Bar staff will soon be tested by employers to ensure they have a
comprehensive knowledge of the licensing laws and to protect them from possible
prosecution.
A scheme launched by the British Institute of Innkeeping will mean licensees
in England and Wales will now be able to ensure staff sit an examination to
test their knowledge of the legal pitfalls within the trade.
The BII’s director of qualifications Cathie Smith is confident it will help
staff appreciate the risks associated with selling alcohol.
"Recent changes in the law have put the onus of responsibility on the
shoulders of bar staff, particularly in the case of selling alcohol to persons
under the age of 18," she says.
"This qualification has been developed to address issues such as this
and ensure staff are fully aware of the law. It will also see bar staff step up
on the first rung of a career path backed by qualifications."
Assessments are taken over the telephone and cost £20 each
"This is the most important development in licensed retailing
qualifications since the creation of the National Licensee’s Certificate in
1994," adds Smith.
By Ross Wigham
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