Leading Associates

Licensing in East Midlands

Poppleston Allen

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Sharkey


Autres avocats clés:

James Anderson; Jonathan Smith; Graeme Cushion; Suraj Desor


Les références

‘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.’ 

Principaux 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


Principaux dossiers


  • 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 Limited

Flint Bishop Limited 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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Cochrane


Autres avocats clés:

George Domleo; Karen Cochrane


Les références

‘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.’

Principaux 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


Principaux dossiers


  • 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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Gilligan


Les références

‘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.’

Principaux 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


Principaux dossiers


  • 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.


Responsables de la pratique:

Philip Ryan; Kirsty Hughes


Autres avocats clés:

Elaine Rayner


Les références

‘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.’ 

Principaux clients

Central Co-op Limited


Insomnia Cookies


McDonald’s Restaurants Limited


Ikea


WeWork


Associated British Foods Plc (and subsids)


Principaux dossiers