PUB OPERATIONS

Accessibility

Pubs can significantly enhance the experience of disabled customers and employees by recognising that accessibility goes far beyond ramps and accessible toilets, encompassing clear communication, sensory‑friendly environments, informed staff and accurate online information about what a venue can and cannot provide.  

With nearly 17 million disabled people in the UK and the wider “Purple Pound” worth £446 billion annually, improving accessibility is both a moral responsibility and good business sense.  

Our guidance emphasises that accessibility is achievable for every pub regardless of size, budget or building age and outlines many practical steps pubs can adopt to strengthen their accessibility. 

Drugs & Pubs

Drugs can be associated with the night-time economy, and even the best-run premises are not always immune. The BBPA has produced guidance for pubs to assist licensees and their staff with drug-related problems.  

 

Drink Spiking 

Drink spiking can be defined as adding a substance to someone’s drink without their knowledge. Alcohol is the most common substance to be added, but illegal or legal drugs are other substances that might also be used. This is illegal, and there are a number of different criminal offences that such an action falls under. Any motivation for drink spiking – be it for criminal purposes or any other reason – should not be tolerated as it is a crime. 

Pub Dilapidations

The issue of pub dilapidations and in particular the disputes that can sometimes arise between tenants and pub companies in relation to this, highlighted that there is a need to look closely at why these difficulties occur and what can be done to address them.

We developed a set of best-practice guidance that not only reflects current guidance and legislation, but also seeks to ensure that dilapidations are better managed and communicated so that all parties are better educated on the process and their individual responsibilities. It is hoped greater transparency and understanding will lead to fewer disputes.

Amusements & Gaming

Pubs have long been the home of entertainment, including live music, TV sport and amusement machines to name a few. These are regulated by different licences and permissions; this section sets out the key information needed by pub operators, to ensure they are within the law, when offering entertainment in their venues. 

Late night Levies

The Late Night Levy is a discretionary power, introduced through the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. It allows licensing authorities to raise contributions from late-night alcohol suppliers to help fund policing of the night-time economy. The BBPA opposes this punitive tax, preferring local partnerships that work together to provide effective solutions to local issues. 

The Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 established a single integrated scheme for licensing premises in England and Wales. It is the basis upon which all licensed premises operate. This includes the sale or supply of alcohol, the regulation of entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment. Further guidance, known as Section 184, has been produced to supplement the Act.