Peter Coulson Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Pub licensee’s right to reject custom

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:17:00 GMT

A pub landlord is not obliged to serve anyone who comes in and is willing to pay, says Peter Coulson.

Threat of global sanctions

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:15:00 GMT

It has become something of a cliché to say that drinking is the new smoking, says Peter Coulson.

What if they don’t notice?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:36:00 GMT

Online applications raise their own questions, such as what if councils don't notify people, says Peter Coulson.

The curfew tolls the knell

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:34:00 GMT

Attitudes amongst councils to pubs vary like the wind, says Peter Coulson.

Confusion over pub measures

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:07:00 GMT

News that the pub trade might soon be getting a two thirds of a pint measure may cause a further degree of confusion, says Peter Coulson.

Don’t pay money for nothing

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:03:00 GMT

Scams against licensees never really go away, or alter that much but can be avoided, says Peter Coulson.

Losing the war over proof of age

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:32:00 GMT

The Home Office is winning the propaganda war that the fault for underage drinking lies with the trade, says Peter Coulson.

Validity of blanket codes

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:30:00 GMT

It is not really surprising that some people in the licensed trade question what validity blanket codes have, says Peter Coulson.

Blacksmiths is back on tap

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:38:00 GMT

Imagine my delight when discovering more ales in St Albans, says Roger Protz.

Vending machine responsibility

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:35:00 GMT

An alcohol vending machine does not relieve you of the obligations of the Licensing Act, says Peter Coulson.

Music goes round and round

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:32:00 GMT

The controversy surrounding music in pubs seemingly will not go away, says Peter Coulson.

What's really in a name?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:26:00 GMT

We all laughed or shrugged our shoulders when the Government announced — late in the day — that a new being was to be created under the Licensing Act, called a “designated premises supervisor”.

Accepting a passport to drink

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:01:00 GMT

Peter Coulson is sorry to note that the PASS scheme is being rejected in some places because of the possibility of fake cards.

Do not take the risk

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:00 GMT

There is always a tendency within the licensed trade to consider that you are responsible only for what goes on inside your premises, not outside, says Peter Coulson.

Coercion in disguise

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:54:00 GMT

The idea of “voluntary” agreements has been around for a long time in the licensed trade, and has not improved with age.

Board to tears

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:51:00 GMT

Even the best intentions can fall foul of what some people might see as Town Hall bureaucracy, says Peter Coulson.

Keeping a sense of proportion

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:47:00 GMT

Alcohol retailing is being slowly demonised, presented as an industry that requires almost a strait-jacket of laws to keep it controlled, says Peter Coulson.

Improving the legislation?

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:27:00 GMT

It was not going to be long before the first problems emerged with the new minor variations procedure, and so it has proved.

First come, first served?

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:24:00 GMT

If the music is obtrusive and disturbing, his neighbours will have a right to complain and the local authority will be bound to investigate. The fact that he was there first is of little help, says Peter Coulson.

Electricity — clean simplicity

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:23:00 GMT

At long last, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is getting round to providing one or two crumbs of comfort for the hard-pressed licensed trade, says Peter Coulson.

Never enough time for reform

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:32:00 GMT

Peter Coulson examines whether the mistakes of England's licensing changeover are being repeated in Scotland.

Kelly’s a hero in Oldham

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:15:00 GMT

t was right to describe licensee Patrick Kelly as a hero in his recent battle with Oldham Council over their ‘blanket’ review of licences, says Peter Coulson.

More room for error

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:34:00 GMT

One of the key policy elements of the Government in moving licensing over to local authorities was to remove the “inconsistencies” that they claimed were rampant in the decisions of licensing justices.

By-passing the law-makers

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:08:00 GMT

Police in some areas, it is reported, are seeking to "encourage” licensees to sign up to a minimum pricing policy

Ignorance is not an excuse

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:21:00 GMT

Not following the rules on employment law can be expensive, says Peter Coulson.

Hearing is believing

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Noise problems are dominating Peter Coulson's postbag.

Eyes down or hold ’em?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

MA legal expert Peter Coulson considers bingo in pubs.

Musical chairs in the Lords

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Music in pubs once again finds itself between the Devil and the deep blue sea, says Peter Coulson.

Egging on the council objectors

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:45:00 GMT

It is a slightly worrying trend when licensing officials become directly involved in “generating” licensing objections, says Peter Coulson.

Accidents will happen, but hosts can reduce liability

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:42:00 GMT

Not all accidents in pubs are caused by drink — far from it, says Peter Coulson.

Peer polycarbonate pressure

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:51:00 GMT

The calls for polycarbonate glasses have begun again, says Peter Coulson.

Looking for tell-tale signs

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:49:00 GMT

Responsibility for ensuring that a person is fit to drive within the law rests with the individual, says Peter Coulson.

Forced to accept second best

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:04:00 GMT

Peter Coulson considers the great tied lease debate.

At the bottom of the pile

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Opposition peers have promised a robust examination of the Policing and Crime Bill, says Peter Coulson.

