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The Chambers UK Guide 2008

The Chambers directory is a 'Who's Who' guide for the legal industry and is drawn from independent research and recommendation by clients and solicitors alike. Below is the entry in the 2008 guide.


Poppleston Allen, Leisure & Licensing Midlands

The Firm
Clients and peers are united in their praise for this Nottingham-based powerhouse that "trumps all others" at the licensing coalface, acting for a stable of both new and long-standing breweries, pub operators, restaurants and late-night venues. As one client reported, "nothing is too much trouble for this firm - it is intensely proactive and we always feel in safe hands with its solicitors."

This outstanding niche firm recently added an iron to its fire when it opened an office in London headed by former McLellans and JD Wetherspoon licensing expert Clare Eames. The group has been busy over the past year dealing with a rise in enforcement proceedings, such as reviews and objected licences, as well as advising on compliance with new regulations such as the smoking ban.

The team assisted major client Mitchells & Butlers in two major proceedings: the transfer of licences of 240 premises recently acquired from rivals Whitbread and, secondly, the successful defence of review proceedings brought by several applicants looking to cut back the hours of one of Mitchells' premises.

Among other highlights, the firm defended large corporate clients against trading standards prosecutions brought by the City of York by successfully arguing that liability for the physical sale of alcohol in licensed premises lies with personal, rather than premises, licence holders.

The group is also commended for its training and advisory services, where it counsels on due diligence proceedings and offers an online data management service. A second edition of the licensing handbook written by the firm's leading partners is due to be published this year.

The Lawyers
The group's outstanding duo, Jeremy Allen and Susanna Poppleston, remain firmly at the top of the tree among the national licensing fraternity for their standout presence and reputation as the most experienced and knowledgeable pair in the market. Jeremy Allen "can present a top-notch case in court and in front of licensing boards, his advice is timely and immensely valuable," sources agree. Similarly, Susanna Poppleston is lauded as a "leading light" for her work on behalf of operators across the country. She and Allen are the key directors of the firm's training programme.

Managing partner Jonathan Smith enters the rankings for his "top-drawer advocacy skills" and for "ticking all the right boxes" as a licensing lawyer. "The lack of reviews of our licences is the result of his hard work," clients confirm. Lisa Sharkey is "impressive and knows her stuff" on liquor and late-night licensing and is further praised for handling large accounts for the team.

Betting and gaming specialist James Anderson is recognised as a "standout lawyer" for his work on behalf of local clients. He also handles liquor licensing matters and is another strong player in training licensees and councils.

Clients/Work Highlights
Butlins/Bourne Leisure; Carluccio's; Fuller Smith & Turner; Jarvis Hotels; Little Chef; Luminar Leisure; Mitchells & Butlers; National Union of Students; PizzaExpress; Po Na Na Group; Showcase Cinemas; Tenpin; Young & Co's Brewery and Yo! Sushi.

Rankings
Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked on a scale of 1-6, with an additional "*" ranking for lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field.

Source: www.chambersandpartners.com