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.

Networking: over 50 members turned up to hear Councillor Simon Milton, Leader of Westminster City Council, speak about his Civic Renewal Programme and views on the licensed trade at our Summer Members’ Event and AGM on 2 June. A lively debate ensued and there was an opportunity to network with other retailers. We will be holding a business seminar on the new Licensing Act in the Autumn and a social event hosted by Moet in January. Further details in our next newsletter.

Campaigning: Following a concerted campaign through the public inquiry into Westminster’s proposed planning laws, the WLA managed to force a rethink. The Planning Inspector’s report upheld the Association’s view that the policy was unduly restrictive, of unsound base and unfair in its application to the late night trade. Westminster’s modified proposals are scarcely better and would see licensing hours being controlled through the back door. Our opposition continues – read the latest submission here

Influencing Policy: WLA and Westminster Council have become unlikely allies in lobbying central government for a more realistic timetable for the implementation of the Licensing Act, avoiding the Christmas trading period. It appears that joint pressure has borne fruit, with the Licensing Minister all but ruling out the start of the new regime until February 2005. The stage is now set for the publication of Westminster’s draft licensing policy later this summer. Rest assured that we are ready to fight for members’ interests every step of the way.

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:

• Disabled Access: Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act takes effect on 1 October 2004. With the trade in the firing line for complaints and possible court cases, many consultancies have sprung up – some of them bogus – advising retailers to make major investments to comply. Make sure you are up to date with the actual requirements of the Act by checking out our guide and checklist for action. Our partners, the law firm Radcliffe’s are also available for expert advice.
• Licensing: we have been inundated with e-mails from members asking when they need to start taking action to convert their existing licences and when the new regime will start. The exact details are still far from certain, but our latest timetable will give you the best guideline. We will provide a comprehensive guide to retailers in a special newsletter as soon as things become more certain.
• Door Supervisors: the new licensing arrangements are now being piloted in Hampshire and it is now clear that demand will far outstrip supply with too few people applying for the new licence. This appears to be largely due to a failure to ensure people had the adequate training in time for applications to be made. With London the last area to be licensed, it is vital that existing door staff receive training as soon as possible. The London Chamber of Commerce is holding a Conference on Tuesday 27th July from 5-8pm at St Stephen’s Club. Members wishing to attend should call 020 7203 1811
  

Kate Nicholls
23 Beaconsfield Road
London W5 5JE
tel 07958 796 238