New Pub Regulations For Playing Music And Wrestling

Currently, if a pub has more than 200 customers a special licence is required to play or host music. This is changing in the spring to “up to 500 customers between 8am and 11pm” without a special licence. Also, wrestling for an audience of up to 1000 will be allowed. All due to be introduced in the spring as new de-regulations kick in.

Of course that's great news for pubs that want to play Oasis whilst Evil Fred and Wicked Billy wrestle in the corner.

However, whilst all of this is being introduced a local council has won a case to insist that a certain pub plays music at a “barely audible level” (a level whereby an adjoining property cannot discern the lyrics, musical instruments, base beats and tunes”).

This is the same council which approved planning to convert a commercial premises into a residential house next to the very pub in question! (Which has been playing music for many years!).

So in the brave new world customers in this particular pub will struggle to discern the lyrics of any song playing but I’ll bet will hear the grunts of Fred and Billy.

Perhaps the council involved should have said when allowing the planning permission; “Approval for this new residential property will be next door to a pub that plays music (and has done so for many years). We therefore allow planning provided only that sound proofing be installed in the property prior to inhabitation, so that the music from the pub will not offend and provoke further complaints”.

Shame that this bit of common sense was not thought of. The consequence being that once again the poor landlord and his customers suffer!!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Breathalysing Customers Could Fuel Alcohol Consumption

Here’s a story; in the late 19th century the worthy masters of ‘X’ town decided that the rat population was intolerable, and so they invented an incentive scheme to get rid of them. The scheme was simple; they said to the populous: “Kill a rat and bring in its tail to prove its demise, and we will pay you a farthing”. Worked brilliantly, until the law of unintended consequence kicked in and the wise guys started breeding rats because they were easier to catch! Result – the rat population grew. In other words, beware the ‘Law of unintended consequence’!

Now, I am all for the responsible retailing of alcohol (and support the 99% of operators who thus do), and all for the responsible consumption of alcohol (and the 99% of drinkers who do) but have doubts as to the introduction of breathalysing of customers to ensure they are sober – just to ENTER a licensed outlet. This is a growing initiative for night-time venues, driven by various police forces across the UK (Voluntary at present; mandatory one day?).

Here’s how one effect of unintended consequence might happen:-
Night clubs will be required to only admit ‘sober’ customers who pass a breathalyser test (they could one day be prosecuted if non-sober customers are allowed in) and so they will offer cut price drinks to stop pre-loading and thereby attract customers in at an earlier time. This will encourage Supermarkets to drive their prices even lower to protect their sales and thereby ensure pre-loading continues – thus a ‘price war’ ensues. Result; the price of alcohol gets even lower and so more will be consumed, and more consumption will bring more drunkenness. Then there could be a movement to breathalyse customers when they leave night-clubs (God forbid if this ever gets to pubs!). Then perhaps (who knows) a test for supermarkets before anyone can purchase alcohol (not sure if people will be breathalysed at home once they have consumed it, probably not, but once again who knows).

I understand (and sympathise) with the dilemma police have with drunken idiots, also the A&E departments who have to deal with them. BUT demonising alcohol is (in my view) not the answer. The answer lies more in education, peer pressure, more severe penalties for the drunken, penalties for those who sell to drunken people, social exclusion for drunks, cessation of ‘celebrities’ glorying in drunken behaviour, cessation of the redtops glorying in the celebs thus doing. Acceptance that the responsible consumption of alcohol is a positive thing, and an understanding that making alcohol more and more demonised will only enhance its attraction (remember America in the twenties).

Our current attitude to alcohol certainly requires a cultural change. But cultural change invariably comes from peer pressure. For example; 20 years ago a smoker would automatically light up in a friends house, 10 years later they would ask for permission to do so, 5 years later they would not ask, now they ask for forgiveness and go outside in the rain. By the way, it is perfectly legal to smoke in a friends house but it is not socially acceptable. THAT is cultural change!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

More Spent on Drugs & Prostitution than Beer & WIne, Say Government Statistics

Whilst pubs are closing left right and centre, the drug and prostitution sectors appear to be in good health - and growing dramatically!

The Office of National Statistics have reported that consumers in the UK spend more on illegal drugs and prostitution than on beer and wine. Well, not in our village (to the best of my knowledge).

They say that £12.3 billion was spent on drugs and prostitution - but only £11 billion on Beer and Wine. So HMG gather billions in tax and duty from B & W but naff all from D &P (both D & P being recorded as miscellaneous goods and services, presumably!!)

I wonder if HMG are going to introduce as many laws for D & P as they have for B & W, and then ensure that the tax revenue grows from such activities? I doubt it, myself. Much easier to go on persecuting the poor old publican!

We run courses on Drug Awareness and preventing same, but not got into a course on prostitution yet. However, good to see there are some growth industries in the UK!

Has the world gone mad?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Training

World’s Strongest Beer – A Cheap Publicity Stunt?

Brewmeister – a small Scottish craft brewery is the love child of two intrepid brewers, Lewis and John, who were bored of watery tasting lagers and boring beers

Their idea to open a brewery, which fused Scottish malts with German yeast, came about on the beautiful west coast of Scotland on a camping trip. Three months later, the guys had signed the lease on an old farm building and bought old dairy tanks to begin brewing. Nearly two years on, they have moved to a custom built brewery in Speyside, they now employ nearly 20 people and export around the world. Their passion is creating beers with a difference, which excites the taste buds and energises the soul; they wish Peace and love to all!

I think you’d have got a lot of peace and love from one of their recent brews - ‘Snake & Venom’ - which claimed an ABV of 67.5%, and which fell foul of the Advertising Standards Agency!! The ASA criticised their 67.5% claim because there was no clarity as to how the 67.5% was achieved – they suspected Ethyl Alcohol may have been added! The ASA have also suggested that future products from Brewmeister shouldn’t place an over-emphasis on the strength of the product! Wonder why?

Of course many have criticised Brewmeister for creating “The world’s strongest beer” simply as a cheap publicity stunt. But a recent counter-comment from Lewis Shand would seem to add credence to these claims – “We’re hoping to win people back with taste, not mad PR stunts like we have done before”.

A quick search of their online shop reveals that this particular brew is currently no longer available to buy, so it would appear that Brewmeister may have seen the error of their ways. Which is a bit of a shame, as I would have liked to have tried just a tooth-full!

At a time when most of the rest of the industry is reducing alcohol strengths to help combat the adverse effect of alcohol (and keep government off their backs) thank the Lord for companies like these who show that we really do live in a great nation where diversity and individuality reigns … if only temporarily!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Windsor Nightclub Takes Alcohol Retailing to a New Low

Some bright spark (without authority, apparently) thought it a great idea to tweet the message below with picture to ‘market and sell’ the delights of spending a night in this club, which is a stones throw for HM’s Berkshire residency (not sure if she is a regular client, possibly not. Andrew might be though).

