Social Club Legal Requirements

[dizmouk2009]

Hey, I'm trying to get some information together as to what is required in order to legally run a social club.

I am aware that a personal licence is not required as the club itself holds the premise licence (as it would; makes sense) and the committee (as such) hold what would be the 'right to authorise the sale of alcohol' on the said premises.

I took my BII in 2007, NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Bar and Hospitality so I have a general idea. On completing the NQV's I completed a food hygiene and health and safety course (I understand the food hygiene and health and safety certificates only last three (or is it five?) years). As alcohol is classed as food am I right in thinking that at least one person must hold a valid, up to date food hygiene certificate in order for beer to be allowed to be sold on the premises?

Is anything else required such as specific cellar/bar training?

Thanks in advance.
Dizmo

[loonytunes]

I can only help you part of the way. If you are talking about a bona fide members' club, no sale of alcohol takes place. The alcohol is all owned by the members and the amount they give for a drink goes to replenish the stock. All monies from the club, from all activities, must be used for the benefit of members. In these circumstances, there is no "licence" to sell alcohol as there is no sale. The club secretary, on behalf of the Committee, obtains a Club Premises Certificate which authorises "supply" of alcohol to club members and bona fide guests but this only operates while the club is a "qualifying club" under the Licensing Act 2003. You can check the Act online for what this means. There are also special provisions realting to gambling and gaming machines but you did not ask about this so I will not put the details down.

The club must have a set of rules under which it operates which must be deposited with the Council as Licensing Authority.

[buildersmate]

Irrespective of the licensing situation (which I don't know about), your Club will need public liability insurance.

[dizmouk2009]

Thanks loonytunes, my question wasn't written very well, I understand the licencing act as I had to take an examination in order for me to get to where I have as far as a personal licence is concerned. The social club is having some problem with its current bar steward who, is leaving/retiring alot sooner than he originally suggested he would. Although I have had 4-5years experience as a relief steward I am not aware of the legal requirements needed as far as the 'bar' is concerned. I have no intention of taking over the club, I am asking this question on behalf of the club secretary. I think the idea is for the bar staff to 'take on' the stewards hours and not actually bother having a steward at all. Thanks for your input though, it has helped clarify a few things I didn't mention.

[dizmouk2009]

Thanks buildersmate, they currently have that insurance in place.

I personally don't think that any training is required at all, I think that anyone can just go down the cellar and start cleaning pipes, the cellar and the general day to day stuff that happens behind a bar. I was trained by my boss to line clean but I have NVQ's in place which covered the safety of this task. Certificates and Qualifications look nice but I'm not sure that they are actually a requirement for the workings of a bar. Does anyone know if a food hygeine certificate is required?