Time to start thinking about the World Cup 2010 
It really isn’t long. That marvellous time which comes around every 4 years and it’s time once again for the World Cup! This time it is in South Africa which means that the timings of the matches are really quite civilised. Nonetheless there are things to consider in licensing terms.

Are you confident your staff would pass a Test Purchase? 
The dog days of the current Parliament have been and gone. As expected, the Mandatory Conditions made their way onto the Statute book but continue to create confusion. The Guidance, published by the Home Office was removed from its website almost as soon as it was posted and further assistance with respect to interpretation of those Mandatory Conditions is unlikely to materialise before a new administration takes over the running of the country in mid-May.

A Catch Up On Underage Sales 
There is a new Government in place – of sorts! – and it is unlikely that the pressure will ease up in respect of selling alcohol to those under the age of 18. Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats as part of their manifestos indicated that they would look at the issues of 24 hour licensing and specifically greater sanctions for those who persistently sold alcohol to under 18s.

Are sporting events good or bad for business? 
We are into May and for those of us who are football fans in particular it is a fantastic time of year. Whilst the Premiership and FA Cup have already been decided the EUFA Cup Final and the Champions League have not. Beyond that there are all of the football league playoffs with the finals of those to look forward to as well. The rugby season is also coming to an end with finals being played out over the coming weeks. All of this is good news for business – or is it?

Possible Changes to the Law 
With a New Year just arrived, it is clearly appropriate to spend some time looking ahead to possible changes to the law. There is not much in this that is likely to bring a smile to operators’ faces at any time of the year. On the 3rd December, 2008, the Home Secretary announced that the Government intended to produce a new mandatory Code of Practice to target the most irresponsible retailer practices. This would set out compulsory licensing conditions for all alcohol retailers, as they were not abiding by their own voluntary standards for responsible selling and marketing of alcohol. It would also give licensing authorities new powers to clamp down on specific problems in these areas. The statement added, slightly mysteriously, that licensing authorities would also be able to impose new powers on several premises at once.

On Trade Review 2008 
Our legal expert Graeme Cushion looks back at events that have shaped 2008, especially relevant given news reports in recent months and looks to how to improve things for 2009

Alcohol Disorder Zones 
Which council, in its right mind, would say that its town or city centre was an “Alcohol Disorder Zone”?