“Want to end up like her? We're giving away a free booth to groups of girls this Friday. Direct message us”. The image shows a seemingly comatose woman wearing just thong underwear and sprawled out on her front surrounded by drink bottles.

So all of the tremendous work the industry has done to promote ‘responsibly retailing of alcohol’ seems to be lost on these individuals - both the person who tweeted and the lady (hic) in the photo.

The management of the premises have apologised unreservedly and no doubt the culprit is getting an enormous boll*cking! Not sure if the lady has been swooped up by some lucky groom!

Talk about giving the anti-alcohol brigade ammunition!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

UK Alcohol Consumption Down But Publicans Are Far From Out

The Portman Group, an organisation established in 1989 by the UK's leading alcohol producers, with a role to promote responsible drinking; to help prevent alcohol misuse; has reported strong evidence to show that ‘we’ (the great British public that is) are changing our relationship with alcohol!

The politicians of course, ever seeking to boast of their wisdom, try to take all of the praise for achieving this; with alcohol consumption falling, underage drinking falling, breath-test positives falling and alcohol related accident numbers and violence also declining.

However, the real praise should go to those great British Publicans who through greater professionalism, training and education ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly in the 50,000 + pubs in the UK.

The dramatic growth in food sales in pubs has changed the whole atmosphere in so many pubs; legislation has also forced pubs to comply with more and more red tape and stringent penalties for any irresponsible alcohol retailing activity. I just hope that drinking at home (where consumption is totally unsupervised) is not taking too much out of our treasured world famous ‘British Pub’ heritage! ‘Pre-loading’ at home often sees intoxicated customers arriving at the pub having not bought a single half of bitter there! Leaving the publican to deal with the consequences.

The reported trends are of course good news, whilst I have no doubt that other reports to counter this published evidence are on their way and will show we are all on our way to Armageddon through ‘the evils of drink’.

The anti-alcohol brigade is alive and well and will latch onto any shred of a statistic proving alcohol to be at the root cause of all societies problems!

Watch this space!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Drugs Awareness Pub Training - Online Mock Exam

Inn-Dispensable are pleased to announce the launch of our FREE online Drugs Awareness mock exam. This is a great interactive tool to test your knowledge prior to attending our one-day Drugs Awareness Course and exam at one of our many fantastic training sites across the UK.

This online test contains 15 multiple-choice questions which are randomly selected and are typical of the exam subject matter and mirrors closely the type of questions which appear within the real Drugs Awareness exam – so you can test yourself again and again to help build your knowledge.

Available on all devices, from desktops to mobiles.

Best of luck!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Pub Training Courses

Cheap Food & Drink in Pubs on September 24th!

The mighty campaign to see VAT on food and drink reduced in pubs from 20% to 5% drives forward.

Buy a pint and a pie in a pub and pay an extra 20% - compared to purchasing the same in a supermarket. No equality there!

So the argument is simple; reduce VAT in pubs, create more sales, more employment, and therefore more income to the treasury. All of this whilst removing the tax inequality twixt pubs and supermarkets.

September 24th will see thousands of pubs reduce their prices by 7.5% (which has the same impact if VAT was reduced to 5%).

Tim Martin Chairman of JD Wetherspoon said that his 900 pubs will participate and they intend to make September 24th the busiest day of the year. Well done to him, say I!

Many other pub companies and individual operators will also support the day, so get down your pub on the 24th!

Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Training Is Vital For Running A Successful Pub

I guess that most of you know that taking on a pub is the dream of many people, and you’ll certainly know that all of the doom and gloom merchants say “Don’t do it, Stupid”.

What I know is that for some it will work out brilliantly, for some it will be a disappointment - and yes for some it will be a disaster. But surely that mix should not take away the dream?

The one thing I do know without reservation is that ‘going in blind’ is a recipe for the disaster zone.

There are so called ‘industry experts’ who condemn Pub Companies for leading new entrants along a path of taking on ‘no-hope pubs’, and yet I know (there’s a lot I know, I know) that pub companies take enormous care, face high costs and show great commitment to ensuring all new entrants to their pubs have as much information as possible to prepare them for each pub. This preparation is no guarantee of success of course, just as preparing any athlete to run the 100 metres at the Olympics would not guaranteed them a Gold Medal. It would however point out the reality of the contest and the challenge ahead - the rest is frankly ‘down to them’.

Well, I want to put the record straight … new entrants into the tenanted and lease sectors get fantastic support, advice and training prior to taking their pubs - and I want to share with you some recent feed back from delegates on our latest 5 day course run for one of the largest pub co’s in the UK.

Here goes (all verbatim):-

• “The entire course has been relevant and extremely practical, very impressed”
• “I found the course very helpful as I am just starting out”
• “Very good course, the tutors were wonderful”
• “The course has been relevant and extremely informative and has cleared many questions and issues I could see prior to taking my pub. It has shown me issues in the pub that have to be addressed as soon as possible. All sections of the course have been explained in clear concise terms by the tutors. I strongly recommend using the training available so that I can pass all onto my staff”
• “This was a brilliant course, a brilliant week”
• “Good to come on the course before getting into my pub so that I can take what I have learnt into my new business”

Follow your dream say I, create your own future say I. Be aware however that there are no guarantees for success, BUT failing to prepare is preparing to fail!!

Here endeth the lesson.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

‘Appy Hours - Now With Alcohol Consumption Tracking?

Is it just me or is the world going mad?

I am all for the responsible retailing and consumption of alcohol. I am also all for the survival of the British Pub and for the great enjoyment 99% of drinkers get from a visit to the pub. I am also all for downing a pint or two responsibly (or whatever your medicine is) and for personal reliability. BUT am I alone?

Drinkaware (a worthy organisation) have now launched, would you believe, an APP which enables you to track your alcohol consumption, calculate units and calories and set goals to help you moderate your drinking. So when you are enjoying a drink with your friends and they ask "what are you having?" you can check your APP before you reply.

This technological wonder apparently has a plethora of indispensable features, including:

• Tracking the units and calories in your drinks
• An extensive database of alcohol brands
• Teaching you more about the health benefits of cutting down
• Allowing you to feel supported with regular and personalised feedback
• Pinpointing locations where you need extra help; from your local to your own home
• Setting goals tailored to your existing drinking habits
• Setting rewards for achieving your goals
• Displaying your progress in terms of units or calories drunk
• Recording and reviewing your drinking over time - How you’re doing compared to last week, or last month?

AS Far as I’m concerned I have my own APP, it’s called self control, and if that doesn’t work I have another fall back APP when I’m drinking in my local, its called The Landlord; who says “you’ve had enough Readie, go home”. And if the Landlord doesn’t spot it I have another APP, it’s called my mates who tell me I’m talking rubbish, and then my final APP - myself!! so  one way or another; I go home!

