Licensing qualification available locally

Training is available locally for a qualification that could help businesses comply with the new Licensing Act. The Act, which came into force earlier this year, marks the biggest change in licensing laws for 30 years.

The National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) is an accredited qualification that will help individuals to obtain a personal licence under the new licensing regime. Specialist licensing solicitor Emma Napper of law firm Slee Blackwell of Barnstaple explains, "Anyone currently on a liquor licence can obtain a personal licence under 'grandfather rights' but anyone who has not applied by 6 August 2005 will need to make a different application for a personal licence. This application will require an accredited qualification as one of the criteria of obtaining it."

Individuals wanting to transfer onto a licence before 6 August who don't have the National Licensing Certificate (NLC) or an equivalent, may be able to turn to the alternative NCPLH qualification. Emma says, "Many of the local Magistrates' Courts will accept the NCPLH as part of the licence application" and adds "the NCPLH provides a good basic understanding of the new regime and applications."

Innpacked, consultants to the licensed trade, run the NCPLH course at Slee Blackwells offices in Barnstaple . Emma assists by presenting the legal part of the course. The first course took place recently [ 24 March 2005 ] in Barnstaple and was believed to be the first in this area. The course achieved a 100% pass rate. The next course will be held on 9 May 2005 ; contact Innpacked on Tel 08702 242667 for details.

The NCPLH is one of a number of licensing qualifications offered by Innpacked, in conjunction with Slee Blackwell, which is accredited by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BIIAB).