Leading Licensing Solicitor supports BIIAB as it pledges to safeguard the industry through its licensing qualification

09-Feb-2007

 

 BIIAB, the leading awarding body for the licensed retail sector, this week will reaffirm the importance of the compulsory section of its licensing qualification, the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH), to safeguard the future of the industry.

 

Details to be revealed at the BIIAB NCPLH “The Way Forward” event on 8 February at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, include changes to the examination structure to make it even more accessible to candidates whilst at the same time ensuring they fully understand, and are tested on, the essential elements of the Licensing Act 2003.

 

The BIIAB NCPLH is the only one available that includes a compulsory section which candidates must pass to gain the qualification. The compulsory section thoroughly tests the candidate’s knowledge of the principle elements of the Licensing Act 2003* – these include the sale of alcohol to children, the consumption of alcohol by children, serving alcohol to drunk persons, all of which could lead to licensees losing their licences or even being closed down.

 

Cathie Smith, Director of BIIAB, said, “We are the only awarding body providing this level of protection to licensees. Our qualification ensures that licence holders know and understand all the information they need to sell alcohol responsibly and to ensure that they are not breaking the fundamental principles of the Licensing Act.

 

She added, “BIIAB is intrinsically linked to the professional body for the licensed retail sector, BII. We are part of the industry and want it to operate in the most responsible way possible. Our qualification is supported by the regulators and the licensed trade. No one wants to see licensees adding to alcohol related issues through lack of knowledge.”

 

Jeremy Allen, leading licensing solicitor from Poppleston Allen and has put his support behind the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH).

 

Mr Allen said, “The BIIAB NCPLH is the only licensing qualification with a compulsory section. I believe the compulsory section strengthens the defence of due diligence where prosecutions may affect companies’ continued operations in licensed premises or attract heavy penalties.  BIIAB certificate holders have demonstrated that they know the law on specific issues.”

 

 

Notes to editors:

 

*Other areas covered by the compulsory section are:

 




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