NEWSFLASH SPRING 2022

IMPORTANT

GLASGOW BARS AND RESTAURANTS – EXTERNAL AREAS PERMISSIONS EXTENDED FROM 31 MARCH TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 – BUT LOOK OUT FOR the small print!! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR S59 ROADS CONSENT NOW. AND IF YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION POST COVID. 

PREPARE NOW

LETTER FROM CLERK OF GLASGOW BOARD

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Dear all,

As you will know, Glasgow City Council and the Licensing Board have put a number of measures in place to support the reopening and recovery of the city’s licensed trade over the last two years.

One aspect of this support was to introduce a streamlined process to apply for section 59 roads consent for the use of a public space together with an occasional licence for the sale of alcohol for an extended period.  These temporary arrangements are due to come to an end on 31 March 2022.

In order to continue to support the licensed trade through the recovery period, the Licensing Board has agreed that the temporary arrangements for all occasional licences for outdoor areas associated with existing licensed premises are to continue until 30 September 2022 when they will come to an end.

Unless we contact you or your clients to the contrary, all existing occasional licences for these outdoor areas will be automatically extended to 30 September 2022 without the need for an application or fee. This includes occasional licences for external areas on private ground such as car parks and beer gardens.

To continue using an outdoor area for the sale of alcohol beyond 30 September 2022, an application for an occasional licence will need to be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance with payment of the appropriate fee. We will be introducing a new simplified process to allow you to apply for multiple licences in a single application. Further information on this new process will be made available on the Licensing Board pages of the Council’s website.

In relation to section 59s, for the 2022/23 financial year there will be a requirement to pay 50% of the annual Section 59 Street Café permit fee to continue using the outdoor area beyond 31 March 2022, with information on the documents required and the payment process being made available on the Council website.

There will be a very small number of premises where we may need to make adjustments to the existing permissions – affected licence or permit holders will be contacted directly to discuss any proposed changes.

The operation of licensed premises and outdoor areas will continue to be subject to compliance with licence conditions, Street Café permit conditions, relevant regulations and any relevant Scottish Government guidance.

It is also very important that licence holders continue to have regard to the impact that outdoor areas can have on local residents and they should at all times operate as “good neighbours”, particularly in relation to issues such as the removal and storage of furniture, noise, waste disposal, litter and the impact of customers smoking where there are residential premises directly above the outdoor area. Outdoor areas should also only be set up and used where it is safe to do so, taking account of the weather conditions and forecast.

While these occasional licences will continue to apply for an extended period of time until 30 September 2022, they are all granted subject to the condition that if an outdoor area is operated in a manner inconsistent with one or more of the licensing objectives and the issues cannot be adequately resolved, the occasional licence may be revoked.

Licence holders are also reminded that use of these areas will not become permanent and future use will be subject to obtaining all relevant permissions.

Hopefully this will be some much needed good news for your clients. I would be grateful for your assistance in extending this information out as widely as possible.

Kind regards

Mairi Millar
Head of Licensing and Democratic Services
Glasgow City Council
City Chambers
Glasgow

END OF LETTER

PREPARE NOW – ASK US IF YOU NEED S59 ROADS CONSENT FROM 01 APRIL OR PLANNING PERMISSION FROM 30 SEPTEMBER. Email robin@robinmorton.com or christine@robinmorton.com

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ONLINE TRAINING

What is it? Who can take it? How does it work?

The online course is ideal for those with basic computing skills and a smartphone wanting to apply for Personal Licences in Scotland or to refresh their existing Personal Licence..
Learners will receive an E-Learning package covering all subjects including:

• Scottish Licensing Law including the 5 Licensing Objectives
• Personal Licences
• Premises Licences
• Licensing hours and extensions
• Control of Order and Police powers
• Protection of children and young people
• Units in alcohol and its effect on the body / mind
• Responsibility in alcohol retailing
• Associated law

There are questions after each module to keep you focussed. In addition I shall bring to the process my 35 years’ experience as a Licensing practitioner and former bar owner by providing my own exercises, quizzes for your benefit. I can support your learning virtually or by email or mobile phone.

