About Us
How We're Viewed by Others
The Chambers UK Guide 2010
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 2010 guide.
Poppleston Allen - Midlands: Licensing
The Firm
Seen as top for licensing and recognised as operating "one of the very best licensing practices not only in Nottingham but in the country".The 10 strong team has continued to strengthen its liquor and entertainment practice while further developing the betting and gaming side, and the firm's London office has undoubtedly boosted the practice by attracting instructions from Laurel Pub Company and the Barracuda Group and a number of indepedent operators. Other significant client wins for this niche firm include Majestic Wine Warehouses, the biggest wine retailer in the UK. On the back of its work for Pizza Express, the firm won the entire liquor licensing business for Gondola Holdings: It now acts for 200 Ask and Zizzi outlets.
In addition, the new Gambling Act brought instructions from new clients in the areas of arcades, bingo and betting. The group's genuinely national scope is emphasised by the fact that lawyers have been involved in applications to every single local authority in England and Wales.
The Lawyers
Jeremy Allen, the only star rated Solicitor in the England and Wales, remains firmly at the top of the tree among the national licensing fraternity. He "remains a big name in the field" and has a wealth of experience when it comes to advising trade associations on various licensing acts.Managing Partner, Jonathan Smith, is acknowledged for his specialisation in premises and late night licences. Lisa Sharkey is lauded for her "effective advice" and is recognised for her work with Mitchells & Butlers.
Betting and gaming specialist James Anderson is recognised for having a "deep knowledge" of the gaming industry. He also handles liquor licensing matters and is another strong player in training licensees and councils.