FAQs

How can I renew my BII membership?

You can renew your membership in a number of ways.

• By far the most cost effective is via Direct Debit, which can be as much as £10 cheaper each year.  If you wish to renew by Direct Debit please call Membership Services on 01276 684449, and they will send a Direct Debate mandate to you, or click here to print out a Direct Debate mandate. 
• You can renew by credit card over the telephone.  Simply call the freephone payment line 0800 783 9794 (open Monday-Friday, 
  9-5pm) with your credit card details.
• Or you can pay by sending acheque or postal order to:
  Membership Services
  BII
  FREEPOST SP114
  Wessex House
  80 Park St
  Camberley
  Surrey
  GU15 3BR

What do I do if I change banks?

• You will need to complete a new Direct Debit mandate for the new account. Please see ‘How do I renew?’ or click here.  

What happens if my membership lapsed a while ago?

• It is simple to reinstate it, by calling our freephone payment line 0800 783 9794 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm.) You will be told how much to pay and can confirm how you would like to pay.
• If your membership has been lapsed for less than 12 months there is a £5.88 administration fee to pay, along with your annual subscription.
• If you have been lapsed for more than a year you will have to pay a one-off joining fee as well as your subscription.  
• If you have been lapsed for more than 2 years and are a Full Member (MBII) or above, you may need to undertake an in-house assessment (if you are involved in the day-to-day supervision of premises licensed for the sale of alcohol.)

How do I know if you have my correct details on your database, and how do I change them if not?

• By calling our Membership Services Department, on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) they will be able to confirm all your details - and update them if necessary. Alternatively, you can update your details on the Members' Only section of www.bii.org - click here to log on to Members' Only

What do I do if I am not getting my magazine?

• Please call the Membership Services Department, on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and they will confirm your mailing address and personal details - and update them if necessary. 
• Or check your details at the Members Only site to ensure we have the right postal details for you - click here to log on to Members' Only.
  
• If you are a partner member, you will not be receiving your own copy of BIIBUSINESS.  However, should you wish to come off the partner membership and become a member in your own right, so that you do receive your own copy, we can easily organise this.  Simply call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

I have lost my card/certificate/lapel pin – can I have another one?

• Yes, simply call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and ask for a replacement.  Remember to have your membership number to hand.

I am retiring, but would still like to remain a BII member, can I pay less?

• Yes.  We have a retired member subscription of £20.45 + VAT on Direct Debit ,and £22.40 + VAT for cheque or credit card renewal.  To take advantage of this, simply call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm).

Why is my wife’s subscription less than mine?

• Many of our members enjoy partner membership. This makes more sense where two members work in the same premises and only need to receive one magazine. The partner receives all the other benefits and pays 25% less on subscription.

My wife wants to join…. can my son also join and pay less too?

• Yes.  New rules allow you to have more than one 'partner' at a premises (up to a maximum of five individuals at one premises.)
• However, please remember, under the partner deal, only one copy of the magazine (BIIBUSINESS) is sent to the premises, to the main member.

What do I do if I am leaving the trade?

• You can still remain a BII member, even if you have retired from the trade.  If you wish to keep in contact with us, and what's going on in the industry, simply call Membership Services to request you are put on our 'retired rate'.  This will ensure that you continue to receive BIIBUSINESS and stay up-to-date with all the industry goings on. 
• If, however, you wish to resign your membership, simply contact the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm).

Am I eligible to upgrade?

• There are several grades of membership available within BII, the highest of which is Fellow (FBII). Companion membership (CMBII) is by invitation only.
• Membership grades are based on points gained from qualifications and experience:
  • Please click here to view a table of current qualifications which attract 'membership eligibility points' .
  • Please click here to view a table of relevant sector experience which attracts 'membership eligibility points'.  
    
  • Alternatively, call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and we will be happy to go through the eligibility of the different grades with you.

I have a complaint about a benefit provider.

• We are always keen for feedback about member benefits – we can then ensure we are giving our members the best value for money. If you have any feedback, good or bad, please forward details to vicky@bii.org, or write to:
  Vicky Jackson
  Head of Membership Services
  BII
  Wessex House
  80 Park St
  Camberley
  Surrey
  GU15 3PT

How do I contact the chairman of my local region or get involved at regional level?

There are 16 regional BII councils across the UK who are always keen to attract new council members, and for members to become more actively involved.

• To find the regional chairman of your area, click here and select which area you are interested in.  
• Or, look in the regional pages of the latest issue of BIIBUSINESS.

How do I know when my nearest regional event is?

• Please click here to view the future events, for your and other BII regions.

Can I transfer my membership to my son/daughter as I am now retiring?

• Unfortunately as BII membership is for the individual, we cannot transfer membership records. However, it is very simple for us to set up a new membership record and for a new person to join - call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm).

