Licensing Reform: remember
all existing operators will need to apply to convert their existing
licences to new personal and premises licences by 6 August 2006. That
means you now have only 150 days to get the paperwork in to Westminster
City Council. This applies not only to PEL holders but also restaurants,
pubs, theatres, cinemas and clubs and applies even if you have recently
renewed your existing permissions. The onus is on you to make the
application - you are unlikely to be prompted to do so or sent an
application form, so download all the information you need to make
your application from our website.
The Government has still
to make application forms available in a Word format, but we have
updated them so that they can be completed electronically. The Form
A and B is used to convert and vary a premises licence, and the
individual
Form is used for personal licence applications. These forms
are the only information you need to provide.
Campaigning for your
interests: You may have read in the trade and local press that
Westminster City Council is promoting a new Bill in Parliament on
behalf of all London local authorities to give it the power to introduce
a local ban on smoking in all workplaces. If adopted the Bill could
be in place by early 2006 and would effectively derail the Government's
proposals for a partial ban since it would apply to all licensed premises
and members' clubs. Westminster has said that it has no intention
of proceeding with a ban but the threat remains a real one.
The WLA is actively involved
in petitioning against this Bill proceeding, and has lodged a formal
objection with the House of Lords which will be heard when the Bill
is debated in mid March. We are concerned that the proposal would
have an adverse effect on trade, particularly as some local authorities
will implement it and not others. You can read our objections and
a copy
of our legal petition against the Bill here.
Influencing Policy: one of the WLA's central lobbying objectives
for 2004/05 was to campaign for later running of the tube at the weekend.
We succeeded in ensuring that this was a key issue during the Mayoral
election and now Transport for London has launched a formal public
consultation on extended running until 1.30am. The WLA will be submitting
a formal response, but it is vital that we ensure as many operators
and individuals respond positively to these proposals as possible
to ensure a successful outcome. You can make your views known by logging
on to www.tfl.gov.uk
Advising Members: we are committed to ensuring that we provide
the best possible advice and guidance to members on all aspects of
their business. This month our planning adviser, Trevor Standen of
Radcliffe's LeBrasseur provides a round up of the latest changes to
affect planning.
