THE
OFFICI RefRigerate tastebuds. Review VOLUME 22-Issue6,2009
youR THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF FEDERATION IRELAND THE NORTHERN OFCLUBS Club
The HARP, HARP ICE COLD words and associated logos are trade marks. © Diageo Ireland 2009. Federation Update
Minutes of the executive meeting Held in the Harland & Wolff Welders F.S.C. on Saturday 5th September 2009
The Chairman opened the specified period was accepted Thirty-two clubs contacted us those applied to other sectors. meeting, and announced by H.M.R.C. This should about problems and sought apologies received for Philip apply to all those who made the assistance, since our last We have been made aware Mallon. application when we were first meeting. Meetings were also that information given to informed some time ago. held with nineteen organisations the P.S.N.I. by those leaving The minutes of the last meeting on various problems, so the help premises can be intentionally were read and passed, without A financial report was presented lines are busy. misleading. To be totally fair, amendment, proposed and by the Treasurer with copies the owners or management seconded by Gerry Gallagher provided to all those present. The association formed with of establishments concerned and Tommy McMinn. The report was subsequently Sky Television has proved to may not be aware of the advice proposed and seconded as a true be very successful. Although being given. Although private Correspondence was read out record of our financial standing a number of clubs have been member non-profit-making clubs and explanations were given by Jim McCaul and Raymond able to reduce their monthly are not a contributory factor to where necessary. One in Connor. subscription, the new package the ‘binge drinking’ culture and particular from the accountant has kept a large number of the irresponsible behaviour we of H&W Welder’s F.S.C. The Chairman, with the those clubs onboard with witness in the media, we would informing them that the assistance of the P.R.O., gave an Sky as they were considering still like to see an initiative application for rates relief update on Federation activities cancelling the Sky contract to where we can all participate on gaming machines over a since our last meeting. reduce overheads. In addition a in reducing alcohol related number of clubs are signing up problems. to Sky. However, it should be remembered that the availability A question was posed on capital of the new terms are entirely at gains tax. This is a tax on the discretion of Sky Television, property being sold, and can although Ciaran Devine be very expensive. We would of Sky has been extremely suggest that clubs should contact helpful in accommodating all their accountants and solicitors those referred to him via the for information as early as Federation. possible.
The matter of two prominent Details of the C.O.R.C.A. clubs was discussed. The meeting held on 22nd July 2009 Chairman has taken the matter were provided, with notification up with the P.S.N.I. and the that the next meeting will N.I. policing Board and awaits be held in London on 18th an outcome. It should be the November 2009. On that case when the P.S.N.I. visits occasion Tom McMinn will a club that their numbers are form part of the Federation proportionate to the threat delegation. posed, if any. In the case under review it certainly was not As there was no further proportionate, but quite the business, the meeting was closed opposite. with thanks being extended to John Davidson and the In our submission for changes to Committee of H&W Welders the legislation we highlighted the F.S.C. for hosting the meeting reasoning behind our request in and for the generous hospitality respect of “rights of entry”. We provided. would of course expect rights of entry to be exactly the same as Bob McGlone, Secretary
2 Club Review Issue 6 2009 nifederationofclubs.com The Chairman’s View! The many recent changes in the structure of the drinks industry is no surprise to me. I can recall from some years ago outlining the view that the future of the industry in Northern Ireland would see Federation consolidation through the amalgamation of companies. Recent developments in C&C Ireland establishes them as a very signs up to major player with the added value of increased employment in what is a depressed market. The club sector has enjoyed an excellent relationship with C&C and I wish Nicola McCleery and the C&C team continued success in this new code latest development. The Federation continue to pursue change to club legislation and I feel we are approaching a conclusion of some kind; what will result is not totally clear at the moment but the indications are of practice. certainly more positive. Thankfully we have enjoyed excellent support from Ken Nixon of the Northern Ireland Sports Forum, Danny Murphy of the GAA, Eamon McCartan, Chief Executive of Sport N.I. and of course Lady The Northern Ireland Sylvia Hermon M.P. together with the M.L.A.’s from all political parties at the Legislative Assembly. Federation of Clubs recently attended a meeting at F.R.L.T. Generally clubs, like other sectors, have been going through a tough time but I am optimistic that headquarters to discuss details things are on the turn. I reflect on a saying which continually comes to the surface which outlines of establishing an effective code that those who prepare best suffer less. In other words provide members and guests with good of practice. entertainment, reasonable prices and good service and you will have established a platform upon which to come out on the right side of this recession. This recent development follows I have not lost sight of the fact, and fully earlier meetings, however the understand, that clubs like others in the leisure growing problem of alcohol industry are facing more difficult times, however related illness and issues with improved clubs legislation I do believe that such as anti-social behaviour the club sector can come through these difficulties. are very much to the fore as supermarkets play a role in Published by Media Marketing, B1.06 Portview Trade Centre, Belfast BT4 1HE - Tel: 028 9045 9864 • Fax: 028 9045 9034 • Email: [email protected] driving prices downward.
