Welcome to the October 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 – 14th November 2.30pm-5.30pm, Henrietta Street

In association with our employment law partner – Clarks Legal – we are holding a ‘must attend’ small, interactive, employment law seminar next month. Aimed at small, independent businesses, particularly those without a dedicated Human Resources Department, the seminar aims to provide managers with an overview of employment law, highlight the key issues you need to be aware of in running a labour intensive business and advise on HR best practice to get the most out of your people.

The event is aimed primarily at operations managers in smaller companies and outlet general managers, but is open to all. Attendance is free to WLA members (£70 for non-members), but spaces are strictly limited. To book your place and find out more details click here.

Licensing Policy: Westminster Council has published its revised policy on licensing. To learn the latest on the Stress Areas, the treatment of hotels and restaurants and children in bars, Click here to read our definitive briefing note and our submission in response. We are working with the national trade bodies to challenge Westminster’s policy and will be raising members’ concerns at the next meeting of the Westminster Entertainment Forum.

Annual Paid Leave: the law changed on 1 October to give all workers a right to 4.8 weeks annual leave (24 days for full time workers, pro rata for part timers). Statutory leave will increase again in April 2009. Make sure you are complying with the law by reading our briefing note or visiting www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=806

Cigarette machines: the legal purchasing age for cigarettes was increased to 18 from 1 October 2007. If you sell tobacco products from behind the bar or via a vending machine, make sure you stay legal by updating your notices and staff training. Test purchasing operations on cigarette vending machines have been carried out in other London Boroughs.

Counter Terrorism: the Metropolitan Police have asked us to distribute details of an event they are holding on Wednesday 17th October considering counter terrorism solutions for the night time economy. Download an invitation to the event here

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