ASSESSMENT

Following the completion of the E-Learning process and at an agreed time your exam will take place under a procedure called ‘Remote Invigilation’

To complete the E-Learning examination delegates will be required to log into the Highfield invigilation platform using their unique credentials. The learner will be required to comply with exam conditions using their smartphone and webcam. Setup takes a few minutes and support is available in getting set up.

What you will need –

• Isolated area where you won’t be interrupted, eg. empty room with wifi and power points.
• A computer
• A webcam (or for example Apple laptops have webcams built in)
• A smartphone with a camera
• Identification: Your Passport or Driving Licence

BOOKING A COURSE

Please phone 07870 590909 or email training@robinmorton.com. We’ll register you on the course and invoice you for the fee (£160 – payment by electronic bank transfer please). On payment we’ll get you to complete a registration form and you will be ready to start the training.

Please contact us on training@robinmorton.com for more about licensing training services.

NEWSFLASH 22 JANUARY 2022

As number of COVID-19 cases in continues to decline, the additional measures introduced at the end of December, i.e. the requirement for table service, physical distancing and the closure of nightclubs, will be removed from 24th January 2022.

However, from 24th January 2022 the continuing ‘baseline measures’ (i.e. Face Coverings, Collecting Customer Contact Details, Vaccine Certification Checks, where relevant) and the mandatory reasonable measures to manage queuing, reduce crowding and reduce mixing must still be in place for the time being in hospitality premises. The ‘baseline measures’ and the mandatory ‘reasonable measures’ are described in detail below:

The ‘baseline measures’ that continue to be relevant to hospitality premises, and must be in place, include:

• A continued legal requirement for face coverings to be worn in indoor settings, except:
  • When seated at a table or bar in a hospitality premises.
  • When eating, drinking or dancing.
  • When performing (e.g. Karaoke), provided you are at least 1m from any other person out with your household.
  • Staff do not need to wear a face covering if they can remain over 1m from any other member of staff or customer when carrying out their duties, or if they are behind a suitable partition.

Face coverings must be worn by customers entering/leaving/moving around hospitality premises. Face coverings must also be worn by customers playing snooker, pool, darts etc.

Children under 12 no longer need to wear a face covering and the usual exemptions to wearing a face covering still apply.

• A continued legal requirement for businesses to collect customer contact details:
  • You can use the Check-In Scotland app to record customer contact details, however, you must check to ensure the ‘check-in’ has been completed
  • If customers cannot use the app, you must collect their name and contact telephone number or address and retain this information for 21 days
  • You are advised to collect the contact details of all adult customers, not just the lead member of the party

• A continued requirement for ‘late night premises’ to carry out checks on vaccination status or to ensure a negative test result is available.
  In order to be considered fully vaccinated, customers must now have had a booster in addition to two COVID vaccinations.

Physical distancing has been one of the most effective methods to protect yourself and your customers from getting COVID-19, therefore even though physical distancing regulations have been lifted, allowing people to keep a reasonable distance, especially in crowded places, will reduce transmission. So, alongside ongoing compliance with existing baseline measures, implementing reasonable measures to allow physical distancing, to avoid crowding and to reduce the mixing of multiple and unconnected groups of people are likely to have the greatest impact on reducing transmission in your business.

The ‘reasonable measures’ that should still be in place to prevent mixing, crowding and reduce the risk of transmission include:

• One way systems – if there are pinch points in your premises where crowding occurs, such as at entrances/exits, stairs, hallways, etc, wherever possible, you should implement a one way system to prevent crowding.
• Queue management – Queuing inside premises should be avoided wherever possible. Where this is not possible, measures should be implemented to help people keep their distance from each other and queue as safely as possible, for example by using physical barriers, floor markings, numbering systems or queue marshals.
• Table service – the use of table service is strongly encouraged as this is an effective way to prevent queuing and reduce opportunities for crowding. Table service may also meet with customer preference in the current context of the pandemic.
• Ordering systems –adaptations to existing ordering systems, such as via apps or at designated queue managed ‘ordering points’, can reduce interactions within premises and should be implemented if possible.
• Use of screens – the use of screens/partitions at service points can reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if customers are sitting or ordering at the bar. Screens or partitions between tables that are close together will also reduce transmission.
• Capacity management – Put simply, reducing the number of people allowed into the premises will prevent crowding, so if crowding is an issue at peak times, then capacity must be managed to prevent too many people entering the premises. Capacity can be managed through pre-booking, door stewards, ticketed entry, etc.

