Poppleston Allen is a highly renowned licensing boutique and it recognised for its ability to obtain challenging new licenses and variations, as well as handle complex regulatory issues. Lisa Sharkey is entrusted by large organisations to advise on high-value licensing matters, and Jonathan Smith
receives plaudits for his advocacy and strategic advice on the M&A implications of licensing law, while Graeme Cushion advises some of the UK’s largest pub and restaurant brands on complex legislative issues. As well as assisting with applications, Suraj Desor advocates for clients in reviews and enforcement proceedings.
Licensing in East Midlands
Poppleston Allen
Practice head(s):
Lisa Sharkey
Other key lawyers:
James Anderson; Jonathan Smith; Graeme Cushion; Suraj Desor
Testimonials
‘The team at Poppleston Allen have been both knowledgeable and quick when we have turned to them for an expert opinion or advice on licensing matters. We always value their views and insights when considering potential impacts across our sector.’
‘Our key contacts at the firm have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and therefore their advice and guidance have an incredibly strong base.’
‘Jonathan Smith and Lisa Sharkey both have so much knowledge and expertise and always judge situations correctly as to what the best next steps are.’
‘We have used them for over 20 years and I’ve never found a reason good enough to move away from them due to their consistent performance and high standards.’
‘One of Jonathan Smith, Lisa Sharkey and team are always on hand to deal with any issues.’
‘We have worked with Poppleston Allen for many years and the entire team has always given great service and resolved problems speedily.’
‘Lisa Sharkey and Suraj Desor are our daily contacts. They give excellent service in response, quality of advice and completion of matters.’
Key clients
Wadworth Brewery
St Austell Brewery
Albert’s Schloss
Mitchells and Butlers
Black and White Hospitality
Simmons Bar
Stonegate Group
Fuller’s Pub
Five Guys
PizzaExpress
Azzuri Group
Domino’s Pizza.
Outernet London
ITSU
Young’s
Work highlights
- Advised Outernet Venue Limited operators on obtaining premises licences, and appeared at a contested hearing for the client.
- Advising Interpath Ltd on the licensing and gaming aspects of the administration of Majestic Bingo and Milton Portfolio.
- Advised a Tequila Mockingbird operator on a premises licence application.
Flint Bishop
Flint Bishop is highly experienced in licensing law, and is able to cover the full range of issues pertaining to alcohol sales and event certification. As well as catering to local institutions, the firm is known for managing licensing work for large portfolio organisations. Andrew Cochrane’s brewery and hotel chain clients leverage his ability to handle applications, reviews, appeals, and prosecutions; while George Domleo is able to secure testing extensions and challenging new licenses, regularly acting for hospitality operators.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Cochrane
Other key lawyers:
George Domleo; Karen Cochrane
Testimonials
‘Flint Bishop deals with our alcohol licensing requirements. It is very reassuring to know that we can call on them for any advice in this area. They are always extremely responsive and helpful, they communicate well, dealing with any issues arising and are very quick to answer any requests or queries made.’
‘The whole team is excellent and respond quickly and efficiently.’
‘Andrew Cochrane is excellent and stands out from others.’
Key clients
Star Pubs & Bars
National Trust for England and Wales
Chilled Pub Company
Q Hotels
Youth Hostel Association for England and Wales
Macdonald Hotels
Kew Green Hotels
Beavertown Brewery
Henfox
Work highlights
- Assisting the National Trust with all aspects of licensing including applying for major and minor variations and new premises licences.
- Managing all aspects of licensing for Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken UK).
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP‘s licensing practice covers the full spectrum of regulatory law, including matters relating to Trading Standards, health and safety issues, and food labelling advice, acting for clients newly entering the UK market. In addition to corporations, the firm also undertakes work on behalf of independent organisations and residential clients. Team head Lisa Gilligan has worked extensively with the licensed and leisure industry, representing clients in licensing proceedings and the Magistrates' courts.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Gilligan
Testimonials
‘The team at Freeths are always very professional, helpful and approachable. The quality of work produced is excellent and always promptly delivered.’
‘We work primarily with Lisa Gilligan who is extremely knowledgeable, capable and competent. Lisa has successfully represented our organisation on many occasions and is a very accomplished and dependable advocate. Lisa is an outstanding communicator who is always calm, approachable and personable.’
‘Lisa Gilligan offers exceptional service and is a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Lisa Gilligan has been a beacon for us in guiding us through the tribulations of licensing laws with her clear explanation and advice. Lisa is a very accessible, down-to-earth and well-respected senior lawyer.’
‘The team are incredibly easy to deal with and very good at what they do. The whole process is frictionless.’
Key clients
Aldi Stores
Cheshire Cat Pubs
NEC
Davys Wine Bars
Noisily Festival
Charles Wells & Co
Milton Keynes Council
Big Table Group
RedCat
Women’s Aid Federation of England
Work highlights
- Advising Aldi on all licensing matters supporting an ambitious expansion programme and providing full licensing administration.
- Advising the NEC Group concerning all licensing matters.
- Acting as legal advisor to Milton Keynes Council Licensing & Regulatory Committee.
Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths LLP
plays an active role in the retail, leisure, and transport sectors, and has experience which encompasses all licensable activities, licensing applications, and contentious matters. Philip Ryan combines commercial acumen with regulatory and licensing expertise. Kirsty Hughes has amassed considerable experience in licensing issues and represents clients in Magistrates’ courts and before licensing committees.
Practice head(s):
Philip Ryan; Kirsty Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Elaine Rayner
Testimonials
‘The team have great experience in working with large chains that have licensing issues on a local, regional and national level. They can represent national clients while also having a proper focus on the local issues that are key to licensing decisions.’
‘Dedicated team to deal with our business needs. Great depth of knowledge of our sector of business.’
‘The team have a personal relationship with us and takes ownership over the venues that we use for licensing.’
‘We have worked with Shoosmiths for almost 20 years now and have always found them efficient, timely and trustworthy. I would gladly recommend Shoosmiths to anyone who wanted advice.’
‘Elaine Rayner has been our business partner throughout and her expertise in the area of licensing has been invaluable over the years. She is efficient, hardworking and a great partner to our business.’
Key clients
Central Co-op Limited
Insomnia Cookies
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
Ikea
WeWork
Associated British Foods Plc (and subsids)