Licensing Hub

Ongoing policy: the Government recently announced another extension to the fast track pavement licence (image: Getty/S_Z)

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Extension to pavement licence regime

By David Inzani, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The Government’s decision this month to extend the temporary provision for quicker and cheaper pavement licences for hospitality businesses was a nugget of good news among the current headlines.

Top tips: Poppleston Allen has some advice on licensing rules in outside areas (image: Getty/Muenz)

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What are the licensing rules for beer gardens?

By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

British summertime has well and truly arrived and beer gardens across the country are back in full swing, with Covid restrictions now a distant memory.

Legal eye: Poppleston Allen's Suraj Desor explores the late-night levy

The late-night levy – where are we now and what is next?

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor at Poppleston Allen

With the news that Nottingham City Council is considering removing the late-night levy that is currently in place, 10 years on from its introduction, how has it fared and what next for the levy?

Expert tips: Poppleston Allen partner Jonathan Smith outlines licensing hearings

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The lowdown on licensing hearings

By Jonathan Smith, partner, Poppleston Allen

Licensing law involves a lot of detailed administration. There is a lot of form filling (thankfully mostly online nowadays), particularly in respect of varying your Designated Premises Supervisor, changing the name and address of the licence holder or...

Professional thoughts: licensing expert James Anderson gives his take on the current rules in place and any amends that could benefit operators

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The musings of a licensing lawyer

By James Anderson, partner, Poppleston Allen

These are a few thoughts on my job as a licensing lawyer and what is good and what changes would help.

Top advice: tips on how to utilise TENs (image: Getty/buzbuzzer)

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Top tips on TENs

By Andy Grimsey, senior consultant solicitor, Poppleston Allen

We all know how useful temporary event notices (TENs) can be. Particularly in the years 2022 and 2023, when the Government has, in order to support business following Covid, increased the limits for TENs from a maximum of 15 per premises to 20, and a...

Advice given: pubs that are recent converts to social media and email marketing need to be careful if they are planning to hold sweepstake events for this weekend’s Grand National (image: Getty/golero)

Digital marketing could make your pub sweepstake illegal

By Richard Bradley, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

With the pandemic forcing pubs to close for large periods over the past two years, we saw many establishments focus their attention on digital marketing to make sure their customers didn’t forget about them.

Looking at licensing: the Business & Planning Act includes two provisions that can help operators - fast track pavement licences and temporary off sales of alcohol (image: Getty/LeoPatrizi)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Update on Business & Planning Act

By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor at Poppleston Allen

We are now into the second year since the provisions of the Business & Planning Act were introduced by the Government in July 2020, with a view to helping licensees trade as they reopened post- pandemic.

Legal expert: Poppleston Allen partner James Anderson

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

It’s not what you’ve done, it’s what you may do that counts!

By James Anderson, partner at Poppleston Allen

I have written about this before, but it is becoming an increasingly significant part of the licensing process. The track record and proven operating ability is not as significant as it used to be.

Outside service: the current provisions on al fresco dining are set to end in September this year (image: Getty/claudiodivizia)

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A little slice of European culture in west London

By Felix Faulkner, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a catastrophic time for the licensed industry, however not in every sense.

Expert advice: Poppleston Allen has outlined what a shadow licence is (image: Getty/Tom Merton)

Licensing hub - legal with Popplston Allen

Why landlord sometimes protect their interests with a separate premises licence

By Suraj Desor, Poppleston Allen

I have had two cases recently where a premise licence held in the tenant’s name lapsed (due to insolvency) requiring me to lodge an urgent application on behalf of the landlord for a new licence. So now is as good a time as ever to look at the protections...

Awaiting decision: the Government is currently consulting on potentially relaxing licensing hours for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Poppleston Allen says (image: Getty/Gudella)

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Every little helps…

By Andy Grimsey, partner at Poppleston Allen

So, we enter the New Year and it has a surprisingly and rather depressingly familiar feel to it. Putting Covid-related matters aside for once (if that is even possible nowadays) let’s look at some of the more positive things to come in the licensing calendar...