In addition to all of the above, the following protective measures are strongly recommended to help reduce transmission

• Good hand hygiene, i.e. regular hand washing and providing hand sanitiser for staff and customers to use.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of hand contact surfaces and shared equipment/areas, inc toilets.
• Good ventilation. More advice on this can be found here Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation guidance – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
• Reconfiguring seating and tables will ensure a suitable distance is provided between different customer groups.
• Make use of outdoor spaces, such as a beer garden, but ensure your current operating plan allows alcohol to be consumed in any outside areas. Contact Licensing on 01294 324305 if you have any queries.
• Good signage to remind customers about control measures
• Continue to conduct and regularly review COVID-19 risk assessments
• Continue to take steps to meet existing health and safety requirements
• Continue to consult the workforce on health and safety matters – talking to workers and their representatives helps reduce risks.

The updated version of the guidance can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces – gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Please refer to the guidance document if you have any questions or contact Robin.

UPDATED NEWSFLASH 24 December 2021

It was announced on 22 December that additional new regulations and guidelines will be required after Christmas. It is expected that these measures will be in place for at least 3 weeks.

From 27th December:

• Mandatory table service must be reintroduced in venues serving alcohol for consumption on their premises
  • This means that customers must be seated to consume any food or alcohol in a place that serves alcohol. No drinking standing at bar areas can be permitted.
  • Drinks may be served at bar areas but only where there is a designated ordering point and a clear queuing system with appropriate distancing and the drink consumed at a table
  • The table service requirement will not apply at receptions associated with weddings, civil partnerships and funerals taking place within hospitality settings
• At least 1 metre physical distancing between groups is required
  • Appropriate table layout should be reintroduced to accommodate the 1 metre physical distancing requirement
  • A maximum of 3 households is allowed within any group attending together.
  • This requirement also applies to any outdoor events held within hospitality settings.
• Physical distancing requirements will mean that dancing will not be possible in hospitality premises.
  • Receptions associated with weddings, civil partnerships and funerals will be exempt from that requirement.
• Nightclubs must close
• From 05am on 27 December no dancing, other than at weddings

Events and Venues

From 26th December 2021:

• Organisers will now be required to limit the size of live public events to:
  • 100 for indoor standing events
  • 200 for indoor seated events; and
  • 500 for outdoor events whether seated or standing

Further information on this requirement can be found within the physical distancing and capacity limits in relevant premises and events guidance. The capacity limits do not apply to cinemas.

The updated version of the guidance can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces – gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Please refer to the guidance document if you have any queries. If you cannot find an answer to your particular query in the guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact robin@robinmorton.com.

NEWSFLASH – NEW OMICRON MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSPITALITY – UPDATED BY ROBIN FRIDAY 17.12.21

The new Omicron variant of COVID19 is spreading significantly faster than previous versions and it has the potential to infect and cause illness in vaccinated individuals and in people who have recovered from a previous COVID19 infection, therefore, businesses must strengthen compliance with current ‘baseline measures’ i.e. Face Coverings and Collecting Customer Contact Details, and make an extra effort to do so from now through the festive period and beyond.

Physical distancing has been one of the most effective methods to protect yourself and your customers from getting COVID-19, therefore even though physical distancing regulations have been lifted, allowing people to keep a reasonable distance, especially in crowded places, will reduce transmission. So, alongside ongoing compliance with existing baseline measures, implementing additional measures to allow physical distancing, to avoid crowding and to reduce the mixing of multiple and unconnected groups of people are likely to have the greatest impact on reducing transmission in your business.

Therefore, from today (Friday 17th December 2021), mandatory ‘reasonable measures’ to manage queuing, reduce crowding and reduce mixing must now be in place in hospitality premises. The existing ‘baseline measures’ and the new mandatory ‘reasonable measures’ are described below.

The ‘baseline measures’ that continue to be relevant to hospitality premises, and must be in place, include:

• A continued legal requirement for face coverings to be worn in indoor settings, except:
• When seated at a table or bar in a hospitality premises.
• When eating, drinking or dancing.
• When performing (e.g. Karaoke), provided you are at least 2m from any other person out with your household.
• Staff do not need to wear a face covering if they can remain over 2m from any other member of staff or customer when carrying out their duties, or if they are behind a suitable partition. Please note, the distance under which a face covering is required has been increased from 1m to 2m

Face coverings must be worn by customers entering/leaving/moving around hospitality premises. Face coverings must also be worn by customers playing snooker, pool, darts etc.