Why do I need to complete a DD mandate for myself and my wife if both subscriptions are coming out of the same account?

• Banks require a reference number for all transactions. This is your membership number. As you are both individual members with different membership numbers, we need a mandate against both records, for when we request 2 subscriptions.

Where is my VAT receipt?

• Your VAT receipt is normally placed inside your member benefits book - which is sent to you with your membership certificate and joining or renewal information.
• If you require another one please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and we will send you a new copy.

Can I have a copy of BIIBUSINESS that had a particularly interesting article in it?

• We have back copies of the magazine and you can request one of these from our publisher Graham White by emailing him at graham@bii.org
• We are also investigating the possibility of uploading electronic versions of BIIBUSNESS onto the Members' Only area on the website, along with a search facility.  Details about this facility, once available, will be published in future editions of BIIBUSINESS, so watch this space.

I renewed/joined recently and still haven’t received my pack.

• If you have not yet received your 'New member' or 'renewal' pack please do give us a call or send us an email to membership@bii.org
• We will look into why this might be and contact you to let you know why you may not have received it. Sometimes it may be because you are waiting to have your pub assessed, and sometimes it may be because there has been a slight delay in receiving your initial paperwork and payment through the FREEPOST system (which can take longer.)

When will my subs be taken by Direct Debit?

• We will always notify you in writing at least 10 working days before we take any money by Direct Debit. We take Direct Debits on the 2nd of a month (or the nearest working day after).

What do I need to do to display the BII logo?

• The BII corporate logo cannot be used by members, but we have a special member logo for you to use.
• The member logo is only available to qualified practising licensed retailing members of BII - who may use the logo on menus, stationery, leaflets etc. to promote to their customers that they are members of their professional membership body. 
• NB The BII member logo is for use only by the qualified practising licensed retailer in the licensed outlet, and on promotional material relating to that licensed outlet/or outlets that are run/owned by the said licensed retailer.
• The logo can be emailed to you, or sent on disc. If you wish to request the logo please email membership@bii.org

How do I register my premises on Pubsearch?

• Visit www.biipubsearch.co.uk, or click here, and follow the on screen instructions.

Can I have the client code for the Legal Helpline Number?

• This is on the back of your membership card. If you have mislaid your card please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) and we will check your membership status and provide you with the number and code over the telephone.
• Alternatively, the details are given in the Members' Only area of www.bii.org - click here to log on to Members' Only.
  

Where can I get information on employment contracts?

• By visiting www.myhrdept.co.uk, or click here .  There are preferential rates for BII members.

Why is my old BIIAB National Certicate for Licensees qualification not valid anymore?

• The Licensing Act 2003 changed the rules and regulations surrounding the retail sale of alcohol. Any old qualification such as the BIIAB National Certificate for Licensees is not valid any longer because it relates to the old law.
• Individuals who wish to become a personal licence holder must take the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders  - click here for more information about this qualification.

I have had a renewal letter, but thought I was paying by DD?

• It may be that we have received notification from your bank informing us that you have cancelled the instruction or that you have changed banks.
• If you call the freephone payment line on 0800 783 9794 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) we will confirm why your mandate is no longer active, and should you wish to continue paying by Direct Debate we can send you another mandate to complete.

Why has my membership lapsed, I thought my employer was paying it every year?

• There are some companies who pay for the first year of membership as part of a package for new licensees. There are no pub companies who pay year-on-year for licensees direct to BII, although some do allow licensees to claim it back – but you will need to check with your BDM/area manager if this is the case with your company.

I have a problem with my pub co what do I do? Can you represent me?

• BII is not a trade body or union, and therefore we do not represent licensees against their employer. However, we do have a number of benefits aimed to help you:
  •  the legal helpline.  If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the legal helpline.
  • the financial helpline.  If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the financial helpline.
  • legal expenses insurance.  If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the legal expenses insurance company.
• However, if we receive written correspondence from a member in difficulty, we can ensure it is forwarded to the relevant company if the member wishes us to do this.
• If you are not a BII member, but would like to apply to join, to take advantage of these benefits, and many more, please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) or email membership@bii.org

I think that my rent review was incorrect.

• We do not advise on rent reviews but there are a number of companies who can help you.
• Our corporate members, click here to see a list of BII Corporate Members  (are also listed at the back of BIIBUSINESS) advertise their services and may be contacted about rent reviews
• Our legal helpline may also be of assistance.  If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the legal helpline.
• If you are not a BII member, but would like to apply to join, to take advantage of these benefits, and many more, please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) or email membership@bii.org

I have a VAT inspection, what do I do?

