Peter Coulson Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

No simple end to the satellite affair

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:50:00 GMT

It would be wrong to assume that the EC decision will ‘open the floodgates’ for non-Sky cheaper deals to be legalised, writes Peter Coulson.

Councils holding licences

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:12:00 GMT

The town hall has been part of the licensed trade for a very long time, contrary to what everyone assumes, writes Peter Coulson.

Take advice on your lease

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:30:00 GMT

Professional advice is an essential requirement when looking to take on a pub lease, says Peter Coulson.

Pub sales: the right to restrict

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:04:00 GMT

It is no surprise to me that certain breweries and other owners are continuing to reserve their right to impose a restrictive covenant when pubs are sold, writes Peter Coulson.

Coulson: The problem with councils

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:57:00 GMT

The new licensing changes could be as bad for councils as they are for the licensed trade, argues Peter Coulson.

Coulson: Dancing to a complex tune

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:28:00 GMT

The nature of the Lords’ discussion on the Live Music Bill shows how complicated this area of the law has become, writes Peter Coulson.

Coulson: Unharmonious PPL proposal

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:58:00 GMT

The PPL proposal for a massive hike in featured music fees is extraordinary and has understandably elicited howls of protest, writes Peter Coulson.

Coulson: Test purchasing back in spotlight

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:39:00 GMT

A standardised approach to test purchasing would be welcomed if it benefits licensees and trainers, writes Peter Coulson.

Coulson: Someone has a screw loose

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

In contrast to my recent article about ambulance-chasing lawyers and trumped-up claims, this week sees the other side of the legal coin, writes Peter Coulson.

Strong-arm tactics hit trade

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:30:00 GMT

Over the past year there has been increasing concern about the advice given to police forces from the Home Office in relation to licensed premises.

Coulson: Peers playing it long in Bill talks

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:20:00 GMT

There are still major issues to be debated on licensing, but I do not get the impression that many peers are up for the fight, writes Peter Coulson.

Ramping up the problems

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:39:00 GMT

Licensees should always monitor compliance with safety requirements and insist on reports of any incident in their pub, however trivial, warns Peter Coulson.

Sanctions to improve timing

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:15:00 GMT

At last, it would appear, someone is fighting back about the dilatory nature of local council response, writes Peter Coulson.

One objector can cause havoc

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:51:00 GMT

In some cases a licensing committee will use a single objection as a green light for raising issues about your pub themselves, writes Peter Coulson.

No opposition to re-balancing

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:58:00 GMT

Successive governments have failed to find a competent solution to alcohol consumption at home and on the streets, writes Peter Coulson.

Tell authorities of plan changes

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:15:00 GMT

Licensees could face prosecution or a licence review if they fail to inform the relevant authorities of plan changes, warns Peter Coulson.

Time for an on-off separation

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:21:00 GMT

A separation between the on and off-trades should be re-established as the 'one-size-fits-all' Licensing Act has failed, writes Peter Coulson.

Going beyond the law’s intentions?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Far be it from me to jump to conclusions, but it may be that sometimes the police use the provisions of the Licensing Act in a slightly dubious way.

Trade must fight instant pub closures

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:05:00 GMT

Two more glaring examples of police misuse of their closure powers have come to light recently, involving two different parts of the law.

Is live music off the hook?

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:19:00 GMT

Publican's Morning Advertiser legal expert Peter Coulson believes things are definitely moving in the right direction in regard to live music.

Pubs’ duty of care to punters

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:09:00 GMT

A trial of two barmen who were accused of the manslaughter of a young English drinker has raised the whole issue of duty of care.

Machines and age restrictions

Wed, 25 May 2011 11:12:00 GMT

In certain parts of the country pubs are being targeted for enforcement action on the underage use of gaming machines, says Peter Coulson.

Clawing back your losses

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Some licensees may not be aware of is the controversy surrounding the whole question of civil recovery, says Peter Coulson.

Still tying us up in knots

Tue, 10 May 2011 11:26:00 GMT

Peter Coulson is pleased that individual licensees are being encouraged by the BII’s top man to lodge their complaints against red tape.