Children under 12 no longer need to wear a face covering and the usual exemptions to wearing a face covering still apply.

A continued legal requirement for businesses to collect customer contact details:

• You can use the Check-In Scotland app to record customer contact details, however, you must check to ensure the ‘check-in’ has been completed
• If customers cannot use the app, you must collect their name and contact telephone number or address and retain this information for 21 days
• You are advised to collect the contact details of all adult customers, not just the lead member of the party

The ‘reasonable measures’ that must now be in place to prevent mixing, crowding and reduce the risk of transmission include:

• One way systems – if there are pinch points in your premises where crowding occurs, such as at entrances/exits, stairs, hallways, etc, wherever possible, you should implement a one way system to prevent crowding.
• Queue management – Queuing inside premises should be avoided wherever possible. Where this is not possible, measures should be implemented to help people keep their distance from each other and queue as safely as possible, for example by using physical barriers, floor markings, numbering systems or queue marshals.
• Table service – the use of table service is strongly encouraged as this is an effective way to prevent queuing and reduce opportunities for crowding. Table service may also meet with customer preference in the current context of the pandemic.
• Ordering systems –adaptations to existing ordering systems, such as via apps or at designated queue managed ‘ordering points’, can reduce interactions within premises and should be implemented if possible.
• Use of screens – the use of screens/partitions at service points can reduce the risk of transmission, particularly if customers are sitting or ordering at the bar. Screens or partitions between tables that are close together will also reduce transmission.
• Capacity management – Put simply, reducing the number of people allowed into the premises will prevent crowding, so if crowding is an issue at peak times, then capacity must be managed to prevent too many people entering the premises. Capacity can be managed through pre-booking, door stewards, ticketed entry, etc.

In addition to all of the above, the following protective measures are strongly recommended to help reduce transmission

• Good hand hygiene, i.e. regular hand washing and providing hand sanitiser for staff and customers to use.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of hand contact surfaces and shared equipment/areas, inc toilets.
• Good ventilation. More advice on this can be found here Coronavirus (COVID-19): ventilation guidance – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).
• Reconfiguring seating and tables will ensure a suitable distance is provided between different customer groups.
• Make use of outdoor spaces, such as a beer garden, but ensure your current operating plan allows alcohol to be consumed in any outside areas. Contact Licensing on 01294 324305 if you have any queries.
• Good signage to remind customers about control measures
• Continue to conduct and regularly review COVID-19 risk assessments
• Continue to take steps to meet existing health and safety requirements
• Continue to consult the workforce on health and safety matters – talking to workers and their representatives helps reduce risks.

The updated version of the hospitality guidance can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector – gov.scot (www.gov.scot). Please refer to the guidance document if you have any queries.

NEWSFLASH – Government Grant for Improved Ventilation

A £25 million fund to improve ventilation in business premises and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission is open now until 31 March 2022, or until funds are exhausted.

Small and medium-sized businesses such as restaurants, bars and gyms will be able to claim back costs of up to £2,500 to undertake work such as the installation of carbon dioxide monitors and remedial improvement work to windows and vents.

Businesses will be able to fill in a self-assessment form to receive advice on improving their current ventilation systems and identify if they are eligible for financial support from their local authority.

Effective ventilation is a key public health measure to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading and is of increasing importance during autumn and winter as people spend more time indoors.

Further details of the grants, including eligible sectors, is available on the Find Business Support website.

NEWSFLASH – 20 October 2021.

Late Licences in Glasgow. For on licensed businesses with premises licences which have YES to Seasonal Variations on Q4 of operating plan.

COP 26

Cop26, throughout Glasgow – 1 extra hour from 31 October to 12 November

FESTIVE PERIOD (Friday 3 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022)

Festive Period CITY CENTRE – Mondays to Sundays: one additional hour beyond the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises in relation to licensed hours commencing during the Festive Period

Festive Period OUTWITH CITY CENTRE – Fridays and Saturdays during the Festive Period, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Hogmanay and New Year’s Day: one additional hour beyond the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises in relation to licensed hours commencing on each of those days.

