Solicitors take time at the bar

As part of the Institute of Licensing’s (IoL) third National Licensing Week, Jonathan Smith and James Anderson of leading licensing firm Poppleston Allen, teamed up with national operator Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) to get some hands on experiences as bar staff.

Jonathan, partner at the licensing firm, and associate Sarah worked behind the bar at M&B’s Browns site in the centre of Nottingham to mark the now annual event. During their time at the bar and restaurant they made cocktails and coffee, poured pints and served customers.

James said: “It was a really interesting experience for us. The whole team at Browns were really helpful and without their patience, there’s no way Jonathan and I could have made the cocktails that were ordered – they’re a lot more intricate than you might think”.

Jonathan added: “The bit that made me nervous was serving drinks at tables. Without the advice on how to balance drinks on my tray from general manager Emmy Mills, I’m sure they would have ended up on the floor not the table! And I just don’t know how people manage serving when the bar is packed – it was hard enough on a Monday lunch time.”

“I give licensing advice everyday but this sort of experience gives me a glimpse into the real life of premises.”

National Licensing Week provides a platform for licensing practitioners to get involved and celebrate the role of licensing in everyday lives.

It celebrates all “players in the field”, including councils and police.

Awareness is being raised this week through job swaps and by recognising schemes such as Pub Watch, Business Improvement Districts and Best Bar None.

For further details contact Carl Weston, head of marketing and business development on 0115 953 8500 or email c.weston@popall.co.uk