Helping hand for scammed licensees

People 1st, the body which ensures education and training meets the needs of the industry, has come to the rescue after hearing about the plight of...

People 1st, the body which ensures education and training meets the needs of the industry, has come to the rescue after hearing about the plight of licensees who had been ripped off by the rogue operator.

The conman tricked pubs by pretending to be a BII trainer and offering licensees courses in health and safety and drug awareness (The Publican, May 15).

After handing over money the licensees and staff turned up to find no sign of the trainer.

People 1st decided it was time to take action and is taking the licensees out on Integer 1, a training boat, to put them through a range of courses including health and safety and drug awareness free of charge.

John Chapman, skills development leader, said: "The last thing we need is for training to get a bad name. On board there are going to be seven or eight licensees who have been ripped off. The licensees were slightly wary after they had been taken for money, but once we proved who we were they were delighted.

"I have a passion to ensure people in the industry look at training as a key factor. The last thing we need is people giving training a bad name through sharp practices."

Paul Phipps, licensee of the Two Bridges in Saltash, Cornwall, was conned out of £30. He said: "Hopefully the publicity in The Publican has dissuaded the conman from targeting licensees."

He complained to the police, who have issued a warning in the area to other publicans.

"I am hoping they catch him. It makes you wary of believing people who come into the pub."

He issued a warning to other licensees: "If it's cheap and it sounds too good to be true don't pay money upfront."

Mr Chapman advises any licensees who have been taken in by a scam to look at the Sector Skills website, where you can get advice and information on training.