31 Pubs closing each week, health warnings on all alcohol packaging, fines for buying your mate a pint if he/she appears intoxicated, now an APP to see if you can have another half of Bitter.

World gone mad for 99% of drinkers or perhaps it is just me?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Is Beer A Super-food Health Drink?

I think it depends which doctor you go to. Here are two recent research reports … I go with number two!

1. A single alcoholic drink per day could put health at risk: Research published by the British Medical Journal has suggested that a single alcoholic drink per day could be enough to increase the risk of heart disease. Previous studies had suggested that between 12 to 25 units a week could be good for the heart and could reduce the risk of problems. The BMJ concluded (at least in this study), that its findings simplified the approach to alcohol in that it concluded that no level of consumption was actually beneficial.
2.  But another, rather unlikely low-sugar beverage is increasingly being hailed for its health benefits – beer! Research suggests it can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, aid weight loss and even balance hormones – and now it’s attracting more and more health-conscious men and women.

A raft of female celebrities are also embracing the brew. Actress Mila Kunis says her favourite drink is Blue Moon beer, while supermodel Elle Macpherson revealed recently that she washes her hair with it. Even saintly Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow has said she “can’t get enough of Guinness”.

So what are the benefits of beer, and can it really be good for you?

A VITAMIN-PACKED PINT
“If you analysed beer you would be amazed at how many super-nutrients there are in it” says Dr Stephan Domenig, medical director of The Original F.X. Mayr Health Centre in Austria. “Beer contains  all of the essential – and many of the non-essential – amino acids.”. As well as these protein-building blocks and minerals including phosphorus, iodine, magnesium and potassium, beer is rich in calcium - so could benefit your bones.

A study by Tufts University in the United States in 2009 found that moderate beer consumption can protect bone mineral density. For years Guinness was even prescribed to pregnant women due to its high Vitamin B content. “It’s  now recommended that pregnant women avoid alcohol but other people could benefit” says nutritionist Vicki Edgson.

Choose unpasteurised beer for the greatest health benefits. Pasteurising, or heating to prolong its shelf-life, reduces some nutritional value as the ‘living’ content is removed, says Georgina Young, head brewer at Fuller’s. And cloudy beer is best as filtering removes the yeast and therefore a lot of B vitamins.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Lager Sales Up Despite World Cup Exit

The latest WDR report (a highly respected organisation within the drinks industry) reports that:

“Lager is still selling significantly more than last year, although the increase was not as high as in weeks 1 and 2.”. Tim Wilson comments “we were expecting some drop off in week 3 as the impact of England’s early exit filtered through into pub goers and shopper’s baskets. However, the football has actually got better and even more exciting without England, and consumers are tuning in in big numbers.”

So the England lads can luxuriate back home in their mansions; buy that new Ferrari, book another holiday, order their next tattoo and sleep soundly knowing that pubs are still busy without them!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Overpriced Drinks = Less Customers

I had a business meeting yesterday at a certain establishment in Cheltenham. I had a £3.50 pot of Tea (proper tea with leaves), and the person I met with had a 500ml bottle of beer.

Here is what the brewer of the beer says about the brew; it is a tastefully dry, crisp and full-flavoured ale, brewed with skill and passion using the finest organically grown Pale Ale malt and organically farmed English hops. It contains wheat and barley malt. 5.0% vol. Knowing the brewer as I do and knowing the price they charge if you order on their website at around £2.10 a bottle - well worth it say I. Not sure the £6.50 I had to pay for it in this particular hostelry had £4.40 worth of “added value” though.

On getting back to my office I reflected on the price I had been charged and thought “surely they made a mistake?”, and so I sent a polite email asking if the price was correct. I had a prompt and courteous reply assuring me it is indeed their price point at £6.50 (for slightly less than pint).

On my way back to my office I had to then fill up with Diesel, which was £1.32, a litre. So: A gallon of diesel is around £6 and a gallon of beer in this particular establishment is around £59.

I have always thought that Diesel was more difficult to find, mine, produce, refine and transport half way across the world than beer. Firstly, to produce Diesel; fossil fuels are mined in the form of crude oil. The oil is extracted from inside the earth, lots of other processes happen and then shipped across the oceans. This, versus beer brewed in Bristol with the main ingredient being wheat, malted barley, yeast, hops and water and delivered 50 miles up the M5. I wonder if the owners of the said establishment ever consider why there were only two of us in the place enjoying the pleasure of handing over £6.50 for a beer (about one hours work on minimum wage) and paying around 9 times the price of Diesel.

I have withheld the name of the place as their lawyers probably earn a lot. But whilst we train publicans how to make profit we also train them how to price competitively and how to ensure customer come back! I shall NOT be rushing back!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Mayor & Mayoress Barred from Gosport Pubs

Doesn’t matter who you are, if you misbehave in pubs, you will get barred. Even if you have status, officialdom, and a big chain around your chest!

You couldn’t make this up but it is true! A town’s newly elected Mayor and Mayoress have been banned from 36 pubs in their own town, this despite their using that well worn phrase “do you know who I am?”.

Well 36 pubs in a Hampshire town, who have collectively barred the couple for 6 months, took no heed of this subliminal threat and duly told them they are not welcome, well not until they behave themselves and do not appear to be drunk and disorderly, which caused their eviction in the first place!

The “self important” couple have 6 months to reflect and to swot up on the Licensing Act (which they are responsible in some way for enforcing) thereby ensuring their town’s pubs sell alcohol in a responsible way!

Gosport Pubwatch confirmed that the couple have been barred from their 36-pub membership, having been asked to leave one of their member pubs. “Quite rightly so” said the J D Wetherspoon HO spokesperson who supported the local JDW manager who took the original decision to tell them to leave his premises. Pubwatch chairman Phil Cox said, “we didn’t treat them any differently to how we treat anyone else, it doesn’t matter who you are, we want our pubs to be more comfortable, and pleasant places to be in with no abuse towards any member of staff. They should know better!”. Absolutely, so say all of us!

Not possible to know if the two worthies are embarrassed or going to take their case to the Court of Human Rights (like some other thug recently barred from the towns pubs in a Cornish resort) because (perhaps unsurprisingly) neither are available for comment. Plus, the Mayor of Gosport website is currently offline. Wonder why?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

A Half Pint Glass Which Looks Like A Full Pint?!

Apparently there are fellas (might also be some gals) out there who cannot drink "pints" any more (or at least cannot keep up with their mates who still can!). They however believe that to maintain their reputation that they are not gibbers but real "drinking sorts", drinking "halves" is not an option (well not openly and proudly).

