Budget: last week’s Budget saw significant increases in alcohol excise duty, with significant implications for the licensed retail trade. Find out what the changes mean for you by reading our analysis.
Scores on the Doors: members will be aware of the existing voluntary scheme to make food hygiene ratings available to consumers. Westminster Council has presented a Bill to Parliament with powers to make it a legal requirement in London for all premises serving food to display their more recent food hygiene inspection report and participate in this star rating scheme. The WLA has teamed up with the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers to petition against the proposals and we have submitted comments to the House of Lords. You can download a copy of our petition here.
The Foods Standards Agency has now announced that it will be consulting later this year on proposals to introduce a single nationwide “Scores on the Doors Scheme”. This is likely to be more simplified than the current star rating, with either 3 stars and a fail grade or a pass, improvement required and fail rating as currently being piloted in Scotland. We will be actively involved in the consultation.
Noise: new rules on the exposure of employees to noise in the workplace take effect on 6 April. These rules already apply to most workplaces, but will now be extended to cover the music and entertainment industry – including pubs, clubs bars and restaurants playing live or recorded music. Employers will be required to carry out a noise risk assessment, take steps to minimise exposure if noise levels are high and ensure that legal limits are not breached. For full information, see our website or contact our employment law partner, Clarks Legal.
Planning: The Government intends to increase planning application fees in April – by as much as 25% in some cases. The WLA works with Radcliffe’s LeBrasseur to advise members on planning issues.
Members may be interested to learn that Trevor Standen has recently obtained a planning consent for a change of use to provide a new entrance and queue area for the night club Guanabara in Covent Garden. This will effectively extend capacity by 150. He has also obtained a change of use consent from Westminster for Patisserie Valerie in Piccadilly from a shop to a shop/restaurant sui generis use, and consent for a private member’s jazz club in Soho.
Immigration: This month saw the introduction of a new points based system for work permits - with particular implications for chefs and restaurants. The Home Office has also decided to target the hospitality sector for immigration law enforcement – with a fine of £10,000 per illegal worker and prison if illegal staff are knowingly employed. Make sure your checks and paperwork on staff are all up to date. The WLA works with VisaLogic, a specialist immigration advisory service, to provide free advice and support for members.
