BII to extend membership to licensees in off-trade

Related tags New licensing act License Bii

The BII is opening up its membership to all alcohol retailers for the first time to reflect the changing face of the licensed sector.The trade's...

The BII is opening up its membership to all alcohol retailers for the first time to reflect the changing face of the licensed sector.

The trade's professional body is also ditching its full name - the British Institute of Innkeeping - and will in future be known only as the BII.

All licensees and suppliers who work in licensed retail, whether in a pub, restaurant, hotel, off-licence or convenience store, can now join the institute.

The move, which was unveiled at London's Vinopolis this week to more than 200 industry figures, marks a major shift in outlook for the BII, which was founded in 1981 and has since grown its membership to over 17,000.

It reflects the fact that the forthcoming licensing reforms will blur the boundaries between off and on-licensed premises, with one single premises licence for all types of licensed retail.

At the event, the BII also launched its new licensing qualification, the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders. This is aimed at meeting the requirements of the new Licensing Act which makes it compulsory for personal licence holders to hold an approved qualification. BII chief executive John McNamara said: "Not only must operators hold the same personal licence, they will need to demonstrate similar skills and working practices as there is a great national emphasis on meeting high standards of social responsibility. Our move to support all alcohol retailers is a necessary stage of evolution for us and for Britain's booming licensed retail industry."

Are you prepared for the new Licensing Act?

Are you up to date on the changes coming in this year with the new Licensing Act?

If you run a restaurant, pub, bar - in fact anywhere that serves alcohol - you need to be aware of the changes.

The Official Training Company, launched in association with The Publican, can provide access to a complete range of courses for the hospitality industry. Read the easy to understand guide on website www.officialtc.co.uk

DON'T WAIT - start getting prepared now!