So there is now a new glass on the market that is a pint size in height but it is cut down the middle so that it only holds a half pint. But, if you hold it correctly, with the "front round side" facing your mates, it looks like a full pint (are you still with me?).

Not sure what happens when your mates ask "what you are having?". Do you say "pint please" - to keep up the illusion that you are still one of the lads (or lasses). If so, then presumably the bar staff on being presented with said glass, are either in on the act or they spill the other half a pint on the floor.

This idea could also work well for slimmers. "Full English please" - then cut the sausages in half, along their length? Topside up would still look like a full plate of food!

I wish the manufacturers well, but hope they haven’t produced too many! Happy days.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Gazza To Open A Pub Chain?

That goal he scored all of those years ago, with an overhead flick and a sensational finish and then a celebration mimicking guzzling alcohol was sensational. “The Dentists Chair” gained a whole new meaning! Though I’m not so sure it’s such a sensational an idea for Gazza to now think of getting into the Pub business!

Apparently Mr Gascgoigne wants to franchise his “Gazza” protected name and open a number of bars called “GAZZA BARS” with franchisees running them, he presumably would turn up on occasions to help build the brand!

I have utmost sympathy for those who really cannot handle alcohol and considering that our man has recently spent 12 weeks in rehab in Arizona where he was under a strict alcohol ban, spending time in bars now, would seem to be a risky hobby?

Stay out of the pub business Paul, we want to see you recover permanently, it ain’t for you anymore. Drink fruit juice, go find another venture to promote your name and fame.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-dispensable Personal Licence Courses

The Landlord's Human Right To Bar Anti-social Behavior

There is a fundamental principle for licencees that they can “refuse service” to anyone they like, as long as their refusal is not on the grounds of Race, Gender or Disability. In effect when you go into a pub you go into the Landlords “house”, and after all each of us has a right to refuse entry to anyone we do not want come into our own homes!

I well remember a dirty, smelly, old tramp coming into our pub many years ago, and we had no hesitation in telling him he was not welcome. We did give him a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of pop to send him on his way though! I also remember a guy, well known in our town, who after three pints would want to take the world on - he wasn’t welcome either!

A Landlord also has a right to “ban” a person from his pub, and often, if that Landlord belongs to a local “Pubwatch” organisation, the same person will (or might) be banned from all pubs within their territory, this without seeking recourse to the law.

Well now; such a banned person (a 24 year old male banned for some 6 months from pubs within a Cornish town) is seeking redress from The European Court of Human Rights because he believes that the local Pubwatch organisation have banned him without him having had a chance to defend himself in a court of law. The local Pubwatch spokesperson said “What about the human rights of other people to enjoy their drink in a pub or the rights of publicans to run their business?”

I have no knowledge whatsoever of why this fellow has been banned, I do know however that Landlords and Pubwatch organisations do not ban people lightly, why would they when they need all of the customers they can get? Surely publicans must have the right to decide who can and who cant be in their pubs, it is very easy for the libertarians to sit at home and make judgements but you try serving and welcoming for example; some thug determined to make everyone’s life a misery, fuelled with god knows what inside him on a Saturday night when your locals are trying to have a quiet pint!

The customers of a pub are the reflection of the Landlord, of his standards and his hospitality; let us hope this fellow is not successful in claiming that his human rights have been infringed! Perhaps he might reflect on the reasons why he was banned in the first place?

Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

SIBA 2014 Champion Ale Brewer

Many congratulations to Joe Holiday, brewer at North Cotswold Brewery, near Moreton in Marsh who has won the prestigious title of Overall Champion Ale for his Hung Drawn ‘n’ Portered Ale at the recent SIBA (Society Independent Brewers) Wales and West competition.

Inn-Dispensable is proud to be a supporter of NCB and indeed once had the pleasure of counting the MD Guy Holiday as a tutor of our courses, this before he started his brewery business. Guy remains a keen colleague of Inn-Dispensable and we wish him and his team continued success

Should you ever wish to tour the brewery look up their details on www.northcotswoldbrewery.co.uk

Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Law On 'Acting' Drunk Confuses UK Police

You couldn’t make it up!

The Licensing Act of 2003 has many fine regulations including those to ensure that alcohol is sold Responsibly. One of the regulations is aimed to stop "drunken persons" from being served alcohol. The onus falls upon the person serving the alcohol to not do so, but unfortunately there is no definition of 'drunk'. This means that bar staff have to use some common sense (*blimey*) and subjective judgment.

The giveaway signs of 'drunkenness' will likely be a customer’s unsteadiness on their feet, glazed eyes, slurred speech and boozy breath. It is the bar person selling the alcohol who will be the one that could be prosecuted, so they need to be satisfied that the person isn’t drunk. On conviction, they could face a fine of up to £1000!

Interestingly there is no offence for a person who is blind drunk to attempt to buy alcohol, it is an offence however to purchase alcohol for someone who appears to be drunk (so watch out when it is your round) and even more interestingly if the police use "actors" to pretend to be drunk, there is no offence for serving alcohol to a person who is acting as if they are drunk, so all of that time spent by actors at RADA is wasted! Not too sure if it is an offence to buy alcohol for an actor who is acting as if he/she is drunk (will have to await a first case).

A number of police forces have recently employed actors to carry out some test purchases doing just that (pretending to be drunk). No prosecution could be brought to bear because as stated; serving a person pretending to be drunk is not unlawful.

Happy days.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Two Sides To Every Story! Hilarious

A bit of a spat has broken out between a young (brilliant) entrepreneur; James Watt, who along with his partner Martin Dickie co-founded BrewDog, a craft brewer based in Edinburgh and The Portman Group - a mighty and worthy organisation who spend their time ensuring alcohol is marketed responsibly in the UK.

The role of the Portman Group is to:

• Lead on best practice in alcohol social responsibility through the actions of member companies.
• Regulate the promotion and packaging of alcoholic drinks sold or marketed in the UK through our Code of Practice.
• Challenge and encourage the industry to market its products responsibly.

The group is a not-for-profit organisation funded by nine member companies who represent every sector of drinks production and collectively account for more than half the UK alcohol market.

However, young James, (a Law and Economics graduate before changing careers and becoming a brewery owner) issued a somewhat unusual and perhaps irreverent (some would say hilarious, but I couldn’t possible comment) response as follows;
"On behalf of BrewDog PLC and its 14,691 individual shareholders, I would like to issue a formal apology to the Portman Group for not giving a shit about today’s ruling. Indeed, we are sorry for never giving a shit about anything the Portman Group has to say, and treating all of its statements with callous indifference and nonchalance.

Unfortunately, the Portman Group is a gloomy gaggle of killjoy jobs-worths, funded by navel-gazing international drinks giants. Their raison d’être is to provide a diversion for the true evils of this industry, perpetrated by the gigantic faceless brands that pay their wages. Blinkered by this soulless mission, they treat beer drinkers like brain-dead zombies and vilify creativity and competition. Therefore, we have never given a second thought to any of the grubby newspeak they disseminate periodically.

