Posted: Monday, 16 September 2013 @ 10:33
This week is the so-called Police "week of action". So all operators of premises selling alcohol, providing late night refreshment, and providing regulated entertainment, and those holding temporary events, must be extra vigilant.
At the top of the police list will be tragetting under age drinking and selling alcohol to drunks. So expect a wave of test purchasing nationwide. It would be prudent to alert all staff, and perhaps to refresh their training. The consequences of any failure can be severe, and could lead to prosection and/or the loss of the premises licence. See my January blog on what you need to know about the sale of alcohol to persons under 18.
The police may also be checking that each sale of alcohol is authorised by someone holding a personal licence. So check that all staff have the necessary authority, and better still keep an up to date record behind the bar.
It is also expected that there will be careful checks on all door staff to ensure that they have valid SIA badges.
Finally, the police will be checking that the premises are operating in accordance with the conditions of the premises licence. So check them carefully and ensure compliance. It is expected that where CCTV is in place as a condition on the licence that checks will be made to ensure it is operating, and in accordance with the strict terms of the licence.
Nigel Musgrove
Licensing Law Specialist
Tel: 0845 003 5639
For free advice on this topic please call us on 0845 003 5639.
This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this article applies to your particular situation. We offer a
free telephone consultation to discuss your particular circumstances.