The fees set out by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) will leave many licensees very disappointed, not only because of the increase over what they have been led to believe would be the fees, but by the introduction of a multiple of two for band D and a multiple of three for band E.
In correspondence to Minister Kim Howell, we commended him for proposing that the fees would be set by the Secretary of State and that they would apply nationally, thereby preventing local authorities setting their own fees. The Minister informed me that the cost for the premise licence would be between £100 and £500 but there was no mention of a multiplier for any bands.
The setting up of the DCMS Advisory Group was an excellent idea and the guild's nominee, Bill Sharp, a working publican, would enable the civil servants to know what licensees were thinking. In discussion with Bill on the proposed fees, he said that any increase in what was proposed would be minimal and at the most no more than "tweaking". He assured me that introduction of a multiplier was not discussed.
The guild opposed the transfer of the administration of licensing from magistrates to local authorities in its submission. One of the main reasons for this was licensees' experiences of dealing with local authorities following the transfer of Public Entertainment Licences; what was a simple application with an affordable fee became one where the number of pages increased along with the fees.
It seems that Minister Tessa Jowell has disregarded the views of the members of the Advisory Group and succumbed to pressure from local authorities to increase the fees and to pressure from other sections by introducing a multiplier for bands D and E without enabling the trade to express its views.
JJ Madden, CMBII
Executive Officer
The Guild of Master Victuallers
19 Warren Drive
Elm Park
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 4QZ
Rateable value rises may push up Sky fees'
Sky Business base their monthly subscription charges on the premises rateable value. I wondered if licensees realise that the rateable values are due for revaluation this year, effective from April. I'd imagine the majority of premises rateable values will be increasing from then, as mine is, and hence will mean a possible rise in monthly subscription charges from Sky Business depending on which band the premises' new rateable value falls into.
My monthly subscription charges will rise by £125 (exc VAT) per month when my new rateable value comes into force. This obviously does not include any further increases from Sky Business which, as we know, can happen at any time they feel like it and can be as much as they like.
With this in mind, I think it is about time that Sky Business changed their pricing system to something similar to that used by the Performing Right Society where you are charged depending on the the premises' area size and capacity.
I cannot see how I can keep absorbing these price increases. Sky Business would probably argue that because these rises are due to the rateable value increases, it is not their problem. But it is in a way, because it is they who have decided to base their prices on rateable values in the first place.
Douglas Stoneley-Hulme
The Antelope
Kearsley
Bolton
More brewers shouldjoin plastic revolution'
Coors last week announced that it was the first UK brewer with plans to introduce branded plastic pint glasses across all of its lagers to limit the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence.
We'd like to congratulate them. We work for the drinks industry and developed the same innovative branded plastic glasses more than two years ago for client Tennent's Lager to use at its summer music festival, "T in the Park", to great success. Tennent's has also used the glasses on numerous occasions at Glasgow music venue, King Tut's Wah Wah.
As well as limiting the use of glasses in pub brawls, plastic glasses are great to use at music festivals and other outdoor events. The biggest benefit of the plastic glass is that it is nucleated thus avoiding flat, warm or headless beer.
It might seem like a simple development but this innovation has taken a lot of effort and makes a huge difference to drinkers. And for brewers, the quality of the drinker's pint is paramount to the taste and experience of their brands. I'm looking forward to seeing the glasses used by more brewers.
Colin Brough
Managing Director
Brand Ambassadors
www.brand-ambassadors.com
Hosts must get a grip on licensing applications'
I have been involved in the preparation and submission of licensing applications for more than35 years and the present Licensing Act 1964 works extremely well and efficiently and I can see no reason for change. The licensing justices have done an admirable job over the past 40-odd years and I, along with many others in the industry, will be very sad to see the present system go.
However, now we have to get to terms with the Licensing Act 2003. The forms and the local authorities' policy statements are now available and we can see what is required. It is now time (7 February being the First Appointed Day) to prepare the relevant forms to submit to the local authority for transitional applications and/or new applications where necessary.
As a licensee you cannot sit back and think the 2003 act will go away; it will not. You must register your premises under a premises licence or club premises certificate, and also yourself, under a personal licence, between 7 February and 7 August under transitional powers. New applications need to be submitted before 6 November, because on 7 November the new act comes into force. Those of you who have not registered your premises for a premises licence and also obtained a personal licence will not be able to operate.
The new act covers more operations than under the present one, so if in doubt, contact your council immediately. It is your responsibility, as the owner or operator of licensed premises, to ensure you are registered under the new act before 7 November.
Eunice Parker
Licensing Executive
Smithurst Road
Giltbrook
Nottingham