Welcome to the Christmas 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 would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a happy Christmas and profitable New Year.

Scores on the Doors: members with food-led outlets need to be aware of a new initiative by the London Assembly to apply star ratings to all food premises inspected since 1 January 2006. Inspected premises are graded on the basis of their compliance with food hygiene and safety law and range from no stars to five stars. These star ratings are publicly available – to customers and potential visitors through www.yourlondon.gov.uk. The scheme is aimed at those wanting to visit a restaurant, but could clearly be used by residents and others in licence review proceedings.

The stars are based on the assessment of the EHO when they visited the premises and focus on food hygiene and safety practices, structure and facilities and confidence in management. In the public’s mind, however, a star rating is intrinsically linked with quality of offering.

The problem is that these star ratings are simply a snapshot in time and reflect the position as at the last inspection only. The restaurant will be stuck with the score until the next scheduled visit, irrespective of any improvements made in the meantime. So a premises could be considered 5 star if assessed today, but it labelled as failing on the basis of an inspection report carried out in 2006. The scheme is confusing, unclear and patently unfair on operators – with the focus on complaint and punishment. We will continue to monitor and lobby to ensure a more equitable approach.

Introduction of a points based system for UK immigration: Next year, the Government will be overhauling the current system of work permits and introducing a points based system. This will have particular implications for chefs and the hospitality trade generally, and is already starting to have an impact. This is why WLA has joined forces with VisaLogic, a specialist immigration advisory service, to provide free advice and support for members. Read their attached briefing note together with advice on the latest employment Code of Practice from our HR advisers, Clarks Legal.

MEMBERS EVENTS: The WLA works with a network of suppliers and business support services to bring you a range of free seminars providing information and advice on strategic and operational matters.

Our legal advisers, Jeffrey Green Russell, will be hosting a licensing and gambling seminar from 4-6pm on 6 February 2008 to provide an update on changes to the licensing regime and Westminster’s licensing policy. Click here to reserve your place.

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