THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING
Training, who needs it? Everyone, says PAUL CHASE, Director and Head of UK Compliance at cpltraining. From staff motivation to avoiding regulatory pitfalls, training is core to clubs prospering
Over the past few years we’ve witnessed the spectacular return of alcohol as a social problem. ‘Binge drinking’ features high on the list of topics with which the media seeks to frighten Middle England. Public opinion is influenced by this, and the politicians who ride on public opinion feel moved to act. The cry “something must be done” is one that it is hard for them to resist.
In the midst of all the furore about cheap supermarket booze, pre-loading of alcohol by young drinkers, underage drinking and alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder, the voluntary club sector seems to have emerged unscathed. That fact is all the more remarkable when you consider that 25% of all alcohol sold in the UK is sold through ‘qualifying clubs’ - and much of it at prices considerably cheaper than those charged by pubs or bars. What this illustrates to me is that the culture of the club sector, and the climate of control and acceptable norms of behaviour, has been remarkably effective in protecting the image of the sector in the eyes of the media and the public.
It’s important that this image continues to be protected and that the contribution that clubs make to our culture and social life does not come under attack. This is where training comes in. Training your staff not only reduces staff turnover and raises motivation, it also protects your premises, and your club premises certificate, from the many regulatory pitfalls that are out there. Knowledge is your first line of defence.
Run the club in good faith and know the law!
One of the most important things you must ensure is that
the club is established and conducted in good faith as a
members’ club, and not acting as a commercial premises
open to the public. I am in touch with licensing authorities
and police licensing officers up and down the country, and
the issues that most concern them have to do with the
admission of guests, or advertising club function facilities
for use by members of the public for special occasions such
as birthdays and weddings. In many instances, police
officers tell me, clubs are in breach of the law not through
deliberate intent, but simply because committees and club
secretaries don’t know what law and regulation say or
mean, and have never received any training in these
matters.
Regulatory pitfalls There are many regulatory pitfalls. How many members’ committees are aware, for example, that they can operate under a club premises certificate, but also have a premises licence in respect of a separate function suite - which enables them to advertise that suite for public use? How many clubs realise that if they make a change to the club rules, however minor, they are legally obliged to inform the local licensing authority of that change within 28 days? When a person is appointed as a club secretary, does he or she know their legal duty to ensure that the club premises certificate, or a certified copy of it, is kept at the premises under the control of ‘nominated person’? And, that the nominated person must be notified of their appointment in writing and a formal notice sent identifying this person to the licensing authority?
Club Mirror and cpltraining have joined together to present a cost-effective and practical proposition. Turn to page 22 for more information.