The high cost of shoddy advice

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:51:00 GMT

Be wary of the number of advisers and agents, all promising to save you money or sort out your financial problems, says Peter Coulson.

Residents drinks issue is here to stay

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:44:00 GMT

News of the proposed link-up between Travelodge and some pub groups may bring up the whole question of drinks for residents again.

Be aware of risks at your pub

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:48:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explores the pitfalls that can floor appeals, even with an adequate insurance policy in place.

The strict rules of betting in bars

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:52:00 GMT

The link between betting and pubs is a long-established one Peter Coulson sets the record straight.

Deciding what is minor on a licence

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:22:00 GMT

The issue for applicants changing their licence is whether what they propose to change comes within the minor variation process, says Peter Coulson.

Impact of break-ups in a pub team

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explains the implications of a relationship breaking up while still trying to run a pub.

Simple way to make hosts’ lives a misery

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:39:00 GMT

Government plans to rebalance the Licensing Act in favour of officials and complainers is bad news for pubs, says Peter Coulson.

Licensees get the criminal record for fake ID users

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:21:00 GMT

The Home Office has published a guide on checking and confiscating ID, which should be in every pub in the land, says Peter Coulson.

Minister is word-perfect

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:08:00 GMT

Descriptions of the late-night proposals of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill as a “dog’s breakfast” are apt, says Peter Coulson.

Wider impact of Murphy case

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:36:00 GMT

Morning Advertiser legal editor Peter Coulson considers what the general advocate's opinion on foreign satellite systems means.

Fair deal needed on licence costs

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:30:00 GMT

Alarm bells ring when the question of licence fees is raised these days, says MA legal expert Peter Coulson.

Coulson: major blow to FAPL and Sky

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 01:07:00 GMT

MA legal expert Peter Coulson gives his view on the opinion handed down by the advocate general on the use of foreign satellite systems.

Pints-by-text and the law

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:05:00 GMT

The idea for an electronic drinks voucher featured in the MA last week is novel, but of course, there are legal implications, says Peter Coulson.

Sounding out reform issues

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:35:00 GMT

Once again an incoming minister finds himself between a rock and a hard place on the vexed question of music licensing reform, says Peter Coulson.

Change of use for retirement

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:18:00 GMT

To retire and use your pub as a home and not a business, you need to arrange change of use from commercial to residential, says Peter Coulson.

Common sense for pubs on footie days

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:33:00 GMT

MA legal expert Peter Coulson considers the difference to policing football and rugby matches.

Red-tape plea, but no answers

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:09:00 GMT

I read last week with a wry smile of the licensee who pleaded in this paper for less red tape in his business, says Peter Coulson.

Losing a licence is not automatic

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:29:00 GMT

Copyright trade protection agencies will issue warning leaflets about losing your licence but the loss of the licence is not automatic, says Peter Coulson.

Pub licensing: why increase TEN notice periods?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:20:00 GMT

Of all the ‘assumptions’ in the coalition document on re-balancing the Licensing Act, the abuse of TENs is the least explicable, says Peter Coulson.

Time off for the family

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMT

Peter Coulson wonders whether some pub licensees are aware of their own double standards on family law.

Airport ops with a sting in the tail

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:09:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explains why airport bar operators do not need a premises licence, after the issue was raised following sting tests at Gatwick Airport.

Licensing reform: keep up a strong campaign

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:23:00 GMT

There has to be a strong trade reaction to licensing reform, even if it means a critical approach to a new government, says Peter Coulson.

Ignore restrictive covenants at your peril

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:55:00 GMT

It is no surprise that certain breweries are continuing to reserve their right to impose a restrictive covenant on pubs, says Peter Coulson.

Noise debate still a hot issue for pubs

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:17:00 GMT

Noise isturbance was likely to be a key issue when local authorities took over licensing and it's been made worse by the smoking ban, says Peter Coulson.

Decoding issues in televised sport in pubs

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:13:00 GMT

With the Murphy case going before the European Court of Justice today, there are still several issues that need to be determined, says Peter Coulson.

No surprise if the SIA is axed

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:32:00 GMT

The threatened removal of the (SIA) is not surprising, but to suggest that the industry can police itself is scarcely credible, says Peter Coulson.

