Welcome to the July 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.

MEMBERS EVENT – 25th JULY: we have only got a few places remaining at our next members’ event, so book now to ensure your attendance! You can download a booking form and further details by clicking here.

With presentations from WCC on the implementation of the smoking ban, the first public address from the new head of licensing – Inspector Acheson – and the Met Police’s Project Griffin team on combating the new terrorism threat, it is an event not to be missed. Plus, our legal experts will be on hand to take you through changes in the law over the next 6 months – from Westminster’s new licensing policy, to increases in statutory paid leave and changes to the gaming regime.

Tax treatment of tips: Customs and Excise has issued revised guidance on the tax treatment of tips which clarifies when a PAYE liability arises on them and what employers are legitimately allowed to do in the handling of tips to avoid jeopardising their exemption from this. Click here to read a detailed briefing note on the subject from our employment law partner – Clarks Legal.

Use Classes – what does it mean for you: we recently held a highly successful business seminar on changes to the Use Classes Order. The seminar was presented by Trevor Standen of Radcliffe LeBrasseur, planning consultant to the WLA. The revised Use Classes Order separates pubs and bars from restaurants and other former A3 uses, and this may pose particular problems for hybrid outlets or operators taking over existing uses. A copy of Trevor’s presentation and short overview of the seminar is available through the website.

Smoking: the ban on smoking in public places and workplaces took effect on 1 July. Our website provides detailed advice and guidance to members, handy reminders and top tips for managing the ban together with a sample workplace policy.

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