While the Portman Group lives out its days deliberating whether a joke on a bottle of beer is responsible or irresponsible use of humour, at BrewDog we will just get on with brewing awesome beer and treating our customers like adults. I’m sure that makes Henry Ashworth cry a salty tear into his shatterproof tankard of Directors as he tries to enforce his futile and toothless little marketing code, but we couldn’t give a shit about that, either.

The Portman Group took objection to the phrase "rip it up down empty streets"? Mr Portman, you seem to like taking things literally. Can you please explain how something can be 'anti-social' if the streets are empty? Anti-social is defined as 'contrary to the laws and customs of society, in a way that causes annoyance and disapproval in others.' If the streets are empty, there are no 'others' to annoy".

I haven’t as yet seen any response from the Portman Group! Great Eh? Whose side are you on?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Beer Vending Machine Installed In London Pub

And now we have it! The introduction in a London pub, of the first beer vending machine to be installed in the UK. No further need to even talk to the friendly, highly-trained, knowledgeable and interesting person behind the bar when getting your beverage. Instead, you can simply put your pound coins into a machine, return to a lonely corner of the pub and sip your vended ale, and not talk to anyone all before going home to eat a pre packed dinner from Tesco.

I’m all for innovation but surely this Japanese-inspired machine is not the way forward?

Apparently, in Japan these machines are hugely popular, and reputedly Japan has a 1 to 50 ratio of vending machines to humans - the highest ratio on the planet.

I rather like talking to the Governor in the pub; so not too sure it will lift off in the Cotswolds!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Pubs Granted Longer Serving Hours During World Cup

I have long thought that responsible, adult people should be allowed to stay up as long as they like, preferably in a pub, before drinking their Ovaltine and hitting the sack. Well, now Her Majesty’s Home Office have agreed we can do so if we want to - well, only for the World Cup!

They, the Home Office, who are in charge of these things, originally pronounced that the World Cup was not an "occasion of national importance", and that pubs would not be allowed to stay open till 1.00 am (so that customers could watch England miss three penalties in a shoot-out). Rather, they thought that we should all be at home swigging ten pints of strong lager bought from the local supermarket, most of us watching in agony alone without the comfort of our mates to sob with, as the last missed penalty puts us out of the competition.

Then Halleluiah, 'call me Dave' listened to the outcry from the trade and got involved, telling the Home Office to reconsider, and what do you know; reconsider they did! Their new pronouncement is that the World Cup has become and therefore now IS "an occasion of national significance" and pubs (if they want to) can stay open and serve alcohol for four hours after an 8.00pm kick off, until 1.00 am at the latest (not quite sure what happens if there is 20 minutes plus extra time in the match, guess we will have to leave the pub and find out the result in the newspaper at breakfast).

Luckily, I shall be in Spain on holiday during the first England match and so I shall find a bar, and I bet I shall not need to ask Pedro the owner if I can stay till the match finishes (I’ll let you know). I also imagine that Spanish fans will not need to ask if they are allowed to stay in their local bar when Spain plays no matter what time it finishes? This probably also applies in the other nations taking part.

Bridget Simmonds, British Beer and Pub Association CEO said "It’s really great news, which will put pubs at the heart of a great national event, I am pleased that HMG have listened and made sure that COMMON SENSE prevails. Thank you to the hundreds in the pub trade who made their views clear to the government". And so say all of us!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

A Brilliant Village Shop Innovation

Say what you like about the Brit’s, they never stop innovating; once one age-old industry/facility dies, along comes a solution to replace it.

A pub in Derbyshire has installed a terrific vending machine to replace the small village shop that closed after about 100 years of trading. The machine stocks around 80 essential products ranging from milk to eggs, toilet rolls, tea, and cereals and so on.

Congratulations to Peter Fox, MD of Village Vending who has created the vending machine and now plans to roll them out in village pubs across the UK.

This seems to me to be a solution for those pubs that are not able physically to create a shop within their premises (as initiated by the brilliant 'Pub is the Hub' team) or is unable to staff such a shop. Plus, it's sure to bring new customers, profit, a meeting place and village cohesion?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-dispensable Personal Licence Courses

A Puplican's Lot Can be a Very Happy One

I was listening to Radio Five Live earlier and there was this chap on from some government department or other talking about a government survey recently carried out about “job satisfaction”. He pronounced with apparent certainty that “money” itself was, whilst important, not the most important aspect of achieving job satisfaction, he did however admit that there was strong evidence that the better paid you are the more content you seem to be! Well there’s surprise number one. (I’ll bet he’s got a great salary).

Surprise number two was no surprise that those who are most content seem to be those who “give to others” in their jobs.

Surprise number three was that 'publicans' are in the bottom five listed jobs where least job satisfaction is recorded; in fact publicans were last on the list! Well it was a surprise until they interviewed a publican along with a tile layer and a builder, who were also amongst the bottom five (by the way Vicars were amongst the top five most content people).

Now this here publican in a voice and with a script that would have depressed the happiest person in the world, (even Snow White would have to have given Happy a few Prozacs) opined that running a pub was (to paraphrase) dreadful, involving long hours, basically un-enjoyable, absolutely impossible to compete with low prices from supermarkets and with no way of getting out other than leaving with debt mounting to bankruptcy, that was apparently why this person was still running the pub!

A Vicar who was interviewed also opined (seemingly with all of the commercial knowledge of running a pub, that you would presume a vicar would have) on the publicans' life, stating that the major problem was the smoking ban! I pulled into a lay-by and thought of crying.

Then I thought; hang an a minute, I am sure that whilst the publican interviewed is having a tough time, there are hundreds of very happy publicans with great job satisfaction, or is it that I only visit and spend my money with those who are so? Perhaps that’s the secret; perhaps only publicans who actually enjoy running their pubs do well? Perhaps only publicans who like people do well? Perhaps only publicans who like working hard do well?

Perhaps only publicans who agree that “money” itself is not the key motivator for job satisfaction do well? Perhaps those publicans who “give to others” like; being the local non-ordained vicar, the local father confessor, the local money lender, the local marriage guidance counsellor, the local charity provider, the local provider of a warm log fire on a cold night, the local provider of free Wi-Fi, the local provider of 3 free daily newspapers, the local provider of fresh flowers to brighten your day, the local school food provider, the local place to pick up your monthly magazine provider, the local font of all knowledge about the area, the local solace for lonely people provider, the local friendly face when you are feeling sad, the local meal provider when you cant be assed to cook, the local provider of a venue when your pals visit, the local provider of a fun palace, the local music promoter, the local sports promoter, the local quiz night provider, the local …(I could do another 20!).

