Drink Talking: Tony Payne

The Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations fights hard for members' rights, says chief executive Tony Payne.

I would like to invite David Bishop, the parliamentary officer for the Federation of Small Business, to come to our office. Perhaps he would then understand the services the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations (FLVA) gives its members, following last week's article by The Publican.

With regards to the Trade & Industry Select Committee investigation, we put forward a strong argument on behalf of the licensee. We said that licensees should get a share of the discounts that pubcos and breweries receive, and we objected to the reintroduction of the wine, spirit and soft drink tie, among other things.

With regard to smoking, we met with John Reid, Tessa Jowell and Melanie Johnson to speak on behalf of licensees. We attend licensing forums and have objected to the PPL fees increase.

In the past we have lobbied parliament over rural rate relief alongside The Publican, and have been fighting rogue recruitment companies - in which we were a lone voice until The Publican got involved.

The FLVA has drawn up a series of booklets especially for the licensed trade on how to cope with new legislation.

In addition we regularly send out newsletters to members on all changes in legislation. There is also a free contract of employment for our staff and our members. We have an AGM with a full day's seminar, where everyone attending receives a continuing professional learning certificate.

We are contactable 365 days a year, and when required we even work with licensees on business plans. All of this is available for just £120 a year.

We specialise in the licensed trade and don't have a hidden agenda. Our aim is to represent self-employed licensees in every area they require.

So you see David, there is one organisation that sticks up for self-employed licensees and isn't dominated by the pubcos. I look forward to meeting you and explaining more about the FLVA.