Licensing Hub

Chasing pavements: advice on outside areas (credit: Getty/urbazon)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Q&A with Poppleston Allen: Pavement Licences

By Rebecca Weller

In this week's column, Poppleston Allen solicitor Alex Tomlinson answers questions on pavement licences for pubs.

Legal update: while there is no legislation going through parliament currently, there is a proposed draft bill (image: Getty/petekarici)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Martyn’s Law – Where are we now?

By Andy Grimsey, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

I thought I would provide a brief update on Martyn’s Law (also known as the Protect Duty) – proposed legislation to impose a legal requirement on publicly accessible venues to consider the threat from terrorism and to implement proportionate measures.

(image: Getty/John Rensten)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Spring has sprung, but keep it down!

By Alex Tomlinson, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

It appears that the issue of noise has reared its head in the hospitality sector again. This time with the conclusion of the long running saga surrounding Manchester nightclub Night & Day, which has been fighting a Noise Abatement Notice served by...

Licensing Q&A with Poppleston Allen (Credit:Getty/sturti)

LICECNSING HUB WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Licensing Q&A with Poppleston Allen

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

In this week's column, Poppleston Allen associate solicitor Suraj Desor answers questions on applying for new premises licenses and changes to existing licenses.

Expanding your business: licensing terms to consider (Credit: Getty/sturti)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Licensing terms for expanding your business

By Rebecca Weller

There is a lot of information out there as to what to do with your business and how that will affect your premises licence, for example, extending hours of operation etc.

Licensing hub: Advice on licensing requirements for outdoor events with Poppleston Allen (Credit:Getty/sommart)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Licensing requirements for outdoor events

By Imogen Moss, Associate Solicitor, Poppleston Allen

It’s March already, and most of us will be hoping that the ‘in like a lion, out like lamb’ folklore stands true.

Decision time: Careful consideration is advised on potentially switching to a premises licence (credit: Getty/izusek)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Legal Q&A: Members’ clubs v pubs – what to consider

By Joe Harvey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

In the latest Q&A with Poppleston Allen, Joe Harvey weighs up the pros and cons of ditching a club premises certificate for a premises licence.

Licensing hub: Poppleston Allen tips on low and no alcohol drinks (Credit: Getty/Henrik Sorensen)

LICENSING HUB

Top licensing tips on low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks

By Paula Kioko, marketing associate, Poppleston Allen

Customers are increasingly choosing low or alcohol-free drinks, with some adopting a moderation strategy of alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during nights out. Researchers indicate that this trend is showing no signs of slowing...

Licensing hub: Poppleston Allen advice on navigating off-sales and pavement licences (Credit: Getty/urbazon)

LICENSING HUB WTH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Navigating off-sales and pavement licences

By David Inzani, partner at Poppleston Allen

In the wake of the challenges posed by the pandemic, the hospitality trade saw significant regulatory changes introduced under the Business and Planning Act.

Licensing knowhow: Poppleston Allen answer questions around trading later hours and extending premises size (image: Getty/VTT Studio)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Legal Q&A: trading later hours & extending venue rules

By Felix Faulkner, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

In the latest Q&A with Poppleston Allen, the legal experts tackle the rules around extending trading hours and making a premises larger.

Licensing hub with Poppleston Allen: right to refuse service and denying entry? (Credit:Getty/SolStock)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Right to refuse service and denying entry?

By Elizabeth Varley, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

You may have faced some challenges over the festive period with customers or potential customers challenging you or your staff if you have decided to refuse them service or entry and you may now be questioning whether you made the right decision or are...

Mouse trap: operators have been urged to be robust in their attitude to food safety to avoid potential issues around rodents (image: Getty/Andyworks)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Mice on the move

By Graeme Cushion, partner, Poppleston Allen

While I do not profess to be any kind of expert on the behaviour of rodents, I have heard anecdotally that the various lockdowns which we have all experienced may have had a knock-on effect on the rodent population as well.

(image: Getty/Drazen_)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Tying up loose ends – changes to licensing law in 2024

By Andy Grimsey, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

So, welcome to 2024. We usually write a piece at this time of year looking forward to likely changes in the licensing landscape over the next 12 months, and this year is no different.

Advice provided: questions around refurbishments and bingo are answered (image: Getty/IvanWuPI)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Q&A: notifying councils about refurbs and under 18s playing bingo

By Imogen Moss, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Poppleston Allen answers questions about having to notify local authorities about changes to a property and looks at the rules around under 18s playing bingo.

Legal experts: Poppleston Allen advises ways to mitigate falling foul of the law around children in pubs (image: Getty/lisegagne)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips - children in pubs

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The busy Christmas trading period and families with children in pubs can increase risk of falling foul of the law around children in pubs

(image: Getty/Extreme Media)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Licensing – Over regulation?

