THE GUV'NOR

Dave Daly

President, National Association of Licensed House Managers (NALHM)

After two years of reluctance to suppress cash going over the bar, the managed pub companies have finally succumbed to Challenge 21, serving drunks and the responsible promotions of selling alcohol.

On a pessimistic note, most literature produced by the managed companies is about protecting building licences.

As I predicted two years ago, there seems to be a growing trend of "them and us": the conflicting priorities of building licence versus personal licence.

I can't emphasise strongly enough how unhealthy the pubcos' attitude really is.

Most licensees I have spoken to are much more worried about their personal licences than their building licences.

While we all realise that the building licence gives us our managed jobs, there should be an even playing field regarding these licences.

Managers should not have to feel they must give evidence against their own company because they have not implemented social responsibilities towards the sale of alcohol.

We live in difficult times, faced with a "three strikes and you're out" system, laws about the responsible sale of alcohol, as well as Challenge 21 and the smoking ban.

Already we are seeing managers not taking up appointments in large high-street venues and opting instead for a food-led house.

NALHM will obviously back its members and their personal licences over and above the building licences.

I hope pubcos take this on board, as I don't want to have to say "I told you so".

As I tell members, "due diligence" must be taken on board in terms of Challenge 21 and the responsible sale of alcohol.

Otherwise you may find that is only NALHM that backs you.