Publicans still unclear on Licensing Act

Licensees claim they are still unclear about what they need to do to meet the requirements of the new Licensing Act.​ Many say that they have still not received any information despite the fact that the First Appointed Day, from when publicans can apply for their new licences, will formally kick off the new regime on Monday (February 7).

Mick Carty, licensee of the Triple Crown in Richmond, Surrey, runs a freehouse pub and is not receiving any support from a pub company.

He said: "I have heard nothing from my local council and have no idea what I need to do."

Catherine Culhane, of the Woodlands Tavern in Isleworth, Middlesex says her local council in Hounslow has been very helpful.

But she added: "I think the government have not given the right guidelines and local authorities are not fully aware of the full ramifications of the Act.

"When the goalposts are being changed at this late stage how can local authorities act?"

There is a fear that confused licensees may be encouraged to use companies who send flyers offering them a variety of services, such as surveys and form filling-in, at a cost of between £300 to £900.

Michelle Keen, licensee of the Old Cottage Tavern in Burton, Staffordshire, has received five flyers from various companies over the last few weeks. She said: "I have told them no thank you. I have not even heard from my local council yet so how do these companies know what they should be doing? It doesn't say on some of these forms how much it will cost us."

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, warned licensees to tread carefully when dealing with third parties.

"Be very careful. You are better to use a solicitor that specialises in licensing," he said.

"I am not disputing these companies' qualifications but the industry has been targeted by so many scams it is hard to tell who is reputable. There is a lot more to this than filling in the forms as licensees need site plans and to place adverts varying their licences."

• Are you confused about what you should be doing about the new Licensing Act? Let us know at The Publican. E-mail arjf@gurchoyvpna.pbz​ or call the newsdesk on 020 8565 3053 or go to www.officialtc.co.uk​.