Poppleston Allen, the UK’s leading law firm, has been featured across the media three times in three weeks.

Firstly, on 30th April, licensing Partner James Anderson was featured in the regional press for his advice to Market House in Reading. The premises, which have been open since July 2019, consist of two bars, a street food kitchen, and activities including karaoke, shuffleboard and table tennis. It also has a 23-bedroom hotel. Its operating company applied to extend licensing hours for selling alcohol and playing music until 1am, with a full closure at 1.30am from Wednesday to Saturday during the week. 

The extension received representations (objections) from a company that owned a nearby building consisting of 33 luxury apartments. After hearing arguments from both sides at the hearing, the Councillors decided to grant the application at the sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, April 29.

Secondly, on May 7th, licensing Partner Jonathan Smith was interviewed for an article called “Things are Looking Up for London’s Nightlife”. The article was focused on the potential new licensing powers for London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, where he might be able to "call in" licensing applications in areas deemed to be of strategic importance for the night-time economy.

And finally, on May 15th, legal executive Nick Landells received regional media coverage for his work with Marton Mere Holiday Park in Blackpool, owned by Haven Leisure Ltd.

Poppleston Allen licensing solicitors had applied to vary the Premises Licence used at the Owner’s Exclusive Lounge on the site. The variation included:

  • Adding the sale of alcohol from 11am to 11pm on Monday to Sunday in the external area of the premises
  • Adding the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 11am to 2am to match the hours that alcohol for consumption on the premises is already permitted, and
  • Updating the conditions attached to the Premises Licence, including permitting non-caravan owners to access the external areas of the premises.

However, the variation application received representations (objections) from residents who were concerned about late night noise and antisocial behaviour. After the hearing, the Blackpool licensing committee agreed the premises licence variation as applied for.