By James Anderson, partner, Poppleston Allen

Is the licensing process stifling business?

(image: Getty/carlosgaw)

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Reminder to check your licence for Christmas trading

By Jonathan Smith, partner, Poppleston Allen

Be careful, it will not have escaped people’s notice that this year both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on a Sunday.

Trouble brewing: advice from Poppleston Allen on dealing with drunk customers (credit: Getty/dusanpetkovic)

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Ho! Ho! No! How to deal with festive drunkenness

By Alex Tomlinson, licensing solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Now that we’ve seen the back of Halloween and Bonfire Night, and the annual debate has started over whether the John Lewis advert is the best campaign on TV, it must be fast approaching Christmas.

Fancy festivities: Poppleston Allen outlines advice on hosting events over the Christmas period (image: Getty/lavendertime)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips for planning Christmas fetes and events

By David Inzani, partner, Poppleston Allen

As the holiday season approaches, licensees are no doubt gearing up to make the most of the boost in trade that the festive season can bring. Here are some top tips on licensing matters that we are commonly asked about at this time:

Advice given: Poppleston Allen highlights how to help ensure no nuisance is caused to residents (image: Getty/MoMorad)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Q&A: Mitigating the risk of noise complaints

By Carl Weston, head of marketing and partner (non-solicitor), Poppleston Allen

In the latest Q&A, legal experts Poppleston Allen advise how best to mitigate the risk of noise complaints.

Banging event: there are a number of considerations to take into account when hosting a fireworks display (image: Getty/Corri Seizinger)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Key points to consider about bonfire night

By Natasha Beck, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

With bonfire night a little over two weeks away, and the weather looking to be cold, but dry over that weekend, the conditions could be perfect to hold an outdoor event and firework display.

Licensing hub with Poppleston Allen: top tips for licensing upkeep (Credit: Getty/andresr)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips for licensing upkeep

By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Running a hospitality venue is hard. From rubbish summer weather to soaring costs, operators are finding it even harder to run a successful premises.

Area change: a number of a local authorities have recently dropped the levy and replaced it with a BID (image: Getty/Craft24)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

The late-night levy 2.0

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The amendments to the late-night levy legislation finally came into force this summer on 13 July 2023. Where does this leave this much criticised measure?

Licensing hub: Poppleston Allen partner James Anderson's advice for perspective publicans (Credit: Getty/sturti)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Advice for prospective publicans

By Poppleston Allen partner James Anderson

I am looking today at some advice if you are taking on a pub whether tenanted, leased or indeed buying a freehold.

(image: Getty/Hleb Usovich)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Playing by the rules

By Andy Grimsey, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The more I think about the issue over the early opening of pubs to watch the Women’s World Cup Final involving England and Spain, the more troubled I am by it.

Outside legislation: fast tracks were initially introduced under The Business and Planning Act 2020 to help the hospitality sector in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic (image: Getty/Lucy Ryan)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips – fast-track pavement licences

By Paula Kioko, marketing assistant, Poppleston Allen

The hospitality industry received a nugget of good news this month as the Government has extended the temporary ‘fast-track’ pavement licence provisions until 30 September 2024.

Local engagement: gathering data that supports your argument is one tip Poppleston Allen gives on navigating council consultations (image: Getty/Henrik Sorensen)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Your voice matters: embracing council consultations for cumulative impact assessments

By David Inzani, partner, Poppleston Allen

The UK's vibrant and varied hospitality industry has long been a cornerstone of its cultural identity. However, as the landscape has evolved and dynamics shifted since the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003, so too has the approach to regulating...

Sports focus: legal experts Poppleston Allen delves into queries around the Rugby World Cup (image: Getty/Thomas Northcut)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Legal Q&A: Rugby World Cup screening

By Felix Faulkner, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

This week's Q&A with Poppleston Allen looks at the rules around screening the Rugby World Cup and betting.

(image: Getty/piyaphun)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

A Jekyll and Hyde approach to outside areas?

By Andy Grimsey, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

I wonder what is so different between allowing the provision of tables and chairs in outside areas at pubs and bars and allowing for off-sales of alcohol to facilitate customers consuming alcohol on those very tables and chairs?

Event info: there are a number of licensing factors to take into account when hosting a beer festival (image: Getty/Rouzes)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Hop tips - beer festivals

By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

As the summer sun hop-fully returns again, more and more people will be venturing out to enjoy another great British pastime – beer festivals.

Licensing rules: Poppleston Allen outlines the law on dealing with drunk customers (image: Getty/Roy Mehta)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips: How to manage drunk customers in your premises this summer.

