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.
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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
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...
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?
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
By David Inzani, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
In the latest column from Poppleston Allen, the legal experts look at the rules around premises licences and the general sale of alcohol at a school fete.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
By Andy Grimsey, senior consultant solicitor, Poppleston Allen
It is a sad fact of life that a serious incident can happen even in the best-run venues and while the chances may be small in your pub, the consequences can be severe.
By Joe Harvey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
A man goes to a club and is stopped by the bouncer. “No tie, no entry” he says. The man walks back to his car and desperately searches for the required neckwear.
Over the recent months I have noticed an increase in both industry and local/national media reports regarding gaming machines in pubs and test purchasing, especially post Covid.
By Natasha Beck, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
With the weather hopefully improving and the lighter nights coming it is likely that operators will be looking to maximise the use of any external space that they may have at the premises.
Following on from recent and highly publicised reviews involving Brixton Academy and Crane Night Club in Birmingham, it seemed like an appropriate time to issue a reminder on the pitfalls and processes involved in facing a review of your premises licence....
By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen
The Six Nations tournament according to a study by Fanzo, is the second most popular sporting event to watch at the pub, with only the World Cup being viewed more.
By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen
With a view to stepping up the UK’s resilience to terrorism, the Government recently announced details for the Protect Duty, to be known as 'Martyn’s Law' in tribute of Martyn Hett, who alongside 21 others died in the Manchester Area terrorist...
Of all the articles our licensing solicitors write for The Morning Advertiser each year, there is one topic that gets more feedback and interest than any other – under-18s in pubs.
It is undeniable that home delivery is booming. However, the convenience of shopping without leaving the sofa means that you have to work harder to get customers through their (and your) door.
By Joseph Harvey, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
As I drove into the office one foggy November morning and the rain gently drizzled on to my windscreen, Michael Bublé insisted to me via my radio that it was Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.
By Natasha Beck, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
The THINK! ‘Mates for Life’ drink drive campaign has recently relaunched again recently with the aim of encouraging friends to intervene if someone is attempting to drink and drive, with the message ‘A mate doesn’t let a mate drink and drive.’
Thinking of employing your 17-year-old daughter to work behind the bar? Short staffed to such an extent that you need to think about the children of some of your friends helping out in the restaurant? With the well-publicised difficulty in recruiting...
