Jeremy Allen Award for Excellence in Licensing winner announced

On Thursday 17^th November, the Institute of Licensing (IoL) and Poppleston Allen Solicitors announced that Yvonne Lewis of Swansea Council was the 2022 winner of the annual Jeremy Allen Award for Excellence in Licensing.

The Award, presented during the IoL’s National Conference, is given to those individuals who demonstrate excellence in licensing and who have made a notable difference by consistently going the extra mile.

Nick Arron, partner and head of gambling at Poppleston Allen comments: “I am absolutely delighted that Yvonne has won this year’s Award.

Not only has Yvonne dedicated almost 30 years of her life working directly in licensing, but she is also involved in several important initiatives that help continuously develop this vital part of our economy and to enhance the links between all parties involved licensing. For instance, on top of her licensing day job, Yvonne sits on the Wales Licensing Expert Panel, is IoL regional Chair of Wales and was part of the Wales Hospitality Group; which led the industry and regulators through the Covid pandemic. This role cannot but underestimated as Yvonne was involved in shaping the legislation and guidance in Wales, satisfying the ever-changing public health situation and feeding back the concerns of licensing colleagues.

But in addition to her unquestionable commitment to licensing, and something that really stood out in the nominations received, which was the number of times people remarked on Yvonne’s personality. Time and time again words such as approachable, dedicated, helpful, likable and always available were used.

In a nutshell, Yvonne epitomises everything that the Jeremy Allan 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.