James Brokenshire can’t mask a stitch-up

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:39:00 GMT

The Government's position is shoot first, ask questions later, according to legal expert Peter Coulson.

Shutting pubs is a last resort

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:29:00 GMT

Some clarification appears to be needed about whether a local council has the power to close down a pub “on the spot”, says Peter Coulson.

Licensing overhaul: agreement to differ

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:22:00 GMT

Peter Coulson has been reading over some of the responses to the Government's proposed licensing overhaul.

Worries about bylaw moves

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:11:00 GMT

Peter Coulson debates whether the coalition's aim to make it easier for local councillors to pass fresh bylaws on modern problems is good news.

Councils hold all the aces

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:53:00 GMT

It would appear that the Home Office is not engaged in a debate about the merits of proposed changes to the Licensing Act.

Reviewing the licence reviewers

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:32:00 GMT

Licences can be put under threat in variety of ways, without any further stringent legislative changes from the Home Office, warns Peter Coulson.

Nice time for a consultation

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Hundreds will miss the opportunity to object to the Alcohol Consultation, which fails to meet minimum Government standards, says Peter Coulson.

Law changes reveal hostility

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:41:00 GMT

Pubs and other licensed traders are going to foot the bill for stricter licensing controls, says Peter Coulson.

Home rule for licensing

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:44:00 GMT

Now that licensing has moved back to the Home Office, May might try to place even stronger controls on retailers, says Peter Coulson.

Politicians’ licence to intrude

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:36:00 GMT

Politicians becoming directly involved in the licensing process does nothing to address the underlying issue of the binge culture, says Peter Coulson.

Councils are out of line

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMT

During our research into online applications we've noticed the inconsistency of approach of licensing authorities, says Peter Coulson.

Taxation of live-in benefits

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Peter Coulson clears up the grey area over live-in benefits for licensees living above their pub.

Police policy for licensing

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:44:00 GMT

The licensing role within the senior ranks of the police is to advise Government on the practicalities of proposed legislation, says Peter Coulson.

Time to tune in to PRS tariffs

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:19:00 GMT

The Performing Right Society tariff known as LP is for pre-arranged ticketed events and is not a pub tariff, says Peter Coulson.

Licensing to feel the pinch

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:43:00 GMT

Most licensing authorities in England and Wales don't have an online option, despite the deadline passing six months ago, says Peter Coulson.

Precautions for promotions

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:24:00 GMT

Issuing diktats to licensees in an uncompromising way is not good regulation, says Peter Coulson.

Home Office runs a self-fulfilling prophecy

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:36:00 GMT

In my time working with the licensed trade, I have never known it to be under so much pressure to comply with rules and regulations, says Peter Coulson.

Law changes: lifting the bar on old rules

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:51:00 GMT

I read recently about a pub polling station, but there are strange prohibitions concerning the use of pubs for official business, says Peter Coulson.

Caught in ‘free’ taxi red tape

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:38:00 GMT

Licensees running a free taxi service to get customers home from the pub need a licence as it is a "business service", says Peter Coulson.

Branding: avoid making any substitutes

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:17:00 GMT

Brand substitution has been around for a long time and needs to be actively discouraged, for a number of reasons, says Peter Coulson.

Doormen: keeping yourself covered at work

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:04:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explains that the pub or club is liable for their doormen's actions, regardless of any contract with the agency.

Overseas staff: know the law

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:22:00 GMT

Peter Coulson warns licensees to brush up on legislation for employing overseas staff as the restrictions have been tightened.

The importance of delegation in pubs

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:12:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explains the ins and outs of delegation by the designated premises supervisor under the current law.

Licensing Act: is it a review or a revamp?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:19:00 GMT

Peter Coulson asks whether the proposed review of the Licensing Act is actually a complete revamp.

Pubs should get police help if needed

Tue, 25 May 2010 08:15:00 GMT

There is no offence of permitting drunkenness, but there is of allowing disorderly conduct in a pub, so call the police, says Peter Coulson.

Grey areas for licensing

Mon, 24 May 2010 09:57:00 GMT

The new mandatory conditions show clearly that the Home Office doesn’t believe in “light” or “targeted”, says Peter Coulson.

