Jeremy Allen dies
Jeremy Allen, the UK's foremost legal practitioner in licensing issues, has died aged 66.
He was a founding partner of the legal firm Poppleston Allen. A highly respected figure, he advised a number of trade associations including the BII, British Beer & Pub Association, NOCTIS and the Wine & Spirit Trade Association as well as a large number of the sector's leading pub and restaurant operators.
He was part of the advisory committee for the 2003 Licensing Act and has continued to lobby around proposed changes to licensing regulations in more recent years.
He also wrote a number of articles for trade publications including the Morning Advertiser, M&C Report and BII Business.
Poppleston Allen managing partner Jonathan Smith said: "The staff and partners are deeply saddened by Jeremy's sudden death. Jeremy was a friend to us all, as well as an inspiration both professionally and personally. He will be greatly missed."
Stuart Roberts, Head of Gambling and Entertainment Licensing at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "Jeremy was an immense figure in the reform of licensing legislation and the successful delivery of the new regime. He was the embodiment of a critical friend, certainly not backwards in coming forwards, but always constructive and willing to find a solution.
"His input, challenge and expertise helped shaped a key reform and he continued to work constructively with the relevant Government Departments to make the licensing regime work better. His good nature and enthusiastic engagement will be missed.
"Many former colleagues who have worked in this area over the last decade have expressed their shock and sadness at today's news and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."
The PMA Team, editor of the Publican's Morning Advertiser, said: "Jeremy was a true gentleman as well as a brilliant licensing lawyer. He was someone it was a pleasure to spend time with, blessed with a sparkling sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The Publican's Morning Advertiser and sister title M&C Report are inviting people who knew Jeremy Allen to send in their tributes to him for publication to wbua.uneevatgba@jeoz.pbz
