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Raising the price of drinks
Q We are the only pub in this area and do not have much local trade. Next month there is a special event nearby, with people coming from all over the country. What is the situation if I raise my prices for the duration of this event, as long as I change my price list? Do I have to stick to the same prices all the year?
A There is nothing illegal in raising prices during an event, as long as you are careful to ensure that the prices match what the customers can see on your price list and people are not misled. Retail prices are not set, and vary throughout the country. You may charge what you fix yourself, subject to market conditions and, of course, the goodwill of your regulars.
It would, however, be illegal to charge one price for some customers and another price for others. As with special offers, you should give a clear indication, both to your staff and to your customers, when the change is going to take place.
I should add that shifting prices should only be undertaken very carefully. Nothing excites public criticism more than sudden changes in prices and if you get it wrong, you could have local trading standards officers asking awkward questions about your compliance with consumer laws.
Stewards and the new law
Q How do I stand as a club steward if one of the committee members orders me to serve someone who is drunk? Is the law the same as it would be in a pub for me and my staff?
A Under the terms of the new Licensing Act, requirements regarding the conduct of premises and the serving of certain people have been extended to clubs operating under a club premises certificate.
The restrictions preventing the supply of alcohol to anyone who is drunk now apply to all persons who are either selling or supplying alcohol, including club stewards and individual members of staff.
It is, therefore, appropriate to apply these rules wherever possible in a sensible fashion in clubs operating under the new legal system, and bring the Act's provisions to the attention of the committee in a formal way. This is because from November 2005 you and your staff have risked prosecution, as have members of the committee, if they allow drunkenness or the serving of members who are drunk.
One club has already lost its club premises certificate as a result of a review concerning persistent drunkenness and rowdy behaviour. The committee should not place you in a difficult situation by ordering you to break the law. If you were suspended or dismissed as a result of a refusal, you could also make a claim to an industrial tribunal.
Rules for change of address
Q Three of our staff, who all hold personal licences, are moving out of their accommodation here into a flat in the next town. Is it a legal requirement for us to notify the licensing officer?
A No, it isn't. But they must take some action. It is a legal requirement for the holder of a personal licence to notify the council that issued the licence of any change of address. This is written into the Licensing Act. Failure to do so is an offence and risks a fine of up to £500.
They do not need to notify the council in the town where they intend to live, as it has nothing to do with their personal licences. A personal licence stays with whichever authority granted it for ever more, and will be renewed by them in nine years' time, if the holder still wants one.
Ends