• We provide discounted legal expenses insurance which covers you should you have a VAT inspection. If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the legal expenses insurance company.
• For immediate advice you should contact your accountant, or failing that contact our financial helpline.  If you are a member, click here to find out how to contact the financial helpline.
• If you are not a BII member, but would like to apply to join, to take advantage of these benefits, and many more, please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) or email membership@bii.org

I want to start running a pub – where do I start?

• There are a variety of ways to go about this depending on what sort of premises you are looking for.
  • If you intend to manage an outlet, or wish to become a tenant/lessee, many pub companies and breweries provide training courses for potential licensees and it is worth visiting their individual websites for further information. Some of these companies are BII corporate members, click here to see a list of BII Corporate Members.
  • You could decide to join BII, which means you would gain access to a wide range of benefits which will help you.  these range from buying discounts, excellent banking rates and discounted credit card rates to employment contracts, FREE helplines and great business and personal savings.  Click here for more information about BII member benefits.
  • If you are not a BII member, but would like to apply to join, to take advantage of these benefits, and many more, please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) or email membership@bii.org

I have a complaint about a BII member.

• If you have a complaint about someone who you believe is a BII member, you should put your complaint in writing and either email it to vicky@bii.org, or post it to:
  Vicky Jackson
  Head of Membership Services
  BII
  Wessex House
  80 Park St
  Camberley
  Surrey
  GU15 3PT

Where do I find out about weights and measures and legal requirements for glass sizes etc?

• You could visit www.businesslink.gov.uk, or click here, which is a website where you can find all sorts of relevant information including weights and measures. 

I need a Health and Safety policy – where can I get one?

• You can visit www.myhrdept.co.uk, of click here, (remember BII members get discounted or sometimes free documentation) where there are many downloadable, HR documents.
• Alternatively visit the Governments Health and Safety Executives website on www.hse.gov.uk, or click here.  
  
  

What notices do I have to display in my premises?

• We are able to supply you with a list of notices to display in your premises. Please call the Membership Services Department on 01376 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5) or email your request to membership@bii.org

How do I contact my local Pubwatch/Clubwatch/Offwatch?

• Many towns and cities have an active Pubwatch/offwatch/clubwatch. To find your nearest you should contact your local licensing police officer. Many Pubwatches have their own websites so conducting a search on the internet would be useful.

How do I contact my local LVA?

• There is no central database of local LVAs. Again the police may be able to let you know of a local LVA group and you may find other licensees in your area will be able to help. Many local councils also have a record or active groups in the area.

How do I get the Morning Advertiser/Publican?

• If you are a BII member you get a discount on trade press and can contact either of these publications , clicking here.
• If you are not a BII member, but would like to apply to join, to take advantage of these benefits, and many more, please call the Membership Services Department on 01276 684449 (open Monday-Friday, 9-5pm) or email membership@bii.org

Can you tell me where I find a Solicitor; Stocktaker; Engineer for my washing machine; Outdoor heater supplier?

• BII does not hold a central database of suppliers to the industry. However, you can look in the following:
  • Back pages of BIIBUSINESS – many suppliers advertise here.
  • The trade press – Publican, Morning Advertiser etc
  • Yellow pages; Yell.com

I run a supplier company and would like to contact all your members – can we buy your database?

• Due to Data Protection we do not allow the purchase of our database or the sharing of our members' details with third parties.
• The best way to contact all our members is through our magazine BIIBUSINESS, via advertising or leaflet inserts. For more information about advertising in our magazine please email graham@bii.org
  

What courses do you run for me?

• BIIAB  is the wholly-owned awarding body of BII  and is the dedicated awarding body for the licensed retail sector. It is nationally accredited by Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and processed 190,000 qualifications during 2005.
• BIIAB offers a wide portfolio of sector-specific qualifications, providing solutions to specific market requirements, delivering real business benefits, and supporting careers in licensed retail for every type of venue.
• BIIAB offers a wide portfolio of sector-specific qualifications for:
  • licensing
  • staff development
  • new licensed retail managers
  • management development
• Click here for more details on BIIAB 's wide portfolio of sector-specific qualifications
• Click here for details of your nearest BIIAB approved training centre

Can I get a duplicate certificate for my qualification?

• Please click here to find out how to get a dupicate certificate

Can I enquire about my examination results?

• Please click here for enquiries on results

FOR ALL OTHER BIIAB FAQs, PLEASE CLICK HERE

FOR ALL OTHER BIIAB QUERIES, PLEASE CLICK HERE

BII
Wessex House, 80 Park Street, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3PT
Tel: 01276 684449, Fax: 01276 23045

Some pictures used by kind permission Laurel Pub Company

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BII is the trading name of the British Institute of Innkeeping, a private company limited by guarantee and registered in England as a charity. Company number 1601185. Charity number 283945. Registered office: Wessex House, 80 Park Street, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3PT. Website: www.bii.org Telephone: 01276 684449.

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