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
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Thursday, 20 March 2014
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
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
Thursday, 13 March 2014
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
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
Friday, 7 March 2014
Training Is Valuable, Stupid
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
Monday, 24 February 2014
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!
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!
Friday, 14 February 2014
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!
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!
Friday, 7 February 2014
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)