Graeme holds an LLB (Hons) in Law and qualified as a Solicitor in 1996. Graeme joined us as a Solicitor in January 2001 and was made a Partner and Head of Regulatory Crime in April 2005.

Graeme became the firm’s Managing Partner in December 2024.

His experience as a magistrates’ court advocate led to a move to practising licensing law. With his background in criminal law, Graeme heads up the firm’s regulatory crime section and focuses on crimes ancillary to licensing.

This involves crimes related to serving alcohol (underage sales and drunkenness), health and safety, food safety and noise nuisance.

In the Chambers and Partners legal guide Graeme is lauded “wonderful, a trouble-shooter, definitely the most efficient licensing lawyer I’ve met”; and in the Legal 500 Guide Graeme is noted as “reliable, efficient and methodical”.

Graeme represents a number of high profile restaurant operators including:

• PizzaExpress
• Yo!
• Zizzi
• Ask Italian
• Five Guys
• Prezzo
• Burger King

He also does a lot of work for universities and students unions as well as a number of independent clients.

He has been involved in several challenges to the late night levy on behalf of the ALMR and contributes regular licensing articles to the Publican’s Morning Advertiser and other leading industry publications.

Graeme wrote and appeared in a training DVD called ‘Teenage Kicks, the Poppleston Allen Guide to the Prevention for Underage Sales’ and has co-written the definitive pocket guide to the new licensing act, called The 2017 Licensed Trade Guide.

“He is very good. He communicates well, he’s patient and understanding and he responds quickly to our requests.” – Chambers & Partners

“It’s like having God as my co pilot!” – Andre Blais, Director at Bodean’s

“Graeme has supported me on behalf of our Company across a number of regulatory issues – not only does his expertise get results, but these are achieved very personably, with many splashes of good humour – he’s great to work with!” – Rob Hawkesworth, Head of Risk Management at Stonegate Pub Company

“Graeme is excellent in all aspects. He is a trusted adviser.” – Chambers and Partners

“Graeme is very hands on and engaging. If you have a problem, he is always there.” – Chambers and Partners

“Very good at what he does and is very knowledgeable” – Legal 500

“We have been using Poppleston Allen for over 10 years for all our licensing matters. Graeme Cushion and his team have done an excellent job at managing this important aspect of the business. They provide advice and administration to a consistently high standard and have a very positive and pro-active approach.” – Marc Ward, Group Head of Acquisitions at Azzurri Restaurants Limited