Tributes flood in for Jeremy Allen

Tributes have been paid to Jeremy Allen, the UK's foremost legal practitioner in licensing issues, who 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.

Here are some of the tributes paid to him from leading figures in the industry, and others involved in licensing:

Nick Bish, chief executive, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers​

"Jeremy Allen was one of those people for whom the licensed trade was more than just a living, it was a life. I know that he looked at the industry through the prism of the law and the courts but he was always a champion for pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants and their proper, productive place in society. He saw his role as making the law a help, not a hindrance and his advice was always along those lines - delivered with humour as well as insight. ALMR sends its deepest sympathy to his family and to his colleagues at Poppleston Allen."

Stuart Roberts, Head of Gambling and Entertainment Licensing at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport​

"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."

Phil Dixon, industry consultant​

The UK licensed retail sector has lost a fine advocate and adviser. He was a true champion and a tower of strength. Undoubtedly one of the if not the most respected licensing lawyers of his generation. He was also a deeply fine human being who was superb company to work with or simply socialise. On a personal note Maggie and Jeremy have always been wonderfully generous and kind to Jools and myself. After such a hard working life, I am deeply saddened that he will not be able enjoy the hedonistic peace and tranquillity of his twilight years that he so richly deserved.

Michael Kheng, director, Kurnia Group​

"A true gent if there ever was one. I was shocked, and still am, when I heard the news earlier today. He gave so much to the industry and was well respected by all. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with his family at this very very sad time."

Lee Le Clercq, regional secretary, British Beer & Pub Association​

"A really lovely man who passed away much too soon. There will be an empty space in this industry for a long while to come."

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive, British Beer & Pub Association​

"I was very sorry to hear of the death of Jeremy Allen. I must have known him for almost 20 years, both at BISL and at the BBPA.

"My lasting memory of him was prior to the Licensing Act when the Justices Clerks and Magistrates issued national guidance. A series of study days was set up around the country and Jeremy and I were allocated to speak in Leeds at the University. I was rather inexperienced and a group of JPs and their Clerks was rather overawing!

Jeremy looked after me, took me to Leeds, made sure I was in the right place at the right time and coached me on the technical issues I needed to cover.

"He was a real Father figure to the industry, but never overbearing. He was thoughtful, kind and so knowledgeable on licensing law.

"For the BBPA he was a retained consultant who gave Martin Rawlings and I legal advice on a regular basis. He will be very much missed by us all and our thought are with his family and all his colleagues at Poppleston Allen."

Paul Wigham, chief executive, Orange Sun Bars​

"A good guy with the industry at his heart and a fine sense of humour. Condolences to his family."

Sally Hills, licensing manager, Chebsey & Co solicitors​

"[He was] one of the reasons I chose licensing as a career - a highly regarded and respected gentleman who will be greatly missed."

Steve Williams, nighttime economy officer at the City & County of Swansea​

"It was most upsetting to learn of the sudden death of Jeremy, he was always went out of his way to offer the best advice and help people. The industry have lost a truly dedicated and inspirational figure who will be greatly missed, my sincere condolences to his family."

Neil Robertson, chief executive, BII​

"Jeremy made a massive contribution to the success and development of the licensed retail industry. He will be missed by many and not least by myself who has come to depend on his advice and support."

Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB​

"Jeremy was an invaluable partner to BIIAB in his contribution to the development and maintenance of the best legal advice relating to our qualifications. I will miss his pragmatism and humour."

David Hawbrook, managing director, abv Training​

"I was totally shocked to hear the news this morning of Jeremy's death. He was a gentleman, who always spoke with knowledge and authority.

He was a person who deserved the highest level of respect. I will certainly miss his presence at meetings that we used to attend together."

Paul Smith, former executive director, NOCTIS​

"I'm absolutely devastated by the news of Jeremy's death. He was a great friend to me when I was at Noctis and a fabulous advocate for the trade. I valued his advice and his experience enormously. He will be hugely missed by all those who knew him."

John Gaunt, founder, John Gaunt & Partners​

"Jeremy Allen was held in the highest regard and viewed with the utmost respect by those fortunate to come across him.

"In all our dealings with him over many years, when working together, he excelled; when (on occasion) as an opponent, he was formidable; and he was always totally professional and charming. On a personal note, I shall miss his professional friendship and camaraderie.

"He is a significant loss and will be sorely missed by us all."

Keiron J Padmore, operations director, Riley's​

"I met Jeremy on a very tricky licensing issue in the early nineties, which I am pleased to say had a positive outcome due to his knowledge approach and experience.

"I was familiar with him and the whole team at PA Solicitors throughout my UK career for many years.

"He was inspirational in helping me as Operations Director of Riley's see through the whole estates licensing transition during 2005 following the 2003 licensing reform.

A real gentleman whom was always professional with a great sense of humor.

"I know he will be sadly missed by his Family, Friends and Colleagues."

Dave Daly, chairman of Licensees Unite Northwest​

"I've known Jeremy Allen for a number of years; he leaves a legacy of a true giant in the licensing industry. A man, who had a unique grasp of pub life, will be sadly missed."

Frank Marnell, licensee and National Pubwatch committee member​

"What a tremendous blow to our industry, He was a stalwart and defender of our trade.

"A fountain of knowledge, in my time on the Executive of N.P.W. I can only reminisce of the fun in his explicit answers to a mountain of questions implored on him at our conferences

"Once he had interpreted my delinquent accent there would always be excellent advice."

Richard Slater, First Leisure 'stalwart'​

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