Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Westminster Licensees Association - providing a round up of the latest news, the top issues affecting trade in Westminster and the vital information you need to run your business effectively. We continue to be active on your behalf and once again have a number of lobbying successes to report.

Campaigning: members will be aware that Westminster Council had been proposing to introduce new late night and Sunday car parking charges in the West End. The WLA was quick to take action to nip this idea in the bud - arguing that it would be more damaging to trade than the congestion charge. Last month, Westminster confirmed it had been shelved stating that "the last thing business needs at the moment is another deterrent to visiting central London".

Influencing Policy: the WLA is poised to influence the shape of Westminster's new licensing policy following the adoption of Guidance to the new Licensing Act by Parliament later this year. The Council has confirmed that it will first liase with the WLA to ensure that the views of local licensees are taken into account at this crucial time. Check out our website for further information on the Act, the timetable for implementation and action to take.

We are also actively involved in shaping the new draft Action Plan for Covent Garden. If you have an outlet in this area, read our guide to the Council's proposals and help us frame our response.

Advising Members: we are committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible advice and guidance to members on issues affecting the trade in Westminster. Make sure you check out our website for the most up-to-date analysis and information on the following new policy developments:

- Planning: the Government is changing the nature of A3 use, to further restrict pub and bar development. Click here to find out what it will mean to your business and the actions you should be taking now

- Licensing: the Government has confirmed that the February Brewster sessions will go ahead as planned so make sure you renew your liquor licence to guarantee grandfather rights. Take this opportunity to review your existing terms and conditions and make an application now to amend them if you do not want to carry them over into the new regime.

- Gambling: a new Bill will see a relaxation of the controls surrounding casinos, bingo clubs and betting office but no change to pub and bar AWP machines. To find out what the changes will mean for you, click here for an overview of the proposals

- CCTV: if you have a CCTV system, make sure you read this to find out the standards the police will expect your system to meet - essential guidance if your licence conditions require CCTV

- Stamp Duty: new rules came into effect on 1 December effectively increasing stamp duty on leasehold transactions tenfold. Click here for an overview of the new tax.

- Labour's Big Conversation: the Labour Party has launched a major new consultation exercise on issues which may be included in the next Election Manifesto. They are asking for people's views on a range of policies and specific questions include - should late night entertainment businesses contribute to police costs; should local authorities be given the power to introduce smoking bans; and should there be a levy on alcohol advertising. Log on to www.bigconversation.org.uk if you want to get involved.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: The next WLA Members' Event will be held on Tuesday 27th January from 4-6pm at Café de Paris. Guest speakers from Westminster Council, the Greater London Authority and Soho Society will debate whether London's transport system really delivers the needs of the late night economy. It will coincide with the launch of the WLA's new campaign for extended tube running hours. It will be chance to hear first hand about the work of your association and meet colleagues in the industry. It is an event not to be missed - please click here if you want to attend.