Licensees told to act now over Licensing Reform
04-Apr-2003
Licensees at the first British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) licensing reform roadshow have been warned to start preparing for reform now.
Licensing expert Peter Coulson ran through details of the proposed reforms during the packed event at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, which was sponsored by the Union Pub Company.
Mr Coulson warned that licensees in England and Wales needed to start preparing themselves for licensing reform now by making sure vital documents are to hand and deciding what hours they will open and what food, drink and entertainment they hope to provide.
He added that licensees should locate plans of their premises that they may have submitted to the licensing bench plus paperwork for the licence itself. They should also be thinking about the type of pub they want to run under the new system and may consider asking staff and regulars when they would like to see the pub open and whether they would like additional food or entertainment on the premises.
Mr Coulson said: "It is very important for licensees to start planning for this change now. Go and find that plan, think about the hours you want and make sure you are fully prepared."
The licensing Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in July, 2003, and there will then be a period of between 12 and 16 months when licensees will need to register their existing permissions and then apply for any variations.
Stephen Oliver, managing director of the Union Pub Company, who also spoke at the event, also urged licensees to act now. He said: "Take personal responsibility to go and ask these questions and track down these documents sooner rather than later."
The BII is holding six more roadshows across the country to help explain the reform plans and give licensees advice on what to do and when. The shows are open to members and non-members and have so far proved hugely popular. The Chatsworth event, which was hosted by Rose Cunningham CMBII, chairman of the BII East Midlands Region and Roger Hodgkinson CMBII, chairman of the BII Yorkshire Region, sold out in just four days.
John McNamara, Chief Executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: "These roadshows are a must for anyone who is unclear about how the changes to the licensing laws are going to affect them. They offer practical advice and an overview of the new system that is truly invaluable and this has showed in the level of interest we have seen in them. My advice to anyone who wants to come along to one of these events is book early!
"I also recommend attendance at our National Members’ Conference on September 1 at Warwick University which will also highlight this important issue."
Notes to Editors
The BII is the professional body for the licensed trade. It has around 15,500 members and last year BIIAB processed over 80,000 qualifications. Its mission is to promote high standards of professionalism throughout the licensed retail sector; to encourage new entrants into the industry, and to help them develop their long term careers. To provide all our members with high quality information, skills and qualifications to help them succeed in their business activities.
Ref: ES/BII/PR0674
Email: erica@bii.org
Contact: Erica Snedker, Communications Executive on 01276 417805, or Caroline Nodder, Corporate COmmunications Manager on 01276 417838/07885 841216.
