Licensing law

Pubs permitted to stay open later for Euros final

07-Jul-2021 By Nikkie Thatcher

Licensing laws will be relaxed, allowing the on-trade to remain trading for an additional 45 minutes this Sunday (11 July), the Government has confirmed.

New licensing regulations 'positive news' for sector

10-Jun-2021 By Emily Hawkins

Amendments to licensing regulations for England and Wales have been welcomed by sector bosses, who say the new measures will help pubs recover from the pandemic.

Reason for refusal ‘critical’ in bar’s mixed gender groups-only booking policy

20-May-2021 By Stuart Stone

Lawyers have claimed a London-based operator could be breaching the Equality Act if its 'mixed gender groups' booking policy means LGBT+ groups are turned away, according to reports.

Marquees ‘permitted for duration of summer’ without planning permission required

22-Mar-2021 By Nikkie Thatcher

Pubs will be allowed to install marquees in beer gardens for the entire summer instead of 28 days currently allowed, without the requirement for planning permission, the Government announced over the weekend (Saturday 20 March), including venues that...

Operators warned of fines for unlicenced cocktail deliveries

11-Mar-2021 By Emily Hawkins

Pub operators have been warned that they need special permission from HMRC for the off-sale of pre-mixed cocktails.

'Red tape' won't ruin summer for pubs, minister says as licensing freedoms extended

08-Mar-2021 By Emily Hawkins

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed it will extend provisions to make it easier for pubs to utilise outdoor space.

Pubs shouldn't turn into off-licences, supermarkets free to sell alcohol

07-Jan-2021 By Emily Hawkins

The Government has said pubs should not try to “repurpose” themselves so they can sell alcohol to customers on-site while supermarkets face no additional rules.

Scotland closures 'worst possible news'

17-Nov-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Pubs across eleven council areas in Scotland will be forced to close for three weeks, the First Minister announced today.

Council U-turns on ‘alfresco dining charge’

26-Oct-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

Westminster City Council has scrapped plans to charge pubs, restaurants and cafés for the use of outside areas.

MA500

How can pubs make the most of outside space for winter trade?

05-Oct-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

With the weather turning colder, operators should look into every way they can maximise outdoor space, the trade has been urged.

Parliament U-turn on alcohol in own bars after 10pm

28-Sep-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Parliament has U-turned on allowing its bars to sell alcohol past 10pm after publicans were left reeling following news of the curfew exemption.

Opinion

10pm curfew – hate to say it, but we told you so…

28-Sep-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

There are calls from local government leaders across the country to end the 10pm hospitality curfew because it is causing more problems than it is supposed to solve.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Insolvency and your premises licence

11-Sep-2020 By Poppleston Allen

Sadly there are more hospitality businesses becoming insolvent due to the impact of Covid-19.

3 in 5 night-time operators face closure without further Government backing

03-Sep-2020 By Stuart Stone

Greater Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, has called on the Prime Minister to stop celebrating the return to work while almost 60% of night-time operators face closure without further backing.

New pavement licence process aid to pubs on 'road to recovery'

24-Jul-2020 By Emily Hawkins

The pub sector has welcomed the passage of the Business and Planning Bill, which has introduced measures to make it easier for businesses to use outside spaces.

Government asks pubs to ensure non-smokers catered for

20-Jul-2020 By Emily Hawkins

The Government has announced plans to ensure pubs offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.

90% of operators had no difficulties with authorities upon reopening

10-Jul-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

The majority of hospitality operators did not have problems with local authorities or police forces upon reopening, new research has revealed.

Pubs cannot 'rule social distancing with an iron fist'

09-Jul-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Pubs can only exercise a limited degree of control over the social distancing of individuals on or near their premises, a licensing solicitor has explained.

Pubs can reopen from 6am if licence permits early start

03-Jul-2020 By Emily Hawkins

The Government has announced that pubs cannot reopen when the clock strikes midnight on Saturday 4 July and must instead wait until 6am at the earliest.

Red tape slashed to simplify outdoor service for pubs

25-Jun-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

The Government has introduced simpler licensing processes for outdoor seating for pubs in a bid to make it easier for people to safely eat and drink outside and in turn, help operators bounce back from the coronavirus lockdown amid reopening.

Can customers getting takeaways from pubs use the toilets?

23-Jun-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

Pub toilets can be open for customers who are collecting takeaways provided the layout of the pub is suitable and subject to a risk assessment.

#Unitedwestand

Licensee takes award-winning gastropub to the park

05-Jun-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

Heath Ball, operator of the Red Lion & Sun in Highgate, north London, is delivering drinks to customers in a local park in a bid to reach more people and become ‘London’s largest beer garden’.

Opinion

‘It is strongly in the public interest that the streets are reclaimed by experienced, licensed operators’

04-Jun-2020 By Philip Kolvin QC, Cornerstone Barristers

There is not a publican alive who is not praying to all that is holy for a 4 July reopening – and doesn’t the date have a special resonance, with an aroma of liberty, courage and festivity?

#unitedwestand

Council calls on Government for power over late-night levy

01-Jun-2020 By Emily Hawkins

A city council has joined voices in the pub trade calling on the Government to change the control of levies on licensed businesses.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: Licence and permit renewal, the pitfalls of a CVA

01-Jun-2020 By Poppleston Allen

In the latest Legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, we take a closer look at licence and permit renewal as well as the potential drawbacks of a company voluntary arrangement.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Giving employment to under-18s

01-Jun-2020 By Poppleston Allen

Over recent years, the trade has stepped up a gear to entice school leavers into its workforce. Competition is hot but just how compatible is the current legislation in terms of being able to compete?