I’ve got it; running a pub with contentment is about “giving to others” and the most contented publicans, with great job satisfaction, and who make a few quid, do just that, so surprise number two is no surprise.

Who ever said it is a “job” anyway?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Bloody Well Done George!

1p a pint off for second budget running (first time in history)
Duty escalator on Alcohol scrapped
Pubs helped, jobs created, drinkers happier
Shows the power of listening to those who know best!
Can only repeat; WELL DONE GEORGE!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Personal Licence Courses

Football Screening: Premier League To Visit 7000 Pubs

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear on many of our courses is around the screening of Premier League football matches and the law regarding satellite systems. Now we are not a law firm but we do know what happens in the pub trade!

There has been great confusion around this subject ever since the QC Leisure and Karen Murphy European Court of Justice case in 2012. Well, now the picture seems clearer. The legal way of showing Premier League football matches is by having a Sky Sports or BT Sports subscription package, the unlawful way is to have an unauthorised satellite system.

The Premier League had its first legal hearing against a publican for showing unauthorised broadcasts recently and the judge found in their favour, the judge in the high court stated that the pub was infringing the PL’s copyright. In fact he went on to say "the pub did not even have an arguable defence to make"! The pub has been ordered to pay damages, a minimum of £65000 in legal costs and has an injunction against it prohibiting further use of the unauthorised system. Oh dear, not a good outcome for the pub!

Here is a statement from the Premier League, "We will take action. Our message is clear, as the law has now been backed by the High court. If you receive a letter from us we will not hesitate in following this with court action. We have started our largest ever pub visits and investigation program, our partner ID enquires likely to visit 7,000 pubs by the end of the football season. Letters have gone out to thousands of pubs and the ball is rolling for civil proceedings to take place across the country".

So pretty clear that having got the judgement, they are on the warpath. Be warned!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of www.inn-dispensable.com Personal Licence Courses

Training Is Valuable, Stupid

A fascinating new survey reports that a significant improvement in the relationship between tenants and their brewery or pub co landlords has been recorded, up some 14% "taking everything into consideration".

No surprise to me that one of the key elements of the survey "training support" showed progress. There is little doubt that the more enlightened companies believe that training plays a vital role in improving results and creating partnership engagement.

We as a company have the pleasure of delivering many courses to pub company licencees and staff, covering a wide range of subject matters, all designed to raise standards and commercial performance within their pubs. Training itself provides not only new knowledge and skills; it also creates motivation and employee loyalty.

An unwise (stupid) person once said, "I don’t spend much on training my staff because it costs me money and then they leave me", a much wiser person replied "Have you ever thought how much they cost you by not training them and having them stay with you?". An even wiser person once said "Give a person a fish and you will stop them being hungry, teach a person to fish and you will ensure they never starve"!

There is clear evidence in the survey however that tenants will be demanding even more from their pub companies going forward to ensure that they have the tools to compete in an ever-competitive trading environment.

Let’s hope that training becomes a major element of the continued support.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Tap Water or Soft Drink, Sir?

A recent survey (commissioned by a soft drink manufacture) has concluded that the pub industry is loosing £700m pounds worth of profit each year by serving free water rather than "up-selling" a thirsty customer with a soft drink.

It is of course the law of the land that free tap water must be available and supplied when requested, so not quite sure of the ethics (or legality) of the tactic. However, leaving such technicalities aside, they go on to assert (from the survey) that 45% of those surveyed would stay longer in the pub if the range of soft drinks improved.

So if the survey is correct and if the range needs to improve (and "honest", I am not on commission, or have any vested interest other than seeking to always support my mates), local producers are always seeking ways to keep people longer in pubs; you could perhaps try out Bensons Totally Fruity range.

Produced in the Cotswolds from a farming family, led by "Bean" Benson, here is an extract from their web-site which makes the product sound irresistible:
"We use the finest British apples, which are pressed on our farm using a simple, traditional process, which captures all of the juice naturally, needing no additives. The farm is on a beautiful old country estate owned by the National Trust, right in the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire.

We never add water, sugar, additives or preservatives and we only use British apples sourced locally whenever available. We never ever use concentrates and we use the best natural ingredients which taste so good we never need to add anything else. We're proud to say this also makes them suitable for diabetics."

What is the Bensons Philosophy?

"Our philosophy to use only the finest seasonal British apples is at the core - no pun intended - of what we do. We believe that by using only British apples we are doing our bit to keep the orchards in the UK thriving especially as 60% of orchards have disappeared since the 1950s. Bensons is a bustling community of Benson believers - not just grandparents, parents and children, but friends, neighbours, locals, farmers, bookkeepers, shopkeepers, the postman, the butcher, the truck driver, the barista, the apple pickers, the pulp-eating pigs and not least of all, our loyal drinkers too. Everyone plays their part in keeping us going and growing. That's the beauty of families, there's always room for more at the table."

www.bensonstotallyfruity.co.uk

By the way, I have little doubt that the company, FREEDRINKS, who commissioned the survey, have great soft drinks as well!

Blackpool Rejects Night-time Restrictions On Local Businesses

The licensed trade has welcomed the decision by the Licensing Committee of Blackpool NOT to invoke an EMRO (Early Morning Restriction Order) on a vibrant night-time district of the town. Should such an order have been approved, some 22 great licensed venues would have been forced to stop selling alcohol between the hours of 3.00 till 6.00am - with the subsequent loss of revenue, jobs and tourist enjoyment.

Perversely, whilst the selling of alcohol would have been banned, the venues could have continued with food, music and dancing. Just imagine the amount of alcoholic 'pre-loading' up to the hour of 3.00am!

This has been a mighty legal battle, with barristers galore no doubt earning a fortune during the process. The decision has also set somewhat of a precedent. If it had gone the other way, many other attempts across the UK to impose such restrictions would have ensued.

There is undoubtedly an issue in Blackpool and many other towns where significant levels of violent crime within town centres exist, and all parties concluded that "something must be done to address this". Curtailing hours however was not seen as the answer.

Evidence also suggested that a specific postcode within the Blackpool area provided most of the trouble makers and Stag and Hen parties were not the protagonists of most of the crime.

The Committee was not convinced that 'turning off the tap' at 3am (as was the phrase commonly used throughout the hearing) would have a positive impact on the prevention of crime and disorder. The Committee noted that one effect might be that a great number of individuals would be spilling out onto the streets at the same time, and this had the potential for increased levels of crime, disorder and nuisance. The Committee was of the view that there was also a real risk that patrons would 'hoard' drink in anticipation of any 3am terminal hour, and that this also mitigated the 'turning off of any tap' at 3am. Whether there was hoarding or an exodus at 3am, the Committee was of the view that both scenarios may have a negative impact on the licensing objectives, which include the Prevention of Crime and Disorder.

