Alex Tomlinson is a solicitor specialising in alcohol licensing and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on the quick service restaurant (QSR), fast food and wider food-led hospitality sectors.

He qualified as a solicitor in November 2023, having joined Poppleston Allen in 2017 as a sandwich placement student while studying at Nottingham Trent University.

Alex works closely with a number of major national QSR brands, including Burger King, Five Guys, Wingstop, German Doner Kebabs and KFC, advising on the licensing requirements that support their day-to-day operations, new openings and ongoing expansion.

His experience in the QSR sector means Alex understands that licensing advice needs to be commercially focused and responsive to the realities of operating a large, fast-paced estate.

He works closely with operators to understand their business objectives and provides practical advice on licensing applications, variations, premises licence requirements, Temporary Event Notices and other licensing matters.

Alex has particular experience in helping established brands navigate the licensing requirements associated with operating multiple sites, while ensuring that advice is proportionate, commercially practical and aligned with the operator’s wider business plans.

Alongside his QSR work, Alex has a strong understanding of the pub and wider leisure sector, working with major operators including Young’s and Fuller’s. He has experience advising pub operators on licensing matters and defending reviews of premises licences, helping businesses protect their licences and minimise disruption to their operations.

Alex combines a detailed understanding of licensing law with a strong appreciation of how licensed businesses operate in practice. He prides himself on being approachable, commercially minded and focused on finding solutions that work for his clients.

“Fantastic service, great communication, and outstanding results. Alex and the PA team have a proactive approach to complex matters, act with a high level of professionalism, and overall, they are pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others” – Danny Harris, Head of Property, Burger King

“We are long time clients of Poppleston Allen and recently submitted a major variation on one of our premises licence. This was our first time working with Alex who went over and above to liaise with the licensing police. We had some very restrictive historic conditions on our licence. Alex managed to negotiate their removal. We also achieved a later licence for venue. The whole process was very smooth as Alex took care of everything. We are very pleased with Alex’s efforts and very much look forward to working with him again.” – Nick Pistolas, Willoughbys Stamford 

“Alex and Poppleston Allen provide a best-in-class service and have become trusted advisors. Regularly impressed with their strong mix of attention to detail/technical knowledge and commercial understanding.” – Marc Sherman, Head of Property, UK – Five Guys

“I’m really impressed with the experience I had with Alex. From start to finish, everything was handled professionally and with great attention to detail. He made the whole process easy and stress-free, and the final result was even better than I expected.” – Derryn Nel, Head of Operations, Holy Carrot

“Fantastic service from Alex at Poppleston Allen. He was very knowledgeable which put me at ease from our first phone conversation, got on with things straight away so I didn’t need to chase him up at all, he was a pleasure to work with, and would not hesitate to use him again in the future.” – Kirton Leisure Centre