NEWSFLASH (1st October 2021)

The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2021
Vaccine Certificates in Scotland

 From 1st October 2021, COVID vaccine certificates are needed to get into Late Night Premises in Scotland. A premises qualifies as a late night venue for the purpose of the vaccine certification scheme if it meets all of the following conditions:

1. Alcohol is served at any time between midnight and 5am
2. There is a dancefloor, or other designated space, for dancing by customers, and
3. Live or recorded music for dancing is played.

Any premises which meets the conditions above is required to implement the vaccine certification scheme. This includes, for example, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, hotels, social clubs and adult entertainment venues (this list is not exhaustive) if the premises meet the above conditions.

COVID vaccine certificates are also needed to get into the following higher risk events:

• indoor events (unseated) with 500 or more people
• outdoor events (unseated) with 4,000 or more people
• any event with more than 10,000 people

Everyone attending late night premises or higher risk events must show they have been fully vaccinated (unless exempt) to gain entry, unless they are:

• under 18
• not able to get the vaccine for medical reasons
• participants in vaccine trials (either current or past participants)
• the person responsible for the premises
• workers or volunteers at the venue or event
• emergency services responders and regulators carrying out their work

This guidance found on the link below explains how the scheme works and provides guidance on what premises and event organisers need to do to operate a reasonable and proportionate system for checking that individuals on their premises are fully vaccinated or exempt. Please read the guidance carefully and use the checklist provided to assess your own compliance.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): vaccine certification scheme – information for businesses and event organisers – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Please note: Funerals, marriage ceremonies, civil partnership registrations, or a reception or gathering which relates to a funeral, marriage ceremony or civil partnership registration are not included in the scheme.

NEWSFLASH

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/

The following have now been updated:

• The Stadia and Live Events guidance (which sets out the local authority exemption process) Coronavirus (COVID-19) stadia and live events guidance – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• Capacities guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): supporting safer capacity in public settings and events – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• The overarching general guidance has also been updated: Coronavirus (COVID-19): staying safe and protecting others – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

COVID – EUROS FOR HOSPITALITY SHOWING GAMES

IMPORTANT AND GREAT NEWS JUST IN FROM MAIRI MILLAR, CLERK, GCC LICENSING. GLASGOW ONLY:-

EUROs extended play and closing times

The Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector – gov.scot (www.gov.scot) guidance has been amended to take account of extended playing times and the relaxation of the requirement to close by 22:30pm on evenings where a match has gone to extra time. The guidance now states the following:

The knockout stages of EURO 2020 commence on 26 June, culminating with the final on 11 July.

Under current regulations, hospitality premises in Level 2 and 1 areas are required to close at 10:30pm and 11:00pm respectively. As knockout stage games may result in extra time and penalties, there is the potential for a clash with extended play and closing times for hospitality premises showing live matches.

This guidance update explains what temporary arrangements are being put in place to help operators manage such a scenario, and to ensure they can continue to show games to their conclusion without the risk of disruption for customers and staff. They apply to indoor areas only, with outdoor areas in Level 2 and 1 subject to local licensing conditions.

Later closing time

In the event of extended play reaching beyond current closing times in Level 2 and 1 areas, premises showing live EUROs matches between 26 June and 11 July can remain open up to 11:30pm, or a reasonable margin after the end of the game (whichever is earlier). This is limited only to the match days and games where play is extended.

This is a practical arrangement to facilitate the safe showing of full matches. It is only applicable when the circumstances require, otherwise existing closing times apply.

Extended play guideline summary

• this is a temporary measure and is only available to hospitality premises showing live EUROs matches between 26 June and 11 July where those games result in extended play that goes beyond, or coincides with, current hospitality closing times for Level 2 (10:30pm) and Level 1 (11:00pm) areas
• where this occurs, premises should use the end point of the game as the marker for starting to wind down towards closure, applying the normal period of time i.e. 15 minutes, for clearing up and departure of customers in a safe and orderly manner, but this must not be later than 11:30pm
• service should not be extended beyond current closing time/last orders arrangements. This measure is aimed at allowing games to be shown to their conclusion rather than facilitating later service
• on any other day where live games are not being played or those that are do not result in extended play, or for premises not showing live EUROs matches, current closing times apply to hospitality in Level 2 (10:30pm) and Level 1 (11:00pm) areas

NEWSFLASH

NEW HOSPITALITY LOCKDOWN MEASURES FROM 6PM FRIDAY 09 OCTOBER

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-54449573

The restrictions for the central belt cover about 3.4 million people living in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Lothian and Ayrshire and Arran health board areas.

