Challenge 25 is now a familiar sight in pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs, supermarkets and off-licences. Posters warn customers that anyone who appears to be under 25 may be asked to prove their age before buying alcohol.

Can the employee legally complete the sale? Alcohol-sales authorisation is frequently misunderstood. Some businesses assume that employing someone automatically allows them to sell alcohol. Others believe the DPS must personally supervise every transaction. Neither assumption provides a reliable compliance system. In this guide, we explain the legal requirement and the practical steps licensed premises should take to train, authorise and monitor employees who sell al

Sexual harassment can occur in any workplace, but pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs can face a distinctive combination of risks. Employees may work late at night, deal with customers who have consumed alcohol and operate in busy or informal environments. Hospitality also employs many young, temporary and casual workers who may feel uncomfortable challenging inappropriate behaviour or reporting a senior colleague.

Could your licensed premises pass a compliance inspection today? If the police, licensing authority or another authorised officer visited, could your managers quickly produce the correct documents and demonstrate that the business is operating within its premises licence?

Poor mental health can affect attendance, concentration, communication, confidence and performance. It may also contribute to staff turnover and make it harder for employees to respond effectively during challenging situations.

A written drugs policy gives managers, employees and security staff a consistent framework to follow. It should be specific to the premises rather than a generic document that nobody uses.

A licensing or compliance visit does not always arrive with plenty of warning. If an authorised officer walked into your premises today, could the duty manager quickly produce the licence, staff training records, refusals register, incident log and evidence that your conditions are being followed?

Many licensing problems do not start with major failures. They often begin with simple staff mistakes: failing to ask for ID, serving someone who is already drunk, not recording a refusal, ignoring licence conditions, or not understanding what to do when a difficult situation arises.