Suraj Desor graduated from the University of King’s College London with a Law degree (LLB) and received a distinction in the Legal Practice Certificate prior to joining Poppleston Allen, where he trained and qualified as a Solicitor in 2014.

As an alcohol and entertainment licensing Solicitor with years of experience, Suraj can help you with your licensing requirements and assist with finding solutions to any licensing related issues you may have.

Suraj acts for a wide range of clients from individuals and independents to national operators with multiple sites including leading major pub and restaurant chains, entertainment venues, wine retailers, hotels, late night operators, developers and online alcohol delivery and food businesses.

Suraj advises on all aspects of premises licensing law, including:

• licensing requirements on acquisition of a premises including undertaking due diligence, licensing clauses in agreements and leases
• new premises licence applications and variation through to challenging reviews, appeals and appearing at contested licensing hearings to represent you and representing your interests in meetings with responsible authorities and police

• complex licensing applications in difficult areas – Suraj has achieved notable success in obtaining new premises licences and material variations in towns and cities with a cumulative impact policy in place where there is a presumption to refuse such applications,

Suraj also provides advice in relation to weights & measures and consumer protection from unfair trading legislation and its impact on licensed operators.

Where clients, stakeholders and local authorities require training in relation to licensing, Suraj can deliver that training for you including practical and interactive licensing committee training on processes and decision-making.

Suraj Desor is a regular contributor to the trade press including the trades key national magazine and work with various stakeholders and trade bodies within the industry. He is the author of various Poppleston Allen trade guides, articles, blogs and research surveys and reports, including surveys on the Late Night Levy and cumulative impact policies, which have been widely referenced in the trade and national press.

“Dealing wit Suraj and the licensing team has been a real pleasure from start to finish. I accessed Personal Licence training through Poppleston Allen and obtained my Personal Licence after a very informative day of training and an exam that I had been thoroughly prepared for. 

“When it came to the Premises Licence application, Suraj explain the process clearly and helpfully and the terms of the retainer were explained properly so that there were no nasty surprises! Following Suraj’s advice, I opted for him to consult with the various statutory bodies involved with the application prior to its submission and this proved to be a very sensible move.

“My application was handled carefully and efficiently by Suraj and his team and was successful. I felt reassured and supported throughout the process and would not hesitate to recommend Poppleston Allen to friends and family.” – Craft House Cafe Ltd 

“Many thanks to Poppleston Allen and Suraj Desor for the smooth and professional work in obtaining our Premises Licence for Rough Trade Liverpool. We can’t wait to start trading at our forthcoming venue bar on Hanover Street in the spring.” – Rough Trade

“Poppleston Allen and in particular Suraj did an outstanding job for us. Handled our licence application efficiently and thoroughly and most importantly go the outcome we wanted.

“But what impressed me the most and why I would recommend them to anyone is that Suraj showed initiative and a real can do attitude, going above and beyond to make sure we overcame any hurdles and remained on track I’m very happy with their service and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.” – Good Pair Days

“We’ve asked Suraj to support us with a new licence application on two occasions. His advice has always been very clear, needing to fully understand the business in unusual circumstances. Suraj dealt with queries and challenges in a very prompt way and always kept us up to date with progress.” – Axed Global

“Suraj Desor, Lisa Sharkey and Jonathan Smith are our key solicitor contacts and all provide an outstanding and trusted service. All are unique in their ways of working but still work to the same Poppleston Allen standards and ethic. Whoever we work with, consistency and excellence is guaranteed.” – The Legal 500

“Lisa Sharkey and Suraj Desor are our daily contacts. They give excellent service in response, quality of advice and completion of matters.” – The Legal 500