Advice given: there are a variety of things operators should know about hosting raffles in pubs (image: Getty/kevinjeon00)

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How to host a raffle

By Imogen Moss, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

With the festive season upon us, many operators will be planning raffles. There are a number of rules venues must follow, so here are some top tips to ensure everyone remains a winner.

Stay on top: there are many boxes to be ticked

Licensing hub – legal with Poppleston Allen

Does your business still meet legal criteria since reopening?

By Richard Bradley, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Last year, Poppleston Allen published a detailed coronavirus pre-opening checklist and while the process of reopening has, to many, been one of tortuous evolution rather than speedy revolution, many of those considerations remain relevant today.

Top tips: Poppleston Allen urged operators to be prepared in understanding situations and circumstances (image: Getty/Henrik Sorensen)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Taking care of taking care

By Andy Grimsey, partner at Poppleston Allen

Vulnerability comes in many shapes and sizes. Often people associate vulnerability with particular traits however it is important for operators of licensed premises and their teams to be aware of what makes a person vulnerable along with what can make...

Festive season: Poppleston Allen has issued advice on how to deal with customers who have 'indulged in the odd glass or two more than they usually would'

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

How to deal with a bit too much Christmas spirit

By David Inzani, solicitor at Poppleston Allen

I know that you might have only just packed away your Halloween costumes, however this week the John Lewis advert hit our TV screens and that means only one thing – Christmas is coming.

Advice piece: Poppleston Allen give the answers you need to know about pavement licences (image: Getty/urbazon)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: pavement licences

By Poppleston Allen

Licensing experts Poppleston Allen answer questions about pavement licences.

Legal advice: tips on the position of gaming machines (image: Getty/halbergman)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: Raffle rules and gaming machines

By Poppleston Allen

Poppleston Allen delves into the rules around hosting a charity raffle as well as locations of gaming machines.

Top tips: Poppleston Allen has outlined how operators could deal with issues around noise (image: Getty/Muanpare wanpen)

Top tips on dealing with noise issues

By James Anderson, Poppleston Allen

It is time I think to revisit the issue of external areas of pub gardens and noise. Post-pandemic, are local people more appreciative of their local and more resigned to the odd burst of loud chatter from the garden, or have the months of closure led...

Online event: the webinar will look at how operators can deal with noise complaints from neighbours (image: Getty/SolStock)

Noises off?

By The Morning Advertiser

With the return to full trading following a disastrous year of shutdown and lockdown, many operators are experiencing an increased issue with regard to noise complaints from neighbours.

Property opportunities: 'While high streets and town centres are suffering culturally due to the loss of so many hospitality businesses, the upshot of this is that there are now units available in excellent locations' (image: Getty/miodrag ignjatovic)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Opportunities through policy reviews

By Poppleston Allen

The impact of the pandemic and casualties in the hospitality sector are well-documented and, sadly, probably not over yet.

Measures in place: operators should ensure they are aware of the legalities around hosting bingo (image: Getty juniorbeep)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Top tips: social bingo revival within licensed premises

By Richard Bradley, solicitor, Poppleston Allen

Since the reopening of the hospitality industry, there has been a rise in the entertainment offered within premises as they look to innovate in their offering to attract the return of customers.

Rules in place: while restrictions have eased for pubs, the Government guidance states risk assessments remain a legal requirement under health and safety law (image: Getty/da-kuk)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: Gov guidance confusion and hot food sales

By Richard Bradley, Poppleston Allen

The latest legal Q&A with specialists Poppleston Allen tackles confusion over Government guidance alongside the sale of hot food rules.

Beer boom: ‘It may be that as an operator you are considering running different types of events to not only boost trade, but to attract both existing and new customers back into your venue’ (image: Getty/Aja Koska)

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Top tips: ‘freedom day’ and beer festivals

By Poppleston Allen

The remaining coronavirus restrictions are due to be lifted on the 19 July and it is likely all operators will be looking at alternative ways of maximising trade after such long periods of closure and restrictions being in place.

Online case: licensing hearings are likely to be virtual at present (image: Getty/anyaberkut)

Licensing hub - legal with Poppleston Allen

Remote Licensing Hearings – A Virtual Reality

By Poppleston Allen

In a year when everything was different, one thing that turned remarkably quickly were the wheels of justice in establishing remote hearings and meetings.

