People working in pub trade reminded to renew their personal licences in good time

Hundreds of pub and club workers have been warned to renew their personal licences before a tight deadline.

a huge rush is expected in south ayrshire early next year as people working in the licenced trade all race for refresher training.

the council’s licensing standards officer Catrina andrew has sent out reminder letters to more than 520 people to take action.

Ms andrew said potentially “hundreds of people will be looking to renew their licence within a tight timescale.”

anyone whose 10 year personal licence expires on august 31 must apply for its renewal by May 31.

Ms andrew said: “this means that there will be a considerable demand for refresher training in the early months of next year.”

the council official has been urging premises managers to apply as early as possible and checking training availability to cope with a deluge of applications.

In an effort to licence holders to apply early, she said: “I am trying to keep it at the forefront of their minds as there is no doubt that there will be a demand all at the same time.”

Ms andrew expressed her concern about the looming deadline at the south ayrshire Council licensing board meeting on thursday.

she also warned how 20 premises who haven’t paid annual fees are in danger of having their licences suspended. If they don’t pay, they will be summoned to the January Licensing Board meeting. the money was due on October 1.

Members Clubs have been told how they need to sharpen up signing in policies and apply for occasional licences for public events.

Ms andrew is planning to run a training course in February.

she warned: “Following this, any premises who is found to be noncompliant will be brought to the attention of the Board.”