Clean glasses every time
QWith recent publicity about food hygiene, the question of beer glasses has been raised and in particular whether we need to supply a clean glass for each drink.
Is there any law on this subject and could we be prosecuted if, for example, werefilled a regular customer's glass at his own request?
ABeer is a food, so it is important to know that food legislation and in particular the Food Safety Act 1990 applies to the way it is served.
A strict reading of the previous regulations made under this Act might suggest that all "open food" must be contained in a glass or container which is "clean".
Thus, each purchase of a pint of beer ought to be presented in a clean glass.
However, the more recent regulations do allow for the discretion of environmental health inspectors in relation to the nature and use of the container, and the refilling of a customer's glass with the same type of drink would not, in my view, render the licensee liable to direct prosecution.
However, if inspectors did insist on the use of clean glasses for each drink, then this would be within their powers under the regulations and would constitute recommended practice for the drinks trade.
A recent survey showed some disturbing evidence of contamination in pubs and bars and it may be that local authorities will step up their inspection of premises as a result.
So it is best to be extra careful at this time with hygiene practices and instructions to staff.
Jackpot gaming's still on QIf a club has to get in an occasional licence because of failure to renew its registration, does this mean that the gaming machines have to be switched off?
Isn't it a public house?
ANo, of course it isn't.
The authority of the occasional licence (which is grated to an existing licensee, not the club) merely allows drinks to be sold to members on the premises.
It is a different licence from the one which the licensee holds in respect of his own premises, but it does not bring with it all the conditions which might apply to the "home" licence.
This means that it does not alter the status of the premises under Part III of the Gaming Act, for which the club continues to hold a separate registration.
Members of the public will not gain access simply because of the occasional licence, because the rules of the club will not allow it.
The jackpot gaming machines may therefore be used in the normal way.
Sixteen-year-old waitressing QI wondered if you might clear up a quick query for me.
Can my daughter, who is aged 16, serve food and wine in our restaurant?
AAs long as it is separate from the bar in your pub, yes.
However, she cannot take an order for wine and fulfil it(ie, collect the bottle) from the bar, as this would constitute "working" in the bar itself.
Of course, if she is enrolled on the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme and is registered with the police, she would be allowed to do that as well.
But for the moment, it is perfectly in order for her to wait at tables outside the bar area.
