Tributes to Jeremy Allen
Many words can describe Jeremy: a visionary, engaging, charming, witty, respected, the list could go on. One thing for sure, he meant something to everyone within Poppleston Allen, whether this be as a father figure, a mentor or a friend, but he was truly an inspiration to all.
Jeremy started Poppleston Allen with Susanna Poppleston 17 years ago and within that time the practice has grown 5 fold.
His knowledge of the industry helped Poppleston Allen to influence not only the development of the Licensing Act 2003 but the leisure industry in general.
He was highly competitive, both for himself, and for his firm and long sighted enough to position Poppleston Allen, with its huge store of knowledge and expertise about the operation of licensed premises and their need to comply with legislation without being strangled by it, at the forefront of licensing reform.
He had a distinctive and charming personality, and an adversarial advocacy talent, both in his early career as a criminal lawyer, and later in licensing forums which made him a formidable opponent.
He inspired great loyalty from both clients and staff alike. Poppleston Allen was, to him, his second family. It was truly a family business; at one time or another all of the family worked at Poppleston Allen. Maggie has only just retired and Jonathan, Charlotte and Nick earned their crust during the summer holidays.
Whilst he had started to work two days a week for the last 15 months, he retained the same passion, vigour and desire to influence any prospective legislative changes for the good of the Industry.
Jeremy continued doing what he loved in taking an active role in the Trade Associations; the British Institute of Innkeepers, British Beer and Pub Association, NOCTIS and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. Only very recently he had been appointed as the Chairman of the Institute of Licensing in recognition of his services to the licensing industry.
He remained at his death, the only star rated licensing solicitor in the country, awarded by his industry peers.
He was not without his faults; incredibly messy (but he could immediately lay his hands on a piece of paper on his desk when asked), stubborn and pig headed at times, for which one loved him. Jeremy thought he was a good driver, a view only endorsed by the garage carrying out the repairs. The sensors on the car got on his nerves so he switched them off and then wondered why there was the occasional bump to his car.
He was very dedicated to his family who, at this time, are together supporting one another. He had seen the birth of his first grandchild and the wedding of his son, Jonathan.
He was immensely proud when six months ago it was announced that Jonathan, his son, was to become an Ambassador to Sofia in Bulgaria at the age of 36.
Jeremy was never going to retire, he lived for his work, the industry and the firm founded in his name.
He was a legend and hero to all the staff and Partners at Poppleston Allen, loved by so many in the trade and respected by so many of the Council and Police Licensing Officers. In the words of one well wisher, "I wanted him in our tent rather than outside it". He taught us to work with authorities whilst always doing the best for the client and the industry as a whole.
There has been mention of "wide spread sadness" at his death, but we should be celebrating Jeremy's life and not mourning his death. He has shaped this firm that now so proudly bears his name and he will forever live in the hearts and minds of all at Poppleston Allen.
To finish with a quote from one Licensing Officer: "I can imagine he is now explaining to St Peter how the rules of life can be made better, and arguing the case for a modest extension of time".
Jeremy
A belated farewell.
I miss your smile, laugh and smirk (when you were succesful).
A doyen of the profession without doubt. I trust you will keep an eye on us from above.
Gone but never, ever forgotten.
Although I never met Mr Allen, I knew him as "the solicitor" in Licensing. Anyone who is involved in the Licensing Legal Sector knows the name Jeremy Allen. I have to say, the book on Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Law has been my bible for some time. Sad sad news.
I first met Jeremy when he represented me at a licensing hearing, which of course he won in great style!
In his own words he was "a smart alec lawyer" & as an operator I learnt so much from him about the politics in the licensing industry & how to play the game.
I'm truly saddened by the news of his passing - he was a great man who I'll never forget.
My sincere condolences to his family & colleagues at Poppleston Allen
I am shocked to hear this very sad news. Although I did not know Mr. Allen personally, I did have cause to contact him once for advice and which was generously provided. His books are also a constant source of superb reference. If I get to be half as good a licensing lawyer as Mr. Allen, I will be many times better than others. Mr. Allen, may you rest in peace and my condolences go to your family and colleagues.
Neil Ireland
Button Legal LLP
Sorry to hear the sad news. I was a former employee at Hunt Dickins in the early 1990s. Condolences to Jeremys family.
I am very shocked and saddened to read the news of Jeremy's passing. Such a true gentleman and professional.
It has been a real pleasure to have worked with him in the past.
Jeremy will be sadly missed. My condolences and prayers to family, friends and colleagues alike.
God bless you and may you now rest in Peace Jeremy.
I have known Jeremy for all 30 years of my professional life - initially when a Clerk in Nottingham during his time as a leading local criminal advocate and then a client when I joined Rank 14 years ago. I will never forget the first contested application we worked on together - which of course Jeremy steered through successfully. As many others have said he was truly inspirational and passsionate in advancing the interestes of the licensed trade. He will be greatly missed.
Jeremy's influence within the trade and the complexities of licensing legislation has been immense and he will be sadly missed.
