THA News

Cigarette Machine Ban

Cigarette Machine Ban From 1 October 2011, under The Protection from Tobacco (Sales from Vending Machines) (England) Regulations 2010 a ban on cigarette vending machines in premises will be introduced. It will still be legal to sell tobacco products to persons over the age of 18 from behind the bar but sales of cigarettes from vending machines will be prohibited.

Change in the Weights and Measures Act 1985 – 1st October 2011

Change in the Weights and Measures Act 1985 – 1st October 2011 From 1st October 2011, the Weights and Measures Act will be amended to better reflect the flexibility of drinks that can be served to customers. In addition to 1/3 pint, ½ pints and multiples thereof comes the introduction of a new measurement that beers and ciders can be legally bought in: 2/3 pint. In addition to the change in measures of beer and cider, wine will also be able to be legally sold in measurements under 75 ml. Fortified wines will also be given new and small measures: 50 ml or 70 ml, or multiples thereof.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)

From 12 September 2011, statutory reporting to HSE of work-related injuries and incidents under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) will move to a predominantly on-line system. The HSE’s Infoline telephone information service will end on 30 September 2011, businesses or members of the public seeking information on health and safety can use the HSE's website, www.hse.gov.uk.

Minimum Rates of pay from October 2011

Rates from 1 October 2011 The NMW rates are reviewed each year by the Low Pay Commission and from 1 October 2011: • the main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08 • the 18-20 rate will increase to £4.98 • the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 will increase to £3.68 • the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship will increase to £2.60

Employment Law changes

(1) April 2011 The right to request flexible working extended to parents of children upto 18years of age. (2) Default Retirement Age to End- from 6th April 2011 employers will not be able to issue notification of compulsory retirement. After 1st October 2011 employers will not be able to force employees to retire. (3) Data Protection Act The Information Commissioner can now issue substantial fines where personal data is not stored safely and properly encrypted if stored on mobile devices. www.ico.gov.uk (4) Awards for Unfair Dismissal rise From February 2011 unfair dismissal rises to £80,400; basic award rises to £12,000 and compensation award rises to £68,400. www.legislation.gov.uk

Change of Examination Titles

From 1st January all BIIAB examinations will have new titles to comply with QCF standards.e.g NCPLH is now ALPH and ILRO is now AILRO

Mandatory Conditions

From 29th January 2009 for the second offence in three months of selling alcohol to under 18's the Premises Licence Holder can be fined £10,000, a 48 hour closure order issued and the Premises Licenses can be suspended for 3 months. From 6th April 2010 three new Mandatory Conditions were placed upon Premises Licenses where alcohol is consumed on the premises. 1) No irresponsible alcoholic drinks promotions. 2) Customers must not be allowed to pour alcohol into the mouth of another person, unless for medical reasons. 3) Free tap water must be available on request. From 1st October two more Mandatory Conditions are added 1) The Premises must have an age verification policy requireing all staff to check ID's. 2) Single measures of wines and spirits must be made available to customers. Failure to comply with a Mandatory Condition can result in a fine of up £20,000 and or 6 months in prison for the DPS. For a fact sheet containing further details of this legislation e-mail lynn@taylorhall.co.uk

VAT Increase

January 4th is here and VAT is now 20%, To assist you in recalculating your prices and to start planning for how you will deal with this dramatic change to your business, we have created a simple to use calculator. Just e-mail lynn@taylorhall for a free copy.

Welcome to Compliance file users

Following the launch of the Compliance File for Licensed Premises we are pleases to offer our support facility. If you require any of the policy forms in word documents please e-mail lynn@taylorhall.co.uk requesting which form you require