In these areas, all licensed premises – with the exception of hotels for residents – will be required to close indoors and outdoors, although takeaways will be permitted.

Today, Friday 4 September Glasgow Licensing Board made 3 important decisions.

1. All Covid occasional licences will be carried forward from 30 September to 31 March 2021.
2. Night clubs which want to trade as bars will be able to apply for Minor Variations to do so.
3. Annual licensing fees payable later this month. For on sales, including on and off sales, they will be reduced by 1/3rd. No change in off sales licence fees.

NEW GUIDELINES ON CERTAIN OUTDOOR EVENTS FROM 24 AUGUST

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/Please note that the outdoor events defined above may not take place in general hospitality areas, such as beer gardens, that are currently operating for the serving of food and drink and are subject to a 1 metre physical distancing exemptionCoronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for the performing arts and venues sector
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-performing-arts-and-venues-sector/pages/managing-audiences-participants-and-performances/

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES CHANGED TODAY 14 AUGUST AND NOW LAW. NO OPTION BUT TO OBEY. THANKS TO ROSS EVENT SAFETY – Click here to read full details of the new guidelines.

IMPORTANT: Newsflash for Glasgow on Licensees (Not those operating under Coronavirus Occasional Licences)

1. Please note today, Saturday 18 July, is one of the 5 public holidays on which Glasgow Licensing Board give an extra hour’s trading to on sales. So most of you can trade till 01am if your licence terminal hour is 12 midnight, providing you have said YES to Seasonal Variations in Q4 of your Operating Plan.

2. Glasgow Licensing Board do not want ‘hybrids’ with 03am or ‘function’ licences to open after midnight at this stage of the Route Map – see this note in italics from Clerk, Mairi Millar

I have had a couple of enquiries about “hybrid” premises in Glasgow and what the 15 July reopening date for pubs, bars and restaurants will mean for them. As we all know, much of the difficulty in interpreting and applying the Government Route Map will stem from the fact that there are no categories of licensed premises under the 2005 Act and there is nothing within the route map relating to licensed hours. However, “hybrid” premises in Glasgow are subject to a policy and condition that after midnight, alcohol shall only be sold ancillary to the provision of substantial forms of entertainment. Given that the route map indicates that indoor entertainment venues (which includes nightclubs and music venues) will not reopen before 23 July at the earliest, it would seem to me that until that time, hybrid premises should not remain open beyond 12 midnight as they are unable to comply with the condition on their licence. This would also apply to those premises which have hours after 12 midnight for pre-booked functions.

My best wishes to you all
Robin

NEWSFLASH

2 page guide / rules for bars and restaurants opening tomorrow. Courtesy of Dave Ross, Safety Consultant. Not a substitute for a Risk Assessment which should contain all that is on here. I am working closely with Dave Ross on Covid related re-opening Risk Assessments. He can be reached on 0141 586 0262 or email dave@rosseventsafety.co.uk

Click here to open the guide.

NEWSFLASH RE OFF SALES GLASGOW. 02 JULY 2020

GLASGOW LICENSING CLERK MAIRI MILLAR SAYS NO MORE OFF SALES PINTS FROM 6 JULY. A SUMMARY OF HER STATEMENT IS BELOW….

“As some of you are probably aware, we are currently being inundated with complaints from elected members and members of the public in relation to pubs, restaurants and bars across the city selling “take away” pints and other alcoholic drinks in plastic cups (with or without lids) directly to members of the public using the off-sales facility on their premises licence.The situation has now, sadly, become untenable and risks ruining the reputation of the vast majority of the city’s fantastic and responsible licensed trade. Such sales methods were never anticipated by the Licensing Board in granting premises licences with both on and off-sales, and I certainly don’t recall any agent making a case for such sales in their submission to the Licensing Board.