My condolences to his family and those who worked with him
Much saddended by this news. Jeremy was an honourable opponent in court- an expert who influenced this area of law as well as practising in so skilfully.Deepest sympathy
A huge loss to the licensed trade with someone who had so much knowledge for the trade delivering it in his unique charismatic way that made change happen, my thoughts are with all who loved, worked and played with this truly inspirational man god bless to you all.
A sad loss to a nice guy and a most effective licensing practionier. Always ready to offer advice. RIP & regards to your family
Like everyone I am both shocked and saddened by the news. Jeremy and I were teenage friends, he living in Bulcote and I at the other end of Burton Joyce. We would cycle between our respective houses and live in each other pockets during the school holidays. Jeremy went to Bedales where he excelled as a thespian. He was subsequently offered a scholarship to drama school. Alas he declined and chose the law. He recently commented that he got as much acting as he needed in the Court Room these days. But acting was in his blood. His mother organised the marketing for the Nottingham Playhouse (on its old site)and she and his father were always involved in amateur dramatics. It is not surprising that he was a front of house man exuding those enviable qualities of confidence and self assurance.
Jeremy had a perceptive way of looking at the world. His questions were often piercing going to areas that possibly should be left alone but in a way that was acceptable. They certainly made one think about issues that might have been left alone. But always good company.
A friend and gentleman that I have know for almost 60 years. I will miss him - a lot.
I have just been informed about the sad death of Jeremy.I knew Jeremy when I was a Police Licensing Officer for Notts, what a true professional, awesome to be up against in court but the first to give you advice and guidance if needed. My deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues at work
My first memory of Jeremy was from just before he started the practice with my mother, Susanna Poppleston. It was 1994 and I was only eight. On that occassion he scooped me up and made it possible for me to walk on the ceiling - which I did with a roguish disregard for the paintwork in Hunt Dickens!
Much has been said of his formidable professional output, and rightly so: his record speaks for itself. But it will be moments such as the above, which epitomise his sense of fun and good humour that we will all truly miss him for.
My deepest condolences to his friends, family and everyone at PA.
Very sad news indeed. Jeremy will be missed by his family, friends and the industry as a whole. Sharp as a needle and a gentleman, a formidable foe when against you, a valued friend when with you.
My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Having been employed in the leisure sector and actively involved in the many aspects of licensing matters both with the company and others including the BII in the 80's and 90's, and therefore knowing Jeremy as an excellent legal practitioner and notable adversary, his death has come as a complete shock.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him or knew of him. My sincere condolences to his family.
What a tremendous blow to our industry, He was a stalwart and defender of our trade.
A fountain of knowledge, in my time on the Executive of N.P.W. I can only reminisce of the fun in his explicit answers to a mountain of questions implored on him at our conferences
Once he had interpreted my delinquent accent there would always be excellent advice.
I've known Jeremy Allen for a number of years; he leaves a legacy of a true giant in the licensing industry. A man, who had a unique grasp of pub life, will be sadly missed.
I met Jeremy on a very tricky licensing issue in the early nineties, which I am pleased to say had a positive outcome due to his knowledge approach and experience.
I was familiar with him and the whole team at PA Solicitors throughout my UK career for many years.
He was inspirational in helping me as Operations Director of Riley's see through the whole estates licensing transition during 2005 following the 2003 licensing reform.
A real gentleman whom was always professional with a great sense of humor.
I know he will be sadly missed by his Family, Friends and Colleagues.
Jeremy Allen was held in the highest regard and viewed with the utmost respect by those fortunate to come across him.
In all our dealings with him over many years, when working together, he excelled; when (on occasion) as an opponent, he was formidable; and he was always totally professional and charming. On a personal note, I shall miss his professional friendship and camaraderie.
He is a significant loss and will be sorely missed by us all.
I was totally shocked to hear the news this morning of Jeremy?s death. He was a gentleman, who always spoke with knowledge and authority.
He was a person who deserved the highest level of respect. I will certainly miss his presence at meetings that we used to attend together.
I'm absolutely devastated by the news of Jeremy's death. He was a great friend to me when I was at Noctis and a fabulous advocate for the trade. I valued his advice and his experience enormously. He will be hugely missed by all those who knew him.
Jeremy made a massive contribution to the success and development of the licensed retail industry. He will be missed by many and not least by myself who has come to depend on his advice and support.
Jeremy was an invaluable partner to BIIAB in his contribution to the development and maintenance of the best legal advice relating to our qualifications. I will miss his pragmatism and humour.
He was one of the reasons I chose licensing as a career, a highly regarded and respected gentleman who will be greatly missed.
It was most upsetting to learn of the sudden death of Jeremy, he was always went out of his way to offer the best advice and help people. The industry have lost a truly dedicated and inspirational figure who will be greatly missed, my sincere condolences to his family.
A good guy with the industry at his heart and a fine sense of humour. Condolences to his family.
