So, welcome to 2024. We usually write a piece at this time of year looking forward to likely changes in the licensing landscape over the next 12 months, and this year is no different.
By Imogen Moss, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
Poppleston Allen answers questions about having to notify local authorities about changes to a property and looks at the rules around under 18s playing bingo.
By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
During a recent episode of the Lock In podcast, Poppleston Allen's Suraj Desor outlined the legalities around children in pubs. Here he goes into more detail about the topic.
The Home Office has launched a consultation into extending the licensing hours for the semi-final and final of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament if England, Wales or Scotland are playing.
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.
With Christmas now approaching I thought it would be a good time to remind operators of their obligations in terms of the prevention of sales of alcohol to persons under the age of 18.
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?
A collaborative effort to reopen Brixton Academy has been hailed as key in the decision to allow the famous music venue to open its doors again, according to the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA).
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.
The private security sector faces some “huge challenges” over the coming years with a “huge amount” of work to be done by regulators and the Government, according to the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA).
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...
By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen
The law on displaying prices for alcoholic drinks was changed some years ago with the introduction of The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
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.
Bars and restaurants in Bristol city centre will be able to extend their pavement licences for outdoor seating, after an online petition amassed more than 5,000 signatures.
A ‘much-loved’ grassroots music pub in Shoreham, West Sussex, has been granted long-time protection from noise complaints after its operators instructed lawyers.
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.
Star Pubs & Bars has agreed to pay £1.25m to end a High Court litigation with the pubs code adjudicator (PCA) that began in 2019 after an investigation was launched into the pubco breaching the pubs code.
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.
