Licensing Hub News Today

Solicitor Felix Faulkner answers your questions around licensing policy in this week's column from Poppleston Allen.

The hospitality industry is in the midst of navigating a very challenging time. The effects of the pandemic and economic challenges have posed unprecedented difficulty for the trade.

In this week's column, Poppleston Allen solicitor Alex Tomlinson answers questions on pavement licences for pubs.

Customers are increasingly choosing low or alcohol-free drinks, with some adopting a moderation strategy of alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during nights out. Researchers indicate that this trend is showing no signs of slowing down.

In the wake of the challenges posed by the pandemic, the hospitality trade saw significant regulatory changes introduced under the Business and Planning Act.

In the latest Q&A with Poppleston Allen, the legal experts tackle the rules around extending trading hours and making a premises larger.

You may have faced some challenges over the festive period with customers or potential customers challenging you or your staff if you have decided to refuse them service or entry and you may now be questioning whether you made the right decision or are worried about receiving complaints.

While I do not profess to be any kind of expert on the behaviour of rodents, I have heard anecdotally that the various lockdowns which we have all experienced may have had a knock-on effect on the rodent population as well.

Bingo, a classic game that has entertained people for generations has found a new and vibrant home in pubs around the UK.

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.