Having denied the EMRO here are some of their (very sensible) recommendations:

(1) That the Council supports the formation of a multi agency Night Time Economy Working Group, including but not limited to, the representatives of the Lancashire Constabulary, the Licensing Committee, the relevant Cabinet Members, the Heath Sector, Pubwatch, Trade Organisations and more general Tourist Organisations, and asks the Licensing Committee to meet at the earliest opportunity to formalise its membership.

(2) That subject to the agreement of (1) above, the Night Time Economy Working Group present its initial recommendations to the Licensing Committee within three months of its creation.

(3) That the Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary requesting him to give urgent consideration to increasing the levels of policing in the night time economy, having regards to the Licensing Committee’s stated view that additional police officers deployed in strategic locations reduce crime and disorder within the night time economy. This letter should request the Chief Constable to report back to the Licensing Committee within 3 months.

So we are going to have all of the interested parties talking to each other, sharing problems and opportunities and agreeing a way forward to satisfy all, thereby seeking to create a safe environment for responsible people to enjoy a great night out, and not invoke more laws and regulations which allow the bad guys who caused the problem in the beginning to spoil it for the rest of us.

Wonders will never cease!

New Laws Threaten To Cripple UK Pubs

The Anti Social Behaviour Bill is meandering through parliament, and is due to be introduced into Law in the near future. This bill has a number of aspects – some of which are very controversial – for example, new legislation on dangerous dogs and forced marriages. Also tucked away are new laws controlling pubs!

The concern of the pub industry is that the new licensing laws will "slip through under the radar" as the more controversial subjects gain most attention. There are however serious consequences for pubs, which many industry players see as potentially being "enormously damaging" to the pub sector. Part of the new law is that police will be able to close pubs for within 24 to 48 hours if there has been, or is likely to be, nuisance or disorder. Currently they must seek an order from magistrates thus to do. Theoretically, a closure order could subsequently last for 3 months!

Even more worrying is that for the first time the bill includes what is known as a "community trigger", which means that if there are three 'complaints' about a pub within a six month period, then police and local authorities are 'bound' to investigate. If either then decide to take no action, they must respond to the complainants giving their reasons why not. They will obviously be under great pressure to do 'something', which could include a pub being closed down! This opens up a whole can of worms. Any resident can complain about almost anything – noise for example. I once dealt with a case where a person bought a house next to a pub and complained about the noise of the balls going up the skittle alley! playing skittles was subsequently banned until balls made of rubber replaced the balls made of wood. (Load of balls, really!).

Traditionally, in a sane, adult world, a neighbour would pop into the pub and have a chat with the landlord to find a compatible solution to issues; now all they have to do is run to the police or local authority. History is full of people buying houses next to pubs and then complaining about the travesty of living next door to a pub! I am all for pubs being run responsibly and for being part of the "big society", and 99% of them are! (as are 99% of pub goers!)

The law of unintended consequence could have a field-day here. Think of the power available to entire minority lobbyists, including anti-alcohol groups, anti-pub groups and life’s disenfranchised losers. They can really let their imaginations run wild and complain about a thousand and one things, which could possibly include: kids being in pub gardens where alcohol is being consumed, smokers outside pubs causing obstructions on the pavements, car parking too near the pavement, Wetherspoon’s selling alcohol too cheaply, "I don’t like the landlord", "I have been barred from the pub unfairly", one licencee recruiting complainants to close down a competitor, residents associations choosing anti-pub members, do-gooders visiting the pub to seek under-age or intoxicated drinkers, previous landlords spying to find a fault with new owners, the menu is rubbish, the beer is lousy, the staff are rude, the toilets stink, the beer is too expensive, the hours are too late, the hours are too short, the lights are too bright (I once dealt with a complaint against a pub where the headlights from cars leaving the pub were shining into a neighbours bedroom and apparently putting up blinds was not a solution!) - the list is endless.

Do police really want to have to investigate such trivia, and do Licencees really have to suffer such intrusions to impact on their livelihoods? The Victor Meldrews of this world must be in heaven and think that Christmas has come early!

When will HMG cease their attack on pubs? 99% of them are fine, and 99% of people who drink alcohol are fine. Leave us alone!

Sign Up To Scrap the Duty Escalator

Ahead of the forthcoming Budget the battle has been joined by a new campaign to see the end of the hated Alcohol Duty Escalator!

The Chancellor last year decided not to implement the escalator on beer, and what do you know, as a result, the latest figures show that beer sales have grown - showing consecutive growth in two quarters for the first time in ten years. This in turn has raised more revenue for HMG, protected jobs and seen new investment in the sector. And now Wines and Spirits please!

Do you know that some 79% of the cost of a bottle of spirits and some 60% of the cost of a bottle of wine goes directly to HMG in one tax or another! The alcohol industry in general employs some 2 million people, is a glowing example of excellence, helps tourism, raises billions in tax and at pub level is at the centre of community life. So any action to hold prices down must surely be progressive?

Now there is a new campaign; "CALL TIME ON DUTY" and you can see all of the details on their website: www.calltimeonduty.co.uk

You can also contribute to the campaign by sending the following letter to your MP (courtesy of the campaign). The more they receive the better! So if you want to see the price of your pint, glass of claret and glass of gin not grow once again by 2% above inflation, get an envelope, print off the script below, sign it and down to the post office you go (or maybe email it to your local MP?)


Dear xxxx

I am writing as a constituent to ask you to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on my behalf. I would be grateful if you could urge him to call time on his alcohol super tax (the Alcohol Duty Escalator) in the 2014 Budget.

I am supporting the campaign because I cannot believe how unfair the current alcohol tax system is. I find it incredible that if I buy an average priced bottle of spirits, more than three-quarters (79%) of it goes to the Chancellor in tax. The tax on a bottle of wine, nearly 60% of the cost of an average priced bottle, is also ridiculously high, especially if you compare it with France where I would pay 20% or Spain where I would pay 21% in tax.

I just cannot see how it is fair to hit hard-pressed consumers with an alcohol super tax that keeps on rising by 2% above inflation, year on year. Surely the cost of living is already high enough without the Chancellor taking the tax on a bottle of spirits to over 80%, which is what will happen unless he calls time on his unpopular alcohol super tax in the next Budget.

George Osborne talks about creating new jobs and cutting taxes. Calling time on his super tax would do both. Independent research shows that 6000 new jobs could be created and £230 million of additional public finances generated to pay for schools and hospitals if he does the right thing and scraps his super tax.

The fact that my local pub would benefit too is really important. I was pleased when I heard the Chancellor wanted to support pubs, but then I learnt that he increased their tax bill by £34 million in 2013 through his Alcohol Duty Escalator on wines and spirits. This simply does not make sense when 26 million people drink wine in pubs, bars and restaurants, and wine and spirits already account for almost half (42%) of their alcohol sales.

