Wednesday July 11: Analyse this

If you only take the time to do one thing during Proud of Pubs Week then take the opportunity to stand back from the coalface of your business, even if it is only for half an hour, and look at the pub through fresh eyes.

We are urging you to look at two issues which have rarely been out of the news in 2007.

Are you following procedures across your pub that will help you save energy ­ and money? And do you have the correct policies in place on underage sales that could just save your business when the test purchasers come calling?

As Mark Hastings, director of communications at the British Beer & Pub Association points out, in 2007 underage sales have become a "business critical" issue for pubs across the UK. The latest phase of test purchasing in England and Wales, which began in May, is the most intensive yet, with thousands of pubs receiving visits from underage testers, and facing the "three strikes and you're out" rule if they slip up.

"Licensees should be under no illusion that failure during the ongoing wave of test purchase operations can not only lead to on-the-spot penalties, but result in a review of the licence," says Mark. "It is essential therefore that everyone in your pub is well briefed and regularly briefed on the need to ask for proof of age and if not produced to refuse service. The good news is that following the routines of the industry's Challenge 21 scheme will help you get it right."

What might also help you get it right is the short questionnaire available on this website

Suitable for licensees and staff, the test should ensure you are on top of the issue.

Scream if you¹re green​

Climate change and the need to save energy have been the words on every politician¹s lips this year. Yet how many licensees can honestly say they have taken a close look at energy efficiency across their business?

Professor John Forte, a leading light in the Hospitable Climates team which advises the hospitality industry on green issues ­ an offshoot of the government-funded Carbon Trust ­ says pubs are very slowly waking up to the issues.

³Visiting several pubs in the past year, publicans are becoming more aware of the need to look after our environment more than we¹ve done in the past,² says John. ³Unfortunately, for every one who is concerned, there are 10 who are not.

³When one can still see standard light bulbs, instead of energy-efficient lamps, on from opening time to closing in the majority of pubs, it is evident that the subject is not being taken too seriously.² New research from British Gas Business and Ipsos MORI out last week backs that up, suggesting three out of four small firms believe there is little they can do to save energy.

Wrong. There is plenty you can do ­ follow our checklist to find out exactly what.