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 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.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Sharkey

Other key lawyers:

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.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 1

Poppleston Allen is a leading firm when it comes to advising on alcohol and gambling licensing, and is commended for its familiarity with the hospitality sector and its 'excellent knowledge of licensing procedures'. The group is particularly active in matters involving cumulative impact zones. Lisa Inzani heads up the team, and is adept at assisting high-end bars and restaurants, as well as significant companies in the entertainment sector. ‘Future star‘ David Inzani, who made partner in April 2023, is also heavily involved in the group’s alcohol and entertainment licensing work. Felix Faulkner is another key name to note in the group.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Inzani

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Poppleston Allen are very efficient and provide insightful and expert advice.’

‘Good advice. Have an excellent knowledge of licensing law and procedure and communicate well with licensees. They both respond promptly to queries.’

‘By far the standout firm for licensing in my opinion.’

‘For me, Lisa Inzani is undoubtedly the leading solicitor for licensing. Her client care and attention to detail is unmatched, and the way she develops and promotes her team is a real attribute.’

‘David Inzani is a future star.’

‘This firm has the strongest presence in the field of licensing law across the country. Its team of lawyers are each specialists in the field, many of whom have very long experience with a keen understanding of the hospitality industry.’

‘Lisa Inzani has been one of the leading licensing lawyers in London for many years. She has a very deep understanding of the hospitality sector and an ability to gain the trust of clients through her attention to detail and practical approach. She commands the highest respect of clients and colleagues alike for her commitment, approachability and commercial acumen.’

Key clients

Live Nation

The Wolseley Hospitality Group

Wagamama Limited

Caprice Holdings/The Birley Group

Thunderbird Fried Chicken

State of Play

Point A Hotels

Côte

Bills

The Royal Horticultural Society

Rosa’s Thai

CHIK’N

Selfridges Retail

51st State (Mad Husky Events Ltd)

Honest Burgers Ltd

The Ivy Collections

TVG Hospitality Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised The Wolseley Hospitality Group on a major licence variation allowing for 1am trading at its new Manzi’s restaurant in Soho.
  • Advised Assembled Gala Ltd on a new premises licence for its 10,000 capacity, 3 day festival – Gala on Peckham Rye.
  • Advised TVG Hospitality on a new premises licence application for railway arches 32 / 33 at Flat Iron Square, allowing for 3am trading.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 2

Poppleston Allen is recognised for its comprehensive licensing, compliance, and regulatory expertise within the gaming and betting sector for both land-based and online clients. The firm is particularly esteemed for its work in the bingo industry, notably acting as retained counsel for the Bingo Association. Led by Nick Arron, the team is well-versed in dealing with the Gambling Commission and handling complex matters such as corporate control applications. Richard Bradley brings substantial experience in corporate acquisitions and changes of corporate control under the Gambling Act 2005, while David Inzani specialises in adult gaming centres in London, focusing on investment and corporate control changes.

Practice head(s):

Nick Arron

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are experts in the gaming licensing sector and have been for many years. Their exceptional knowledge provides an excellent option to those of us who don’t have in-house licensing teams.’

‘They spend time building relationships and getting to know the individuals and business nuances.’

‘The whole team are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. This, combined with their ability to engage and communicate with clients, sets the whole firm apart from others.’

‘We have dealings with Nick Arron and Richard Bradley – all are experts in their field but can communicate this knowledge in a way that ensures understanding.’

‘We work closely with one of the partners and appreciate his knowledge of the industry, and we appreciate his foresight and his proactive thinking.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the industry regulation. They are happy to discuss relevant topics and offer guidance and valuable support to its clients.’

‘All members of the Poppleston Allen team are approachable and offer an excellent support service. The work ethic and culture are one of getting to know their clients well and understanding their business in great detail to ensure balanced advisory 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

Network Resource Management (NRM)

Bee-Ethical Limited

Morgan Stanley

Stade Developments

Funbox Entertainment UK Ltd

The Veterans Foundation

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