I was very sorry to hear of the death of Jeremy Allen. I must have known him for almost 20 years, both at BISL and at the BBPA.
My lasting memory of him was prior to the Licensing Act when the Justices Clerks and Magistrates issued national guidance. A series of study days was set up around the country and Jeremy and I were allocated to speak in Leeds at the University. I was rather inexperienced and a group of JPs and their Clerks was rather overawing!
Jeremy looked after me, took me to Leeds, made sure I was in the right place at the right time and coached me on the technical issues I needed to cover.
He was a real Father figure to the industry, but never overbearing. He was thoughtful, kind and so knowledgeable on licensing law
For the BBPA he was a retained consultant who gave Martin Rawlings and I legal advice on a regular basis. He will be very much missed by us all and our thought are with his family and all his colleagues at Poppleston Allen.
A true gent if there ever was one. I was shocked, and still am, when I heard the news earlier today. He gave so much to the industry and was well respected by all. He will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with his family at this very very sad time.
A really lovely man who passed away much too soon. There will be an empty space in this industry for a long while to come.
Jeremy Allen was one of those people for whom the licensed trade was more than just a living, it was a life. I know that he looked at the industry through the prism of the law and the courts but he was always a champion for pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants and their proper, productive place in society. He saw his role as making the law a help, not a hindrance and his advice was always along those lines ? delivered with humour as well as insight. ALMR sends its deepest sympathy to his family and to his colleagues at Poppleston Allen.
The UK licensed retail sector has lost a fine advocate and adviser. He was a true champion and a tower of strength. Undoubtedly one of the if not the most respected licensing lawyers of his generation. He was also a deeply fine human being who was superb company to work with or simply socialise. On a personal note Maggie and Jeremy have always been wonderfully generous and kind to Jools and myself. After such a hard working life, I am deeply saddened that he will not be able enjoy the hedonistic peace and tranquillity of his twilight years that he so richly deserved.
I was surprised and saddened to learn that Jeremy Allen ha passed away.
He was exceptionally talented and always showed total dedication in everything he put his mind to.
At this point in time , my thoughts are with Jeremy's wife and family . my wife and I , offer our sincere condolences to them.
Jeremy will be sadly missed by his profession and everyone who knew him.
May he now rest in peace.
The firm of Poppleston Allen, along with Jeremy Allen, always had time to answer queries or discuss matters related to the trade with licensees that were not necessarily clients. Many a time I have sought advice/information from him and his colleagues and it was always forthcoming. He was a man with a formidable reputation in our industry and will be greatly missed.
My condolences to his family, friends and work colleagues.
An inspiration to anyone that has ever worked within liquor and entertainment licensing, but also a true gentleman, great company and a most valued member of our AQLT alliance. Jeremy will be sadly missed. My condolences to family, friends and colleagues alike.
I worked as Jeremy's PA for three years during licensing reform & all its stresses & strains! I have always held the greatest respect for him & was deeply saddened to hear the news of his death. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family & all his colleagues at Poppleston Allen. I know how greatly he'll be missed by all.
When BEDA was at its best jeremy was at his best many a good debate with the PLCs and he always had time for us independants, i had a 3 day crown court case in harlow and jeremy showed me how to fight in court, a gentlemen and scolar will be sadley missed.
Jeremy wrote many articles and updates for Croner newsletters and books... copy was always late, but always with good humour! The first 'real' person I have worked with from the legal profession, a true sense of fun, wit and the ability to translate legal jargon into plain English.
Truly shocking news. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
From early on in my career Jeremy was always on the other end of the phone for a quote - he worked tirelessly for the trade and will be much missed.
I have had the greatest pleasure and honour of knowing Jeremy for over 10 years through my role in the BII. I have sat in many a meeting where Jeremy has put forward his views, exhibiting such a fantastic passion for this industry, but also showing the professionalism, integrity and loyalty for which he is so well known. He was a licensees champion - no matter how big or small a problem I could always speak to Jeremy direct if one of our members had a problem, day or night, and thanks to him through Poppleston Allen, licensees have access to a huge amount of help and support. He was a true gentleman, totally dedicated to the trade, and had a fantastic sense of humour, he will be missed terribly.
Jeremy Allen was one of the giants among licensing advocates when I first went into law and started to find my feet as a licensing solicitor. I always admired his style, his obvious preparation and his loyalty to his clients.
I remember in particular, as a trainee solicitor, sitting behind Counsel in a licensing hearing in which Jeremy was one of the other advocates. He and James Rankin were kind enough to take me out for an evening meal during the case and regaled me with stories of hearings they had taken part in, again, fuelling my passion for advocacy, the law, and licensees.
Though I have now left the law and gone on to pastures new, I will never forget the influence Jeremy had on my career and send my sincere condolences and prayers to his family and especially to erstwhile licensing solicitor colleagues at Poppleston Allen.
A true gentleman. I had the pleasure of chatting with him in Sheffield on Monday last at an IoL training session. Stunned.