By Elizabeth Varley, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

As we edge towards the height of British summer, operators up and down the country are likely to be faced with additional customers looking to kick back and relax with a drink (or two) in their premises.

Licensing look: Poppleston Allen has reviewed what a pavement licence is and how they are granted (image: Getty/courtneyk)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Avoiding cracks in your pavement licence

By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Following the overwhelming ‘Save Our Seats’ petition in Bristol City Centre recently, which petitioned for Bristol’s bars and restaurants to extend their outdoor seating areas past 10.30pm, it’s worth reviewing the current legal picture and processes...

Consideration advice: Poppleston Allen highlights the importance of keep neighbours in mind when using outside areas (image: Getty/Naige Schulte)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Top tips on use of beer gardens and outside areas

By Natasha Beck, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

It would seem that we are not getting the typical two weeks of British summertime this year and it is looking like the nice weather is here to stay for a while. If this is the case then you will no doubt be looking to maximise the use of any outside space...

Case study: Poppleston Allen reflects on a hearing about loud music and people leaving a venue late at night (image: Getty/gilaxia)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Hearings – A salutary lesson

By James Anderson, partner, Poppleston Allen

About six months ago, a colleague of mine represented an independent bar operator facing a review of his premises licence for noise issues in relation to loud music and people leaving the premises late at night. This was in a reasonably affluent suburb...

Licensing hub: Can I refuse service to someone suspected of purchasing alcohol for a minor? (Credit: Getty/ Peter Cade / Pictured: Jonathan Smith)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Legal Q&A: adults purchasing alcohol for minors in pubs

By Jonathan Smith, partner, Poppleston Allen

This week’s column from licensing firm Poppleston Allen advises operators how to proceed in situations involving customers over the age of 18 attempting to purchase alcohol in pubs for patrons that are under 18.

Advice issued: Poppleston Allen outlines top tips on summer trading (image: Getty/ICHIRO)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

10 top tips for a successful summer

By Joe Harvey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

With a recent spate of, dare I say it, reasonable weather, one cannot help but start getting a little excited about summer.

(image: Getty/GZeroOne)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Are licensees responsible for drink-driving customers?

By Carl Weston, head of marketing and partner (non-solicitor), Poppleston Allen

Legal expert Poppleston Allen looks at the responsibility of blame when it comes to drink-driving and on-trade operators.

Gambling rules: the proposed changes are subject to consultation (image: Getty/RobinsonBecquart)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

High Stake Gambling reform – A gamble not worth taking

By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

On 27 April 2023, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published its Gambling White Paper, aimed at tackling gambling reform for the digital age. The proposed reforms vary from increased ‘know your customer checks’ to extra powers for...

Information collated: Poppleston Allen outlines the main points when dealing with noise complaints (image: Getty/Gary John Norman)

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Keeping the volume of complaints down

By Andy Grimsey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Dealing with complaints from neighbours arising from music at your premises is a bit of a dark art. There is no black and white answer and the law on public nuisance is blurry to say the least.

Advice given: Poppleston Allen looks into if operators can serve under 18s low alcohol beer (image: Getty/Klaus Vedfelt)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

The rules for serving low alcohol beer to under 18s

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

This week's column looks at the licensing law around serving low alcohol to customers under 18 years old.

Special weekend: Jonathan Smith (right) expects pubs to be allowed to trade until 1am so long as their current hours go up to 11pm at least (credit: Getty/Alessandro Biascioli)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Extended hours for the King’s coronation weekend

By Jonathan Smith, managing partner, Poppleston Allen

In 1952, the last time we enjoyed a good old knees up at a coronation, the sale of alcohol was governed by the Licensing Act 1921, pubs were faced with many of the restrictions that had applied during the First World War, such as the afternoon break and...

Licence advice: Poppleston Allen outlines how a negative visit from a licensing officer is often followed up with an advisory letter (image: Getty/sturti)

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Surviving a licensing inspection

By Graeme Cushion, partner, Poppleston Allen

I have noticed in recent months an apparent increase in the number of licensing compliance visits that are being conducted at licensed premises. Unusually, these seem to have centred mostly around relatively low-risk premises such as restaurants.

Numbers game: Poppleston Allen outlines top tips on how to organise and run your raffles within the rules

LICENSING HUB - LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

How to run a raffle in your pub

By Imogen Moss, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

As summer fete season draws ever nearer I am sure many venues will be thinking about running raffles.

Changes afoot: Andy Grimsey says pavement licences, which are used for A-boards and tables and chairs, should be renewed until new legislation comes into force (credit: Getty/whitemay)

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Pavement licences could become a level playing field

By Andy Grimsey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

If you have tables and chairs outside your premises on pavement owned by your local authority then you almost certainly will be in possession of a piece of paper issued by the local authority allowing you to do so.

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