Welcome to the June 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. The next edition of the newsletter will be dedicated to an update on licensing, with advice on TENs, private entertainment and top tips for operators and managers.

World Cup - safe and successful: The start of the World Cup and the return of good weather should help to boost summer trading - here are our top tips to help you make the most of it.

TENs: Submit a temporary event notice for the latter stages of the competition to allow for later trading or additional entertainment. Whilst most matches are not shown late, the final is on a Sunday and may encroach on normal licensing hours if it runs over. The police are generally objecting to TENs during the early stages, but are unlikely to do so for the final. You need to submit the notice 10 working days in advance to both council and police - consider submitting on a Friday as the police only have 48 hours to object.

Is it licensable?: You don't need permission to show live TV - it is not a licensable activity. Nor is consumption, so customers will be able to celebrate beyond permitted hours providing the alcohol is bought beforehand and conditions relating to opening times are observed.

Security: Schedule sharper members of staff to floor duties to act as eyes and ears and spot the early signs of trouble. Most security activity is focused on controlling admissions, but managing activity inside the premises is just as important. Our security checklist provides more advice.

 

Door Staff: There still appears to be much confusion on the ground over the licensing arrangements for door staff, with some police and licensing inspectors insisting that bar managers need to be licensed and badged. There have even been cases where the police have threatened to close the premises on these grounds. It is clear that operators need definitive guidance, and here it is:

Bar managers, pub or club owners/operators, area managers and company directors only require a full licence if they themselves carry out door supervisory duties

They will require a non-front line licence if they or their company employ door supervisors direct rather than through an agency. This licence is for supervisory duties only and reflects the fact that these individuals are in managerial control of door staff.

No licence is required if they or their company use contracted in door supervisors and they themselves do not work the door.

Other jobs which specifically do not require a licence include theatre and cinema ushers, waiters, membership inspectors, glass collectors.

This advice comes from the Security Industry Authority and you can download it here.

 

Smoking: The House of Commons voted earlier this year to ban smoking in all public places, including private members clubs and all pubs and bars. Although the ban is now a done deal, there is much that remains uncertain and operators need to be wary of acting ahead of legal clarity. Here we provide a round up of the main issues to bear in mind:

Timing: There has been much comment about when the ban will take effect, with Summer 2007 being widely touted. The Government has remained cagey, however, and the timing of the introduction of the ban will be dependent upon the necessary legislation being put in place. With the proposals being controversial and being bogged down in debate, this date may be optimistic and could be pushed back further.

External areas: The biggest area of uncertainty. The ban will apply to all "enclosed and substantially enclosed" spaces. This means that external facilities in beer gardens, private forecourts or on the street may not necessarily escape the ban. Separate detailed regulations will be published setting out how covered areas such as canopies and umbrellas will be dealt with in terms of the ban. Licensees should avoid making investment decisions in these areas until these regulations are published to avoid creating an external shelter which is required to be smoke free.

Planning: If you want to create outside facilities for smokers, don't forget that they may need planning permission. Start talking to the planners now to gague their views of your proposals.

 

Members Event: Date for your diaries

The WLA Annual General Meeting and Members' event will be held on WEDNESDAY 26TH JULY FROM 3-5PM AT HERCULES PILLARS, GREAT QUEEN STREET. 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