2023 Jeremy Allen Award for Excellence in Licensing winner announced

Presented at the IoL’s National Training Conference, this award annually recognises an individual who demonstrates excellence in the licensing trade and simultaneously made a notable difference by consistently going the extra mile.

John Miley is no stranger to the world of licensing. With 20 years in the trade, John has been involved in several important initiatives that have helped elevate this vital part of our economy. These include his recently retired role as licensing manager at Broxtowe Borough Council, chair of NALEO, chair of the LGA’s Licensing Policy Forum, vice-chair of the East Midlands branch of the Institute of Licensing, chair of Nottinghamshire Authorities Licensing Group, and inspector of the purple flag scheme and many other initiatives.

He advised the alcohol policy team at the Home Office on many matters including, the Business and Planning Act and age estimations technology. Through NALEO he has been key in driving the safeguarding agenda both in the NTE and taxi licensing. John was instrumental in helping to launch the first county-wide Best Bar None scheme.

Andy Grimsey, solicitor at Poppleston Allen comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to see John Miley take home this year’s award. I have known John for nearly 20 years and his passion towards the trade has always been admirable to watch.”

As a former pub landlord, John wants to support the licensed trade to thrive and always strives to ensure regulation is reasonable and proportionate, but robust enough to keep the public safe.

To highlight his reputation in the industry a sample of quotes from the nomination forms include: “A fountain of knowledge”, “Positive, hardworking, wants to make a difference, and very humble to boot.”, “John is a wonderful person to work alongside, and you couldn’t wish for a nicer colleague.”

It is accurate to say that John embodies everything that the Jeremy Allen Award for Excellence in Licensing seeks to recognise.

About the award

The Jeremy Allen Award was established in 2011 as an ongoing tribute to Jeremy Allen, solicitor and founding member of licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen. The award to anyone working in licensing and related fields and seeks to recognise exceptional practitioners.

Crucially, this award is by 3rd party nomination, which in itself is a tribute to everyone nominated in that they have been put forward by colleagues in recognition and out of respect to their professionalism and achievements.