Tulkinghorn is worried that he may not be able to enjoy a few pints at his favourite watering holes come summer, as it seems even specialist licensing solicitors don’t understand the new Licensing Act.

Ignorance of the nuances of the new legislation extends as far as those leading lights of the licensing world Poppleston Allen. “As a firm, we have a large number of licensing lawyers, yet we find it difficult to interpret the [Licensing] Act and regulations with any degree of certainty,” said managing partner Jeremy Allen.

Now that is worrying.

Poppleston Allen blames the late release of the regulations, complex forms and guidance notes, licensee apathy and general confusion.

Tulkinghorn is sure he speaks for many a social drinker when he says: “Come on guys, sort your act out.”