Knowing the score (or not)

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:15:00 GMT

The copyright chasers for users of foreign satellite systems are still very much in business, says Peter Coulson.

Controlled at every turn

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:12:00 GMT

Some commentators seem to think the industry has “got off lightly” with the proposed set of conditions that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith intends to add, says Peter Coulson.

Making all the wrong noises

Fri, 29 May 2009 01:04:00 GMT

There is no doubt that noise complaints are on the up, even within the pub trade, says Peter Coulson.

Ballyhoo, bunkum and bum notes

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:50:00 GMT

The idea that the satisfactory licensing of entertainment has been achieved by bundling it all up into the alcohol licence system is rubbish, says Peter Coulson.

Striking the right balance

Fri, 22 May 2009 02:09:00 GMT

Peter Coulson considers the review of the Licensing Act.

Smith’s strong-arm solution

Fri, 22 May 2009 02:05:00 GMT

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has made it abundantly clear that the lead ministry on licensing was, is, and will remain, the Home Office, says Peter Coulson.

Damocles’ sword threatens hosts

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:33:00 GMT

Various police forces and local authorities are taking their own ideas and just going ahead, says Peter Coulson.

Slow changes for the system

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:30:00 GMT

Changes to the licensing regime in regard to village halls have been slow to come around, says Peter Coulson.

Clean break for the kitchen

Fri, 08 May 2009 02:01:00 GMT

Pubs are subject to the same rules of hygiene as any other catering establishment, warns Peter Coulson.

Fake ID double standards

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:58:00 GMT

Youngsters using a fake proof of age to buy alcohol face little deterrent compared to licensees who may lose their livelihood, says Peter Coulson.

How to handle food ‘no-shows’

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:14:00 GMT

There have been a number of successful claims made by restaurateurs in recent years against no-showers, says Peter Coulson.

Learning the highway code

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:11:00 GMT

Now more than ever, what goes on outside the pub is in the spotlight, says MA legal editor Peter Coulson.

Authorities’ ‘blitz’ mentality

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:44:00 GMT

Price is not a key element to over-indulgence — it depends entirely on the circumstances and the venue, says Peter Coulson.

Act now to save Ban the Thug Act

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:41:00 GMT

It is great to see that National Pubwatch has started to campaign for the protection of licensees from thugs, says Peter Coulson.

Step forward for communities

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:22:00 GMT

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport measure aimed at helping village halls and community centres to allow alcohol sales at events, says Peter Coulson.

Oldham jumps the gun

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:19:00 GMT

Oldham has acted above its powers in its bid to review the licences of all 22 town centre venues, says Peter Coulson.

H&W case clarifies legal responsibility

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:16:00 GMT

Last week’s High Court victory for Hall & Woodhouse has clarified the position on the direct responsibility of the licence holder for offences committed by others, says Peter Coulson.

Ups and downs of variations

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:14:00 GMT

The manner in which the new minor variations procedure has been changed shows just how far the pendulum has now swung against the licensed trade in Parliament, says Peter Coulson.

A return for ‘fit and proper’?

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:13:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers whether police should be able to object to a licence on health grounds.

Compliance battle drags on

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:11:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the one-size-fits-all approach to licensing.

CCTV cameras: the eyes have it

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:07:00 GMT

Blanket CCTV is not a licensing requirement, says Peter Coulson.

Wrong target, wrong strategy

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:03:00 GMT

Demonising alcohol and those who sell it is a short-term measure, says Peter Coulson.

Working rights affect all

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:05:00 GMT

Employers need to keep on top of the latest rules and regulations in regard to employees, says Peter Coulson.

Licensing Act not child’s play

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:02:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the issue of children in pubs.

Minor variations could go

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:36:00 GMT

Readers of this paper will know me as a mild-mannered chap, along the lines of Clark Kent, not given to histrionics or violent outbursts

Mean streak on copyright clash

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:21:00 GMT

Peter Coulson considers the fairness of PRS fees.

Kept in dark on conditions

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:18:00 GMT

the Government has chopped and changed its stance on the power to impose conditions on premises licences by the Home Secretary and local licensing authorities, says Peter Coulson.

Getting the measure of it

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:28:00 GMT

Putting together a code of practice, is clearly not as easy as it looks, especially if you are a civil servant with only a vague grasp of the licensing laws, says Peter Coulson.

Planning appeals do work

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:25:00 GMT

Making an appeal is free, but it should only be used as a last resort — and if you have a genuine and arguable case, says Peter Coulson.

Keep a check on those conditions

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:08:00 GMT

There are only four mandatory conditions in three sections of the Licensing Act, says Peter Coulson.

Have I got news for you?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:06:00 GMT

If ever there was a time to take precautions, it is now, when the Government is about to tighten up the law specifically directed at the holders of premises licences, says Peter Coulson.

Whose beer is it anyway?

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:53:00 GMT

There is an interesting legal argument raging at the moment about who actually sells the beer in a pub, says Peter Coulson.

