Home office plans undercover police ‘spies’ in pubs

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Title – Home office plans undercover police ‘spies’ in pubs
Source – Guardian Unlimited
Date – 7th October 2007

An industry in outrage over 'spies' being planted to try and catch people out, but surely not an industry that didn’t see these kinds of steps coming. One of the most fundamental changes in the Licensing Act 2003 that will have a significant long term effect, is that the reins were taken from magistrates and handed to local authorities. This move in effect politicised licensing policy more then ever and pushed alcohol related anti-social behaviour, if not to the top of the political agenda, then close to it.

Many within the industry are still unaware of the sensitivity of the subject and the potential that one or two high profile incidents could be the excuse that the government is looking for to throw more regulation and costs the industries way. Those working within it have to start acting now.

If you run a licensed retail premises of any kind ask your cashiers, waiting staff or bar staff what the fine is for serving someone who is drunk? The vast majority will look blankly at you when you tell them it is an £80 fine. Ask them who is responsible for paying the fine and watch as their jaws drop when you tell them, it is them personally. Now consider that you have employed these individuals and not provided them with the appropriate training to understand their legal responsibilities and the consequences of breaking the law; how long will it be before they start turning round and blaming the employer?

Any employer working within the licensed retail sector has a responsibility to ensure that staff receive adequate training in their different areas of responsibility, training can no longer be restricted to how to pour a good pint and where the crisps are stored.

We provide a comprehensive portfolio of BIIAB accredited licensed retail sector courses including the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR), National Certificate for Personal License Holders (NCPLH), National Certificate for Designated Premises Supervisors (NCDPS), National Licensees Certificate - Drugs Awareness (NCLDA), Professional Barpersons Qualification (PBQ) as well as the Award in Conflict Management (ACM). We can also help you with consultancy projects that can examine your business and help you become more profitable. We examine those systems in place that require change and strengthen those that may have slipped. Many managers end up being so close to their businesses that they simply can’t see the problems staring them in the face, we can all identify with that situation; but the brave ones ask for help to see them and realise the rewards.

Please visit our website at www.btbl.co.uk