Extended measures: Suraj Desor, specialist hospitality licensing solicitor at Poppleston Allen, answers key questions about the extended Covid restrictions (image: Getty/Monkeybusinessimages)

Licensing hub - Legal with Poppleston Allen

Restrictions extended in England – What pubs need to know

By Poppleston Allen

The Prime Minister has confirmed restrictions in England will remain in place at least midnight on 18 July. Suraj Desor, specialist hospitality licensing solicitor at Poppleston Allen, answers key questions about the extended measures.

Game on: ‘A question I have been asked a lot is whether gaming machines are allowed on licensed premises following the updated Covid-19 rules and guidance’ (Image: d1sk/Getty Images)

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Level-up: key requirements for pub gaming machines

By Poppleston Allen

As we enter a new period of trading, it is worth brushing up on some of the key requirements for gaming machines in licensed venues in England and Wales.

Mixed bag: ‘there are some councils who are motivated to assist and there are some who are culturally incapable of decision making’ (Image:wildpixel/Getty Images)

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Red Lion or red tape?

By Poppleston Allen

I write this article as Monday 17 May approaches, the light in the tunnel becomes brighter, and the journey towards ‘normality’, pot of gold of staycationers with savings and pub envy, a long, hot summer and the Euros await.

Furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

Preparing for re-opening – staff refresher training

By Poppleston Allen

Re-opening may be some time off, however, now is the perfect time to think about preparing some refresher training for all your staff to undertake on their return behind the bar to get ahead of the game and reduce any threat of enforcement.

Do pubs, bars and restaurants have a role to play in helping to re-invigorate the high street and to take advantage of units that are closed?

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: post-lockdown licensing and opportunities for pubs

By James Anderson, Poppleston Allen

James Anderson from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen discusses what role pubs could play on post-lockdown high streets and where opportunities exist for operators once restrictions are lifted.

'Welcome move': 'It is refreshing to see those authorities who have gone on the front foot and recognised and acknowledged the impact of Covid within their policy reviews'

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

The future of Cumulative Impact Policies in a post-pandemic world

By Clare Eames, Poppleston Allen

During 2020 a number of licensing authorities found themselves facing their five-yearly statutory duty to review their licensing policy, and consequently any associated Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP).

Brighter uplands: 'the legal landscape, in licensing terms, will be different, both in substance and in form, once we are through this pandemic'

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

How could Covid-19 change the on-trade's legal landscape?

By Andy Grimsey, Poppleston Allen

In previous years it has been customary for our first article of the new year to look forward to the year come, and make observations about possible legal changes for the hospitality industry in the coming months.

Play on? 'there are options for wet-led pubs and bars to rely upon entertainment rather than food to remain open'

LICENSING HUB – LEGAL WITH POPPLESTON ALLEN

If music be the food of love, play on

By Poppleston Allen

There has recently been much discussion - some serious and some tongue in cheek - about the merits of eating a scotch egg as a midday or main evening table meal, and if one Scotch egg isn’t enough to constitute it being the main meal would two suffice?...

Insolvency impact: whether a business is being wound up for good or insolvency is part of a re-structuring or rescue package, premises licences implications must be addressed

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Insolvency and your premises licence

By Poppleston Allen

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

Legal Q&A: solicitors from Poppleston Allen answer your questions regarding licence and permit renewal and the potential drawbacks of a CVA

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

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

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.

Be safe, not sorry: pavement licenses are still in effect so review yours now

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

The checklist to help you stay legitimate post-lockdown

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.

Handy idea: take advantage of the time available to renovate your site

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

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

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.

Surreal scenario: online meetings can be difficult and time consuming

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

Top tips: thoughts on Covid-19

By Poppleston Allen

It is difficult to even think of ‘tips’ let alone ‘top’ ones in a world that is now completely tip-less.

Property of the week

The Hazeldene Hotel

- Tenancy

The Hazeldene Hotel is opposite the Famous Blacksmiths Shop in Gretna Green. With 11 letting rooms, it is in a prime location to offer fantastic...

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