery

Bede Gaming

Blueprint Gaming Limited

Regal Amusement Machine Sales Limited

Blueprint Operations Limited

Work highlights

Founded in 1994 and driven by vibrant, collaborative and dedicated people, we have grown into the largest firm of licensing solicitors in the UK.

We work exclusively in the alcohol, entertainment, gambling and retail sectors and help clients ranging from small, one off independents through to national multi-site operators.

But no matter what size of operator we are working with, big or small, our objective is the same: To use legal knowledge and hard work to get clients the results needed to run their business how they want to. General speaking, we give legal advice to:

  • Obtain, vary and protect the numerous licences needed on licensed and gambling premises
  • Defend licensing, gambling, food hygiene and health and safety reviews
  • Manage due-diligence on mergers and acquisitions

Many of our solicitors work with professional bodies such as UK Hospitality, British Beer and Pub Association, Institute of Licencing (IOL) and the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII). They also speak at industry events and write for the national trade press. In addition, we co-wrote the Live Music Act 2012, advising on its course through both Houses of Parliament. We advised the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003. And we continue to be consulted by the Home Office and we were involved with the legal experts panel giving evidence for the 10 year review of the Licensing Act 2003.

So, we do not see ourselves as just legal advisors to the licensed trade, but part of it.

Some of our licensing and gambling / gaming clients include: Bandai Namco, BBPA, Bill’s Restaurants, Blueprint Gaming, Bongo’s Bingo, Bourne Leisure, Brunning and Price, Buzz Bingo, Caprice Holdings, Cashino, Chelsea Flower Show, Cote Restaurants, Deliveroo, Dominio’s Pizza, Faces Nightclub, Fuller’s, Gauselmann Group, Honest Burgers, Ivy Collections, Laine’s, Mitchells & Butlers, Paddy Power, Parkdean Resorts, PizzaExpress, Praesepe, Selfridges, Shepherd Neame, Stonegate Pub Company, The Bingo Association, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, UK Hospitality, wagamama.

Other offices: London

Website: www.popall.co.uk

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing partner Lisa Sharkey [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Licensing Jonathan Smith [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Gambling Nick Arron [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Licensing and festivals Andy Grimsey [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Licensing and regulatory Graeme Cushion [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Licensing (London office) Lisa Inzani [email protected] 0203 859 7755
Licensing David Inzani [email protected] 0203 859 7753
Licensing James Anderson [email protected] 0115 953 8500
Photo Name Position Profile
Imogen Moss photo Imogen Moss Associate Solicitor
Number of UK partners : 10
Number of other UK fee-earners : 23