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

The checklist to help you stay legitimate post-lockdown

01-Jun-2020 By Poppleston Allen

At the time of writing (1 June), we are still awaiting both relaxation of the lockdown regulations and guidance for the hospitality sector from the Government on reopening and, until then, we are all still flailing around in the darkness.

#Unitedwestand

Operators back plan to let drinkers spill onto pavements post-lockdown

20-May-2020 By Stuart Stone

The founder of Piano Works has proposed that the UK’s hospitality sector could safely reopen if pubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to serve customers seated on streets and squares after lockdown.

#unitedwestand

Pubs must adapt to end of spontaneous nights out

14-May-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Pubs will face a “a new beginning entirely” when reopening after the coronavirus lockdown, which will require changes in licensing legislation and the experience pubs offer, according to a paper from the Institute of Licensing (IoL).

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: limit to flexible hours and refurbishment proposals

11-May-2020 By Poppleston Allen

The latest legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen covers the rules around late-night refreshments and refurbishment proposals during Covid-19 lockdown.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

What licensing challenges and opportunities should pubs be aware of during lockdown?

11-May-2020 By Poppleston Allen

Since the Government announced we should avoid non-essential contact and, in particular, confined spaces such as pubs and restaurants, our world of hospitality has changed beyond all recognition.

#unitedwestand

Councils consider future late-night levy rebates

04-May-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Councils across the country are considering issuing rebates or discounts on late-night levy payments next year but are still unable to refund or reduce current payments.

#UnitedWeStand

Lockdown extended by 3 weeks

16-Apr-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

The Government has announced a three-week extension of lockdown in a bid to help slow and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

#Unitedwestand

IoL protocol to ensure licensing authorities fulfil duties during shutdown

03-Apr-2020 By Stuart Stone

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has published new guidance to help authorities carry out their legal obligations during the ongoing Covid-19 emergency period.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Coronavirus Q&A: takeaways, guest rooms and time-restricted licences

31-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

Specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen's coronavirus themed legal Q&A examines gastropub takeaways, time-restricted licenses and rules on closing pubs with guest rooms.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Tips on operating during the pandemic

31-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

In light of the coronavirus legislation now in force, here are some tips to help you navigate through these challenging times.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Coronavirus: 'We owe it to ourselves, our employees and customers to remain focused'

31-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

It is real. We knew it was coming, but many, including myself, did not foresee the devastation to our health, our lifestyle and the economy that coronavirus would bring to the UK.

#unitedwestand

Pubs warned lock-ins illegal

31-Mar-2020 By Emily Hawkins

Pubs have been warned that it is illegal to host lock-ins under the Government’s social distancing measures and they could risk their licence being revoked.

Music licensing company suspends payment for closure period

30-Mar-2020 By Emily Hawkins

UK music licensing company PPL PRS has said it will not charge customers for their music usage during their closure period and will adapt its payment policies.

#UnitedWeStand

How to launch a takeaway offer

18-Mar-2020 By Alice Leader

Now pubs have been ordered to close, some sites have opted for a takeaway service for social distancing and self-isolating customers who still crave pub grub.

Budget 2020

Pubs win in Budget 2020 with significant financial support

11-Mar-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

Teetotal Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak paid critical attention to the pub trade in the release of his 2020 Budget today (11 March), as the sector braces itself for a hammering by coronavirus.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: live music complaint and implementing Challenge 25

10-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

The latest legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen covers live music complaints and implementing Challenge 25.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Top tips: don’t let your premises licence lapse

10-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

A premises licence is a precious asset – lose it and not only will you lose precious trade in the intervening period but you have no guarantee that an application for a new licence will be granted with the same hours and conditions.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Call for pubs to take age verification as seriously for gaming machines as they do for alcohol sales

10-Mar-2020 By Poppleston Allen

Over the recent weeks and months, we have noticed an increase in both industry and local/national media reports regarding gaming machines in pubs and test purchasing.

Pubs to open longer to mark Victory over Japan day

24-Feb-2020 By Emily Hawkins

The Government will consult on a proposal to relax licensing hours in England and Wales on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: Natasha’s Law and how to grow your vegan offer

24-Feb-2020 By Poppleston Allen

The latest legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitor Poppleston Allen covers Natasha’s Law and what to consider when enhancing your pub’s vegan menu.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Top tips: don’t give anyone a reason to be noisy

24-Feb-2020 By Poppleston Allen

It may feel a long way away given the recent storms, but spring really is just around the corner – it officially starts on 20 March.

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Late-night levy changes in store

24-Feb-2020 By Poppleston Allen

This year is likely to start with the arrival of another late-night levy. This time in Redbridge, where the full council will meet in a few weeks’ time to decide on adopting the levy.

‘Declining’ pub must install customer ID scanner to keep licence

14-Feb-2020 By Alice Leader

A pub must scan customer IDs as a condition to keep its licence after a number of incidents took place at the site involving patrons “taking over the premises”.

VE Day opening hours extension confirmed

13-Feb-2020 By Nikkie Thatcher

Pubs in England and Wales that are licensed to trade until 11pm will be able to serve for an additional two hours on Friday 8 May and Saturday 9 May from 11am until 1am the following morning to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day,...