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 Tier 1

Poppleston Allen is the preeminent firm of licensing solicitors. James Anderson‘s work includes advising on the licensing aspects of development work and presenting applications for major refurbishments and new licences. Managing partner Lisa Sharkey and senior partners Jonathan Smith and Graeme Cushion are highly experienced advisers to pubs, restaurants, retailers and nightclubs, among many others.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘A fantastic licensing practice which deserves its reputation. A dedicated team, always willing to go above and beyond to assist with licensing queries. Sharing a fountain of knowledge via their website, conferences and guides.’

‘They are the industry go-to team. Exceptional service from real experts. Very easy to deal with and super commercial in their approach with great service standards.’

Key clients

Urban Pubs and Bars

The Howard de Walden Estate

Five Guys

PizzaExpress

Boparan Restaurant Group

Consolidated Developments

Fuller’s Pubs

D&D Restaurants

Weezy

Admiral Taverns

REKOM UK

Vue Cinema

Deliveroo

Azzurri Group

Pho

Café Concerto

Youngs Pubs

Whistle Punks Axe Throwing

Domino’s Pizza

Parkdean Resorts

Work highlights

  • Advised Outernet London, an entertainment complex currently under construction in the West End of London, on acquiring 17 new premises licences and 1 variation of a premises licence.
  • Advised Domino’s Pizza on gaining new premises licences for 30 stores to add the sale of alcohol to their food delivery.
  • Advising D&D London on obtaining premises licences to use outside spaces for additional occupancy.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

The lawyers at Poppleston Allen are ‘subject matter experts and tactical problem solvers’, expertly handling licensing matters both nationwide and in London. The team handles a broad range of work in the licensing space, including new premises licence applications, varying existing licences and regulatory work. With an intimate knowledge of the licensing process in London, practice head and experienced solicitor advocate Lisa Inzani regularly advises clients on high value licensing applications and related enforcement issues. Associate David Inzani is praised for providing ‘clear, measured and pragmatic licensing advice.’ – he handles alcohol and entertainment licensing for a variety of major businesses, with recent work including advising Selfridges on their acquisition of new premises licences for casual dining restaurants.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

Lisa Inzani is efficient, intelligent, approachable but most of all reliable. She will always go the extra mile for her clients.’

‘Subject matter experts and tactical problem solvers.’

‘As a business we work most closely with David Inzani who we can always rely on when it comes to providing clear, measured and pragmatic licensing advice. Furthermore, David is friendly, calm, engaging and has a genuine interest in meeting the future needs of the business.’

‘I find Lisa Inzani’s licensing team very reactive, prompt and efficient in comparison with other licensing firms.’

‘I have dealt with the team at Poppleston Allen on licensing matters for over 12 years now. In all that time we have not had a premises licence application refused. Their knowledge and understanding of how we operate our businesses is invaluable when it comes to dealing with the various local authorities across the country.’

‘Lisa Inzani has looked after our account for many years. The continuity of service is extremely important and is consistently delivered by Lisa and also her associates. It is easy for licensing issues to slip through the cracks for a multi site operator, but the team ensure that we remain compliant at all times and go above and beyond to ensure that our restaurant teams are managing their premises within the terms of their premises and pavement licences.’

‘The key strength of the team is its knowledge and understanding of the licensing and leisure market in which it practices. Highly experienced lawyers with commercial judgment which they bring to bear on legal advice to clients.’

‘Poppleston Allen are experts in licensing law, they have worked with us on for many years on all licencing matters. They guide us through complex matters on new sites and variations on existing sites. They are commercial, deliver within tight timescales and are very responsive.’

Key clients

Thunderbird Fried Chicken

Sourced Market

Caprice Holdings/The Birley Group

Cote

Shaftesbury plc

Point A Hotels

CHIK’N

wagamama Limited

Laurents Deli

Market Taverns

The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel

Lovett Enterprises Ltd

Urban Leisure Group

Royal Horticultural Society

Selfridges Retail

51st State (Mad Husky Events Ltd)

The Ivy Collections

Bill’s Restaurants Limited

Honest Burgers Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Caprice Holdings Ltd on the premises licence application and subsequent licensing hearing for their new, 230 seat restaurant in Mayfair.
  • Advised renowned retailer Selfridges on their premises licence applications for the restaurant operators Pizza Pilgrims and Din Tai Fung which are now operating from their Oxford Street location.
  • Advised the Royal Horticultural Society on moving the dates of the Chelsea Flower Show and adding an extra day of operations to help manage capacities due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 2

The licensing and regulatory specialists at Poppleston Allen are ‘experts in their field’, regularly advising major gambling operators in the land-based and online gambling spaces. Practice head Nick Arron acts for numerous national leisure operators, and has particular expertise in web based operations; Arron has also been supporting the bingo industry throughout the pandemic. Having recently made partner, Richard Bradley leads on complex licensing matters and has assisted in the development of bespoke compliance regimes for various operators. Imogen Moss and London-based licensing expert David Inzani are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

‘Poppleston Allen manage all of our licensing needs as pseudo employees. Their holistic approach is a meaningful benefit to our organisation.’

‘Nick Arron – The best description of him is that he understands the operators needs and supports our business from an operational stand point, making sure we achieve our objectives and are compliant in everything we do.’

‘Imogen Moss – A great communicator who works in an efficient and timely manner.’

‘Poppleston Allen are solicitors that speak plain English and not legalese. They take time to understand the requirements and tailor their advice to best suit the customer and the outcome. They are not a one size fits all solution company and take time to understand what is required and how best to resolve it.’

‘Nick Arron, Richard Bradley and Imogen Moss work brilliantly as a team when required. They put you at ease with their knowledge and professionalism through a friendly helpful attitude – always putting the client first and foremost.’

‘The partner we are dealing with is very professional, very knowledgeable, committed to dealing with any kind of questions that arise, and has a good feeling for the different interests of the different companies of our group without intervening in a biased way.’

‘The team at Poppleston are experts in their field and their licensing knowledge is invaluable. They are approachable and generally always available or readily respond to any communications swiftly. The are happy to discuss particular issues, some of which can be complex and offer their advice or recommendations on the appropriate action. Just really nice, professional team of people to deal with who assist with any matters, answer any queries and help with any challenges we may encounter.’

‘All of the team that I deal directly with for various items stand out for me for different reason, they all deliver an exemplary service. Nick Arron has without doubt been a great advisory support for me. Richard Bradley, who I work closely with on licensing topics is always on hand to provide invaluable advice and support.’

Key clients

Buzz Group Limited

Gauselmann Group

Bingo Association

Paddy Power Betfair

Bongo’s Bingo

MERKUR Casino UK

Bandai Namco Amusement

Bourne Leisure

Parkdean Resorts

Palatial Leisure Limited

City Gaming Limited

BACTA

Work highlights

  • Ongoing advice and assistance to Merkur Slots UK Limited with its national expansion project for new bingo premises with an investment value of £450million.
  • Specialist licensing and regulatory advice to the Bingo Association regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Managing partner Lisa Sharkeyl.sharkey@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Licensing Jonathan Smithj.smith@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Gambling Nick Arronn.arron@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Licensing and festivals Andy Grimseya.grimsey@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Licensing and regulatory Graeme Cushiong.cushion@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Licensing (London office) Lisa Inzanil.inzani@popall.co.uk0203 859 7755
Licensing Sarah Taylors.taylor@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Licensing James Andersonj.anderson@popall.co.uk0115 953 8500
Number of UK partners : 10
Number of other UK fee-earners : 23