De-licensing: waiting for the right time

Tue, 18 May 2010 10:32:00 GMT

Peter Coulson explains how to give up a pub as a business, but remain in the premises as a private house.

Closure notices: just say no

Mon, 17 May 2010 10:07:00 GMT

Lincoln police are forcing pubs to stop selling alcohol “on the spot” until alleged breaches of their licences are corrected, says Peter Coulson.

Officials err on side of caution

Tue, 11 May 2010 08:43:00 GMT

There is a notable reluctance among licensing officers to make concessions under the new minor variations procedure, says Peter Coulson.

Free tap water — at a price

Mon, 10 May 2010 09:25:00 GMT

Peter Coulson discusses details of the new requirement to provide free tap water to customers.

Keep a close eye on advertising

Wed, 05 May 2010 08:27:00 GMT

It was interesting to read last week about the Humberside bar whose burger infringed Burger King’s trademark, says Peter Coulson.

Blurring the law on promos

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:39:00 GMT

Local authorities in Colchester have turned Home Office anti-promotion material into a set of rules, says Peter Coulson.

Putting drunks on the ‘black list’

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 08:13:00 GMT

It was interesting, but not new, to hear of the national ban on a woman drinker under the new Drinking Banning Orders legislation, says Peter Coulson.

Double the punishment

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:11:00 GMT

Few people even in the trade understand the double-edged sword of the new legislation on test purchasing, says Peter Coulson.

Surviving the election effect

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 08:08:00 GMT

General elections have a habit of interfering with the legislative process, says Peter Coulson.

Shining a light on the alcohol code

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:22:00 GMT

Licensees could be charged with breaching the Licensing Act while the experts are still arguing over what it actually means, says Peter Coulson.

Test purchasing: playing it by the book

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:56:00 GMT

I now have the latest edition of the LACORS code on test purchasing, which confirms the police are not playing it by the book, says Peter Coulson.

DCMS stalls on TENs reform

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:31:00 GMT

The Department for Culture Media & Sport looks like it could be failing the industry again on Temporary Event Notices, says Peter Coulson.

Irresponsible promotions: I wish I knew what they mean

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:41:00 GMT

The other day I was taken to task for not being specific about what activities would constitute an “irresponsible promotion”, says Peter Coulson.

Licensing Act: not playing it by the book

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:43:00 GMT

Underage sales have received the lion’s share of attention by this Government since the new Licensing Act, says Peter Coulson.

Untangling a mandatory mess

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:42:00 GMT

This week the House of Lords finally got around to examining the new mandatory conditions for licensed premises, says Peter Coulson.

Online licensing applications: Work harder, not smarter

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:36:00 GMT

It looked good on paper, didn’t it? Online licensing applications, just like buying a CD or even car insurance, says Peter Coulson.

New licence set to take off

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:52:00 GMT

Pub strip shows are about to face their greatest challenge when the law is changed later this year, says Peter Coulson.

Albert Hall: going round in circles

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:35:00 GMT

Westminster City Council has been rubbished by a judge for its inability to draw a circle around the Albert Hall, says Peter Coulson.

Risk of fines on safety issues

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:12:00 GMT

There is a recurring complaint about the raft of regulations with which licensees now have to comply, says Peter Coulson.

Teenage drinking: Time for some home truths

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:21:00 GMT

Teenage drinking is rarely out of the headlines, so it was refreshing to see a bit of honesty from a Government department, says Peter Coulson.

Closures lead to more questions

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMT

Peter Coulson investigates the licence suspensions of Humberside pubs linked to illegal streaming (via computer) of Premiership football matches.

Gerry’s picking up the pieces

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:23:00 GMT

I was pleased to see Tory MP James Brokenshire picking up on my accusations about licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe, says Peter Coulson.

Prosecuting the underage better than focus on lent IDs

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:44:00 GMT

MA legal editor Peter Coulson considers the legality of pursuing those who lent their ID to family or friends.

Foreign satellite footie still illegal

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:23:00 GMT

No reader of the Morning Advertiser can have failed to pick up the saga of foreign satellite transmissions of premiership football, says Peter Coulson.