The issues of alcohol licensing and alcohol consumption often dominate the news headlines and political agenda; and are set to continue to do so.
Few people will argue that there are problems associated with alcohol consumption in the UK. Statistics point towards issues surrounding the excessive alcohol consumption, ‘binge drinking’ and alcohol related violence being at levels where they are causing significant harm to individuals and communities.
What no one seems capable of agreeing on is the solution; prohibition, additional legislation, minimum pricing, restricting promotions and happy hours, the size of wine glasses, education, parental responsibility, reducing the number of licensed premises, restricting licensing hours and many other solutions have been discussed. Between the ‘drinks industry’, the government, local authorities and alcohol retailers there is naturally some disagreement on which solution would be the most effective.
We have on many occasions given our opinion on this subject through our News Blog. It is important that everyone in the sector gives their opinion through the various consultation documents the government issues; this ensures that everyone is considered in this process.
What is essential for us is that we help our clients to retail alcohol responsibly under the Licensing Act 2003 and current guidance associated with it.
The interpretations of the Act do vary, but the framework of the act remains the four licensing objectives:
- Prevention of Crime and Disorder
- Protection of Children From Harm
- Prevention of Public Nuisance
- Public Safety
It is the interpretation of these licensing objectives and how individual premises set about supporting, achieving and promoting the licensing objectives, which will allow them to retail alcohol responsibly.
Every activity which takes place on licensed premises falls under the governance of the Licensing Act 2003. As such before any activity is carried out the effect it will have on the licensing objectives must be considered.
During many of our courses we consider the various methods which can be employed to demonstrate support for the licensing objectives; depending on the nature of the business these can be extensive. The one solution which shows and documents support of the licensing objectives for every activity is effective professional ‘training’.
Training provides the solution to many of the problems faced by licensed premises, from under-aged sales (The Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing), to illegal drugs (Drug Awareness), to violence (Conflict Management and Resolution or The Award for Door Supervisors) and to the sale of alcohol under the Act (Award for Personal Licence Holders).
The Licensing Act 2003 sets out the responsibilities which everyone working within the licensed retail sector must meet. Within the guidance which accompanies the act, the requirement for employees who sell or supply alcohol to be adequately trained is clearly defined.
During all our training we emphasise the need for a partnership approach to licensing. By this we mean that everyone (alcohol retailers, licensing officers, local authorities, central government and the drinks industry) needs to work together to promote the licensing objectives, while considering the viability of the businesses involved and the right of the vast majority of people who consume alcohol responsibly to do so in friendly and safe environments.
On a local level this approach is especially important between operators of licensed premises and licensing officers. There is a common misconception that they are ‘on opposite sides of the same fence’, but in reality the greatest success occurs where they work closely together.
Operators of licensed premises who try and work against or around licensing officers miss out on invaluable advice, information and will often leave the local authority with little alternative ‘when things go wrong’, but to initiate reviews of a premises licence or prosecutions.
One of the statements we are often heard to making is ‘if you are seen to be part of the solution, you are less likely to be seen as part of the problem’.
We know that sometimes retailers feel like they are continuously under fire and we understand from our work with various licensing authorities and licensing officers the pressure they are under to ‘regulate’ licensed premises.
Every licensed premises will at some point undergo an inspection from the local licensing officer. How often these will occur and the outcome of an inspection will largely depend on the proactive measures the operator has taken to retail alcohol responsibly.
By taking the time to put effective training and an effective system of recording that training into place, alcohol retailers not only give their business a stronger due diligence defence against prosecution, but develop a professional, dedicated, effective and productive workforce. A workforce which understands not just the social responsibilities of alcohol retailing but the success this approach can bring to your business.
It is universally acknowledged that effective proactive training is the corner-stone of achieving the status of a 'responsible alcohol retailer'.
