BII Licensing Reform Roadshow tackles licensees’ concerns

30-May-2003

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) is urging licensees to start working with their local authorities now to plan for licensing reform.

At the second of a series of regional roadshows aimed at equipping licensees for the challenges ahead, BII Chief Executive John McNamara advised them to approach their local council and get involved in discussions on local licensing plans.

He said the BII would provide information and guidance to its members to help them tackle the paperwork involved in the changeover to the new system. But added that individual publicans should make their views heard at a local level.

Mr McNamara said: "The Government is finalising National guidelines for the new system and after this all the local authority licensing officials will have to decide on their own local policy to meet these requirements. I am meeting with the Licensed Victuallers later this month to discuss how we can ensure that there is a licensee representative on every single one of these local groups."

The roadshow, which was held at Woburn Safari Park and attracted a capacity audience of over 150, covered all aspects of the reforms including the move to a dual-licensing system and the fees that will be involved.

Legal expert Peter Coulson warned that licensees should start preparing for the changes now by locating their current licences and up-to-date premises plans as well as asking staff and customers what hours they would like to see their pub open.

The event highlighted the continued concerns of many licensees over the fee structure for the new system and the quantity of paperwork involved. Peter Coulson warned the audience to be prepared to fill out a number of forms, firstly to register existing opening hours and permissions and then to apply for a new personal licence and a new premises licence.

Mr Coulson said: "My message is to get ready for it now. Find your licences - all of them. Find the existing plans of the premises as lodged with the Justices and work out what you are likely to want under the new system."

He added: "You are going to have to be far more proactive with the licensing authority than you have been used to. You will have to take personal responsibility for a lot more of the contact you have with them and you will have to deal with a lot more paperwork."

The new licensing bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in July this year but transition to the new system is expected to take at least a year.

As well as a further five roadshows across the country, the BII is also holding a National Conference on licensing on September 1 at Warwick University. This will tackle the practical detail of how to apply for licences under the new system as well as offering information and background on the reforms.

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.

NB: Photos are available on request from Erica Snedker on 01276 417805 or erica@bii.org

Ref: ES/BII/PR0698

Email: erica@bii.org

Contact: Erica Snedker, Communications Executive on 01276 417805 or Caroline Nodder, Corporate Communications Manager on 01276 417838/07855 841216.