It’s time to look ahead – alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur has some tips for your business going into 2024……

For alcohol licensees, the advent of a new year offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on your business operations and responsibilities. Taking the time to set a few New Year’s resolutions around key areas can help you improve compliance, enhance customer experience, and ensure the responsible sale and supply of alcohol – all ultimately promoting safer and more successful licensed premises.

Here are 10 useful business resolutions to consider as we head into 2024.

1.     Staff Training and Education
Commit to ongoing staff training in the responsible sale and supply of alcohol – including the legal drinking age, checking IDs, recognising signs of intoxication, and educating staff about the minimum employment standards.

Ensure all employees have a valid Manager's Certificate and that there is a Duty Manager on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold and supplied.

2.     ID Verification
Reinforce strict ID verification procedures to prevent underage sales. Regularly update staff on the latest techniques to identify fake IDs.

3.     Responsible Service Policies
Review and update your premises’ responsible service policies to ensure they align with current best practices. Communicate these policies clearly to all employees and patrons.

4.     Intoxication Awareness
Train staff to recognise signs of intoxication and to intervene when necessary. Encourage staff to be vigilant in refusing service to intoxicated patrons.

5.     Refusing Service
Emphasise the importance of refusing service to anyone who appears intoxicated or underage.
Provide staff with scripts and strategies for handling difficult customers.

6.     Designated Drivers and Transport Options
Promote having designated drivers and offer alternative transportation options to patrons. Sign-post these alternatives clearly in bathrooms and around the bar area. Consider collaborating with local transportation services to offer discounts or partnerships.

7.     Alcohol-Free Events
Plan and host alcohol-free events or nights to promote responsible drinking. At the very least, ensure you have enticing non-alcoholic drink options on your menu, or a no/lo alcohol section in your store. There is an ever-growing range of no-alcohol options across beer, wine and spirits available from local and international brands, so take the time to explore these.

8.     Monitoring and Compliance
Regularly review your licence conditions to ensure you are in compliance with local alcohol laws.
Stay informed about any changes in regulations and adjust your practices accordingly.

9.     Reporting Incidents
Establish clear protocols with staff for reporting incidents of alcohol-related harm or disturbances.
Cooperate with local authorities and reporting agencies as required.

10.     Community Responsibility
Participate in local initiatives to address alcohol-related harm, such as supporting programmes for substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Remember, these resolutions are meant to be ongoing commitments to responsible alcohol service and compliance.  Regularly revisit and adjust your action plan to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your patrons and the wellbeing of your community. Seeking advice from an alcohol licensing expert from the start can also set you up for success and ultimately save you money in the long run.

Pervinder Kaur is an Associate at Corcoran French Lawyers, specialising in alcohol licensing.
cflaw.co.nz