My team, the Police and Licensing Standards have all been supportive of efforts to keep the licensed trade in the city viable during these unprecedented times. However, with the lifting of restrictions which will see the opening of external areas, with indoor areas hopefully fairly soon thereafter, as from Monday 6th July the sale of alcohol directly to members of the public for consumption off the premises will be considered to be inconsistent with the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety unless it is sold as part of a home delivery or sold as a pre-packaged, properly sealed product such as a bottle of wine or cans of beer.

Any premises who continue with this practice will risk having any occasional licence for an external area revoked and/or a premises licence review being submitted to the Licensing Board. I hope, however, that formal enforcement action will not be necessary.

GLASGOW’S EXCELLENT NEW POLICY RE OUTSIDE AREAS

(published 22 June 2020)

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/cityservices

First Minister announced today (25 June)
Outside Areas can open from 6 July (if licensed) and bars, restaurants indoors from 15 July. All subject to Risk Assessments and further detailed Scottish Government guidance.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Licensed and catering trade really disappointed that outdoor area licensing was not green lighted today in Phase 2 despite hints to the contrary over last 3 weeks.

Late today 18 June, the promised guidelines were issued. Follow this link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tourism-and-hospitality-sector-guidance/

Also issued 18 June were the rather more helpful UK Hospitality Guidelines. See here. https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/page/ScotlandGuidance

NEWSFLASH

In view of the current circumstances I have cancelled future face to face training courses until further notice. These will resume when it is considered 100% safe to do so. But worry not I have…
TWO NEW ONLINE TRAINING COURSES

1. Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders Level 6 (SCPLH)
2. Refresher Training Level 6 (SCPLH Refresher)

LICENSED TRADE SERVICES

Robin Morton offers and recommends a suite of specialist services for the Licensed Trade:

Liquor Licensing

I now offer an annual “Licensing Health Check” for £200 (for Glasgow) which includes a retainer for me checking on your licensing systems, documents, training, refresher training and notices etc. on an annual visit, and being on hand to assist on routine matters such as updating certificates, providing notices etc. Call or email me if interested.

Find out more about my liquor licensing services.

Licensing Training

ONLINE TRAINING

What is it? Who can take it? How does it work?

The online course is ideal for those with basic computing skills and a smartphone wanting to apply for Personal Licences in Scotland or to refresh their existing Personal Licence..
Learners will receive an E-Learning package covering all subjects including:

• Scottish Licensing Law including the 5 Licensing Objectives
• Personal Licences
• Premises Licences
• Licensing hours and extensions
• Control of Order and Police powers
• Protection of children and young people
• Units in alcohol and its effect on the body / mind
• Responsibility in alcohol retailing
• Associated law

There are questions after each module to keep you focussed. In addition I shall bring to the process my 35 years’ experience as a Licensing practitioner and former bar owner by providing my own exercises, quizzes for your benefit. I can support your learning virtually or by email or mobile phone.

ASSESSMENT

Following the completion of the E-Learning process and at an agreed time your exam will take place under a procedure called ‘Remote Invigilation’

To complete the E-Learning examination delegates will be required to log into the Highfield invigilation platform using their unique credentials. The learner will be required to comply with exam conditions using their smartphone and webcam. Setup takes a few minutes and support is available in getting set up.

What you will need –

• Isolated area where you won’t be interrupted, eg. empty room with wifi and power points.
• A computer
• A webcam (or for example Apple laptops have webcams built in)
• A smartphone with a camera
• Identification: Your Passport or Driving Licence

BOOKING A COURSE

Please phone 07870 590909 or email training@robinmorton.com. We’ll register you on the course and invoice you for the fee (£160 – payment by electronic bank transfer please). On payment we’ll get you to complete a registration form and you will be ready to start the training.

Please contact us on training@robinmorton.com for more about licensing training services.

Garcia Cleaning Limited

Run by Elizabeth (Beth) Garcia Morton, Garcia Cleaning Limited specialises in cleaning licensed trade premises, commercial offices, rental properties and more. She also takes on major projects such as music festivals. Beth is available to provide service to new units. Take the pressure off your management having to find replacement cleaners for holiday cover and save on NIC / Paye. Engage Beth! Call her on 07773 680285.  She has a team of dedicated cleaning operatives, all contracted and paid properly with NI, PAYE and Work Place pensions. Garcia Cleaning Limited is VAT registered.

More information can be found on the Garcia Cleaning Limited website.