To ban or not to ban

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:40:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the case of a Pubwatch ban being taken to the High Court again.

Lapse of licence under section 27

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:12:00 GMT

The economic downturn has thrown up some legal traps in the licensed trade recently, principally in terms of the premises licence itself, says Peter Coulson.

Minor should mean minor

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:09:00 GMT

The proposal to make it easier to get a condition knocked off a licence arouses suspicion, says Peter Coulson.

Changing rooms

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:31:00 GMT

Councils are reluctant to accept change of use if it is the last pub in the village, says Peter Coulson.

Not an appealing prospect

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:27:00 GMT

One of the major differences between the workings of the old 1964 Licensing Act and the current 2003 version is the lack of clarity about what the law actually means, says Peter Coulson.

Cumulative impact puzzle

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:30:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the impact of cumulative impact zones.

Pen-pushing pain for pubs

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:28:00 GMT

At a time when the police themselves have been bitterly complaining about the amount of paperwork they are required to complete why is it that they are pushing more forms in front of the licensed trade?

Banning orders need a champion

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:40:00 GMT

MA legal expert Peter Coulson says banning orders need a champion.

Secretary of State’s nine lives

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:35:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson considers the policing and crime bill.

Divide and rule in speech

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:27:00 GMT

Those who are looking for specific legislative detail in the speech that the Queen read out last week do not perhaps understand the way Government works, says Peter Coulson.

Copyright is still a battle of wills

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:18:00 GMT

Although it takes the form of a licence, copyright in music still presents the trade with a thorny problem.

Who are the trade’s friends?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:42:00 GMT

The trade needs to find some new friends in Westminster, according to legal editor Peter Coulson.

Rules for resisting

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:07:00 GMT

Peter Coulson looks at the “requirement” that the designated premises supervisor (DPS) should give a written delegation to all staff allowing them to sell alcohol.

Avoiding the paper chase

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:04:00 GMT

Local authorities all have computers so why no electronic handling of forms and applications, asks Peter Coulson.

Sympathy for the widow

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:43:00 GMT

Licensing law needs to address death differently and take a more compassionate stance, says Peter Coulson.

Getting the price just right

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:39:00 GMT

Minimum pricing by legislation could only work if all situations to which it applied were similar, says Peter Coulson.

Still masters in their own house

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:31:00 GMT

Peter Coulson hails the High Court decision to uphold Pubwatch bans and answers your questions.

Damned lies — and statistics

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:02:00 GMT

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport has totally lost the plot, says MA legal guru Peter Coulson.

Vendetta against the trade

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:23:00 GMT

The whole tone of the latest Home Office red card plan is one of retribution for perceived wrongdoing, says Peter Coulson.

What if pubs are not the hub?

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:13:00 GMT

There is not a single redeeming feature of the first draft proposals of the Responsible Alcohol Sales Taskforce, says Peter Coulson.

Pioneering spirit on the Isle of Man

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:22:00 GMT

Prohibition has often been found to be counterproductive — not only in alcohol, says MA legal guru Peter Coulson.

Staying in the comfort zone

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:09:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson considers why no-one has taken up the offer of an alcohol disorder zone.

Tarred with the same brush

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:40:00 GMT

Licensing Act guidance made it clear that blanket conditions should be avoided, says MA legal guru Peter Coulson.

Economical with the truth

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:08:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson gives advice on running promotions.

Personal licensing: a fit and proper route to success?

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:45:00 GMT

News that the Scottish Justice minister Kenny MacAskill wants to bring back the “fit and proper” test for personal licences under the new Scottish licensing system will certainly interest the police in the rest of the country.

Coping with kids at functions

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:47:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the question of whether children are allowed at functions.

Come what may, a licensee is still master of his own house

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:33:00 GMT

News that the persistent young man banned by Buckingham Pubwatch wants to try and persuade the Court of Appeal to overturn a judge’s previous ruling should not cause individual licensees concern.

Moving the legal goal posts

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:21:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson considers the move to ban late night entertainment in the City of London.

Minor variations should not present major challenges

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:43:00 GMT

There does seem to be a slight touch of “give them an inch and they’ll take a mile” in the new consultation, says Peter Coulson.

Proper risk assessment and planning can limit liabilities

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:20:00 GMT

A recent appeal decision on liability for a bouncy castle accident at a birthday party made Peter Coulson realise how complex these questions of liability can be

Illusion of cutting red tape

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:37:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson considers the inquiries in to the Licensing Act.

Issues over hosts’ SIA licences

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:16:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson considers whether a licensee needs and SIA licence for supervising their own door staff.

It’s time to call a halt to legislation by the back door

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:07:00 GMT

MA legal guru Peter Coulson says legislation by the back door should be halted.

Licensees must plan hard to get round inflexible reforms

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:56:00 GMT

The new licensing laws have not entirely provided the kind of flexibility that was considered a prime element of reform, says Peter Coulson.