Licensing law amendments

I thought I'd make you aware that the amended guidance of the licensing laws that puts venues in serious danger when it comes to licensing, no more so than sales to under age persons.

Whist everyone I speak to are confident it won’t happen to them, it’s a real danger for all venues.

In the latest amendment on 2 sales in 3 months, aside an instant 2-14 day closure and up to £20k fine, review is now routine to which the government guidance to councils is licence revocation.

REVIEW OF A PREMISES LICENCE FOLLOWING PERSISTENT SALES OF ALCOHOL TO CHILDREN

11.30. Where persistent sales of alcohol to children have occurred at premises, responsible authorities should consider applying for a review of the licence, whether there has been a prosecution for the offence under section 147A or a closure notice has been given under section 169A of the 2003 Act. In determining the review, the licensing authority should consider revoking the licence if it considers this outcome is appropriate. Responsible authorities should consider taking steps to ensure that a review of the licence is routine in these circumstances.

The only defence you have in law is due diligence.

So the answer is simple. Train and certificate all your staff in Responsible Alcohol Retail and give yourself a defence should the unthinkable happen.