Welcome to the October 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.

Smoking ban: The Government is currently consulting on the draft regulations to implement a smoking ban from next summer. These outlines the conditions which must be met by external facilities or shelters to allow customers to smoke. Do not assume that any outside space is ok to smoke in - many existing awnings and shelters will be required to be smoke free. Our comprehensive briefing note gives you the latest state of play and advice on how to comply. Do not make any investment in external furniture or awnings until you have read it and assessed whether it will be covered by the ban. where customers will be allowed to smoke.

Planning: Westminster Council is also consulting on detailed policies which would effectively prevent new entertainment development across the Borough and see existing operators only gaining permission if they accepted restrictions on capacity or hours. Read our detailed response - we will be fighting this all the way.

A lot of new legislation took effect on 1 October. Make sure you are up to speed with the new requirements to avoid hefty fines.

Noise: The Council now has new powers to issue on the spot fines to managers and DPS's if they fail to ignore warnings about late night noise. As the noise teams will keep the receipts from these fines, we can expect enforcement activity to increase. Read our briefing note to ensure that you and your staff are prepared and avoid being on the receiving end of a hefty fine

Fire: New fire safety laws have seen the abolition of fire certificates. Instead, all premises will be required to carry out a fire safety risk assessment identifying potential hazards and actions to be taken to avoid them. For most operators who had a public entertainment licence, it is unlikely that you will need to change operational practice to comply, but you must have a written assessment available for inspection. Click here to download our 5 point plan.

Tax Stamps: It is now a legal requirement for all spirits and made wines above 30%abv to carry a tax stamp to signify that UK duty has been paid. Retailers will still be able to handle unmarked stock provided it was received into the business before 1 October. However, you must get rid of all unmarked stock by 1 January 2007. Between now and then, you need to monitor stock carefully and minimise exposure to risk. Whilst the most popular lines will sell through the business within 90 days, care will need to be taken over the Christmas trading period, when many slower selling lines will be stocked. Plan your ordering carefully and follow our 3 point plan to avoid a £5,000 fine in January.

 

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