Almost two million people depend on the alcohol industry for their livelihoods, while the industry generates £38 billion for the economy annually and pays £17 billion in tax.

Responsible drinkers deserve a freeze in alcohol duty, not another inflation-busting tax hike. Please could you urge the Chancellor to use his 2014 Budget to do the right thing and scrap this deeply unpopular super tax? I look forward to hearing from you and to receiving a copy of the Chancellor’s response to your letter.

APLH Personal Licence Holder's Online Mock Exam

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Campaigning To Stop Further UK Pub Closures

The time is coming that "something" really needs to happen!

We have lost around ten thousand pubs in recent years, and if we are not careful we will lose many more in the not too distant future. There is of course lots going on to try and fight off the demise of our treasured pub institution, but frankly all of the effort in the world, other than getting more people to use pubs more often, will come to nought unless 'pub-going' gets back into fashion.

Government is also now realising that if more people stay at home drinking and purchasing alcohol in supermarkets there is a loss in revenue terms to the exchequer, this along with the social impact and high street demise. Pubs are important, stupid.

So what part does "the cost of going to the pub" play in the greater scheme of things? I think "more and more" is the answer.

I have blogged before on my 'hobby-horse' about our culture of 'round-buying', and I continue to believe that it is detrimental to our industry. I hear many people say that they avoid certain pubs at certain times because they know they will get involved in a round-buying group where a round can cost £20 or more. For those who want to go on doing it "fine", but let us create a culture where it is perfectly acceptable for those who want to "buy their own" to not be considered as skinflints or social pariahs!

Onto the VAT disparity twixt supermarkets and pubs. It is outrageous that supermarkets pay no VAT on food when pubs pay (and therefore you dear pub customer) 20%.

The argument is simple: Reduce VAT for pubs – more people will visit, spend more money, create more jobs, regenerate high streets, generate more revenue for HMG. The battle is joined and growing in influence. Want to know more? Take a view: www.vatclubjacquesborrel.co.uk


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

What is the future for pubs?

I keep reading the trade press and this is a question posed and answered by many 'experts', most of whom have never worked in a pub, lived in a pub, owned a pub, run a pub, been an area manger for pubs, been a director running pubs and so on. None of this makes their opinions less worthy but makes them a bit like all of the greatest footballers who are on the terraces advising Ronaldo how to kick a ball.

Some of the future is simple to predict:

There will be those nationally branded pubs offering a national script. Some driven by location, some by food, some by price, some by music, some by sport, some by image etc. All will have high standards of cleanliness, service (Have a nice day types) and procedures. None will have a predominant 'manager' stamping his or her own identity on the outlet, rather they will be programmed to deliver the company massage and brand. They will have the latest technology to market their 'product' and attract customers.

Nothing wrong with all this which works perfectly well, hugely successful brands; see JD Wetherspoon, Beefeater, Best Bar None et al.

There will be rough tough pubs catering for rough tough people run by rough tough landlords in rough tough areas, nothing wrong with this either, and can be very profitable for landlords who run them – providing they can tolerate the occasional black eye. Good for the police because they know where all of the villains will be drinking, good for other pubs because the rough guys are kept away from their doors.

There will be more high-end "posh pubs", run by posh people for posh customers in posh areas: expensive menus, expensive drinks, expensive rooms, expensive everything. Mostly 'rich mans hobbies' for those who have made a load of dosh and wish to demonstrate it and have a place to entertain their mates, pose a little and make a few more quid.

There will be niche pubs, run by aficionados of whatever; cask ale, tapas, sixties music, dating, gay, stamp collectors, butterfly collectors, who knows what. I reckon all of that lot take care of about 20000 pubs, leaving around 30000 to try and survive – and this is where the great heroes of the industry come into their own!

When I were lad and grew up in our family pub my dad used to tell me "son, running a pub is like having a party in your house 365 days a year, the only difference is that you don’t get to chose who comes to the party".

So to survive (and prosper) there will need to be "personality pubs" run by those with great personalities (like my dad!). Customers will chose to go to them because of who runs them, they will be hosts and treat customers as friends and guests, those who misbehave will be banned, the customer profile of such pubs will reflect the landlords who run them (you are who you attract). These Landlords will of course have to do all of the right things in terms of product range, cleanliness, good staff, right pricing, social marketing and everything else that more discerning customers will demand, but mostly they will have to be "The Host with the Most". This will take great energy, presence, tolerance, empathy, intelligence, drive, passion and character.

My dad also told me "son, this is show business". I well remember him and my mum looking so exhausted on a daily basis, that is until the "lights came on" (in other words the pub opened), then all were welcomed as if they had been away for three years. I know it is a cliché but it really has to be 'a way of life'.

That’s the way to do it, but can we find 30000 couples prepared to do so?


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses

2014s Hospitality Growth Area Predictions

And so another year begins, 2014 and all of that. Here are a few hot trends on the positive side (let's at least be optimistic for the first few weeks of the year!)

The eating–out sector will continue to grow (slowly) as more disposable income is available in many households. 'Casual Dining' outlets will be the main benefactors with consumers trading down from more formal dining; competitive pricing, more varied menus, flexible serving hours and great customer service will be the key. Pubs can certainly take advantage of this forecast.

Beer sales will continue to decline but the huge growth in Craft Breweries will continue (up some 80% in 2013). Local products produced by local people for local consumption, that’s the key, I have a great mate who runs a small craft brewery in the Cotswolds, he and his family team are going from strength to strength, check it out; North Cotswold Brewery. And of course; the chancellors decision on beer duty in the forthcoming budget (increase or not) will have a major impact on sales in 2014.

Coffee sales (in my view: amazingly) will continue to grow and the consumer will become more discerning, so investment in the top range of coffee machines and beans is vital (no more instant cups for £1).

Nightclubs will come under increasing pressure to thrive: new legislation, curtailed hours, late night levies, all conspiring to make it more difficult for them, especially as more pubs offer night club type environments without a door charge!

The 'Grey Pound' will continue to offer great opportunities as the population ages and most live longer and have more disposable income.

The B & B and hotel sector will show growth as corporate business grows and once again the +60 year old market will bring more business as they travel more and more.

The big generic trend will be in the growth of marketing via technology. Cashless payment, bookings via mobile phones, pre-ordering apps, digital marketing tools, loyalty apps, social media marketing, smartphone apps, etc. All designed to make it easier for the customer to find your outlet, see what you have to offer and compare it to others; Book a meal or room or drink, then pay for it!

What will remain the same for success in the hospitality industry? Great service, great products, great standards, great staff, great knowledge, great prices, great toilets, great smiles, great thanks and most of all great training!

A very Happy and prosperous New Year to you all!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses