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. More information on these and other topics is available on our website www.westminsterlicensees.org

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. If you don't, you will not be able to continue to trade after November. That means you now have just over 100 days to apply. 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. Download all the info you need from our website.

We recently met with Westminster Council to discuss the application process and they have only received a handful of applications to date. We are working with them to publicise the changes throughout the trade. WCC are adopting a pragmatic approach and will work with operators before an application is submitted to make sure that it meets the minimum legal requirements - particularly in respect of the accompanying plans. If you are unsure how to fill in the form, contact us or speak to Chris Roe or Philip Doyle at WCC.

Campaigning for your interests: since 11th April it has been a new legal requirement for all doorstaff in London to be licensed by the Security Industry Authority. However, as you may have read in the trade press, insufficient numbers have applied and there has been considerably delay in processing the applications of those who have submitted applications. As a result, few doorstaff meet the new legal requirements. The WLA has lent its support to a national campaign to resolve this situation - working with BEDA, BBPA and ALMR - and has had some success at a London level in coming up with a compromise solution.

The Metropolitan Police and SIA have agreed to adopt an 8 week period of grace before enforcing the new legislation. Any doorstaff who can prove they have completed their training and submitted their application will be immune from prosecution during this time. The period of grace also effectively means that those who have yet to submit an application have an additional period of time to do so. After 6th June, unlicensed doorstaff will be prosecuted and the venues who employ them may also be penalised. Members should take action now to ensure that they will not be trading illegally. Speak to your security providers to obtain due diligence defence.

Advising Members: The Inland Revenue has recently published revised guidance on the tax treatment of tips and gratuities - members who operate a tronc should read on to ensure that their arrangements are legal and benefit from new flexibility. The new advice clarifies that employers will be able to make deductions for credit card commissions or breakages before transferring tips to the troncmaster without jeopardising their exemption from NIC liabilities. This new advice does not change the law relating to the tax treatment of tips and gratuities, it merely provides some additional flexibility. This remains a very complex matter. Members operating troncs would be advised to discuss this with the Inland Revenue, particularly if they have been assessed or received a compliance visit on NIC liability within the past year.

Members Event: Date for your diaries ...
The WLA Annual General Meeting and Members' event will be held on WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY FROM 4 - 6PM. With guest speakers, an update on Association activity and networking with colleagues, it is your chance to influence your association - it is an event not to be missed.

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