Welcome to the May newsletter of 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 new and improved website www.westminsterlicensees.org We believe that the website provides the most effective source of information on issues affecting the licensed trade in Westminster -  with information on new laws, guidance on compliance, and links to free advice from our specialists, together with WLA submissions and policy statements. It is a one-stop-shop to meet members’ needs.

Test Purchasing - Don't be caught out : this week sees the launch of a new round of national test purchasing. The difference between this and previous sting operations is that police and local authorities are explicitly targeting premises with a known problem. The operation will be intensive, intrusive and designed to deliver real results.

A minimum of 20 problem premises in each police area will be visited at least 6 times during the 10 week campaign. If they are found to be selling alcohol to those underage on at least 3 occasions, then the business will be liable for new stringent penalties. A new offence of persistently under age sales carries a £10,000 fine and a 3 month suspension of the licence. Alternatively, you can accept a fixed penalty notice banning the sale of alcohol for up to 48 hours. Launching the scheme, Ministers have stated that they want to see these penalties applied - they are looking for scalps.

Although problem premises will be targeted, others will also be visited. Protect your business by refreshing staff training in this area and reinforcing the penalties applied to the business and them individually if caught selling under-age. Premises may wish to consider adopting and promoting a Challenge 21 policy to encourage staff to ask a wider range of customers for ID and help to develop a due diligence defence.

Smoking: there are now less than 2 months to go to the introduction of a ban on smoking in public places from 6am on Sunday 1 July. Read our advice note to ensure that you, your staff and the business are prepared.

Events:

20th June : Planning Seminar hosted by RadcliffeLeBrasseur at 5 Great College Street. Find out how the Use Classes Order could affect your business. To attend, complete the attached pro forma

25th July: WLA Annual General Meeting and Members’ Event. Details to follow in due course.

For further information on these and other issues, check out our website. For advice and guidance contact the secretary, Kate Nicholls (kate@nlcommunications.co.uk) 07958 796 238

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