F.R.L.T. Chief Executive, Colin may rely on the lower cost via Neill, Federation Chairman, which to enjoy their weekly John Davidson and P.R.O., tipple. Secretaries queries Harry Beckinsale, together with representatives of the P.S.N.I., It is of course a fact that A club recently contacted the Federation asking if their club rules the D.S.D. and other interested historically, private member had to be displayed in their club? They said they always had but parties discussed the issue at clubs have not essentially been took them down when they amended some of their rules and just hand with a recommendation involved in the anti-social hadn’t got round to putting them back up. that contact is established with behaviour issue, obviously the F.R.L.T.’s parallel body in attributed in the main to the age Although you may not wish to display a copy of the rules in the the south of Ireland. groups frequenting our sector. club it should be remembered that the secretary is obliged to However we are nevertheless make available a copy of the rules to any member who requests This joint approach will responsible in our attitude to them. It would be awkward for a committee if a club member was hopefully aid to promote an issue which affects the wider disciplined for not complying with the rules if, in defence, they sensible and healthy drinking community. claimed that the rules were not available. in the province through a code of practice by which the sales Members will be updated We also received a query about life membership and the criteria and promotion of alcoholic on developments as matters which may allow such an honour. We appreciate there will be beverages will be regulated progress. various opinions on what should be required for this facility to by the industry in Northern be given to members and are aware that clubs may not want the Ireland, although it is entirely floodgates to open. likely that government will For most clubs the qualification for life membership was probably implement regulations such as established many years ago and it is fair to say the rule for this those proposed in Scotland. type of membership may in general have remained unchanged. It was not long ago that someone reaching 65 was considered to be Placing a minimum price elderly. It is therefore not uncommon to see a life membership structure would unfortunately qualification of say, twenty five years continuous membership, affect those who act responsibly with that qualification attained by the age of sixty. It is of course and in particular would up to each individual club to establish their own guidelines. adversely affect the elderly who
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 6 2009 Club Review 3 Corporate News
Make Arthur’s Day a national holiday!
At 17.59 on 24th September 2009 people worldwide joined those on the island of Ireland in celebrations for Arthur’s Day.
Dublin was transformed into the epicentre of the worldwide celebration when thousands of people came together to toast Arthur and enjoy performances from local and international artists in over 33 venues across Dublin, ranging from intimate gigs in 28 Dublin pubs, to 4 music venues, and a concert at the St. James’s Gate brewery itself.
Whilst the hub of Arthur’s Day celebrations focused on St James’s Gate and Dublin city, the celebrations continued Tom Jones and Ronan Keating onstage for the Arthur’s Day Guinness 250th Anniversary Celebration held at the across Northern Ireland when Storehouse, Dublin, on 24th September. (All photos by Getty Images/Getty Images for Guinness) customers raised a toast to
4 Club Review Issue 6 2009 nifederationofclubs.com Arthur’s Day Celebrations
Arthur and enjoy gigs from St. James’s Gate and the studio venues which were broadcast live on the night on Sky Television.
The excitement ahead of Arthur’s Day heightened as people added their names to an on-line petition to make Arthur’s Day a national holiday! As a result, a number of fans on the Guinness 250 Facebook page suggested the idea to make Arthur’s Day a national holiday, Singer Kelly Rowland performs onstage for the Arthur’s Singer songwriter Paolo Nutini who performed at the in just four days over 6,000 Day Guinness 250th Anniversary Celebration. Stockhouse, Dublin. people also added their names to a petition asking to make this an annual event.
In the week prior to the event preparations were in full swing as special countdown clocks around the city counted down to the minute when the nation toasted the legacy of a remarkable man. Arthur’s Day flags fluttered on flagpoles across Dublin city in the build- up to the big day and signs appeared in the arrivals areas in Revellers at the Arthur’s Day Guinness Anniversary Celebrations held across Dublin. Dublin airport welcoming all the visitors and special guests arriving into Ireland on the big day.
More than 60 artists from all over the world landed in Dublin to take over numerous venues throughout the city to mark the signing of the 9,000 year lease on the St. James’s Gate brewery. Guinness signed Natalie Imbruglia and former Destiny’s Child band member Kelly Roland to add to the already impressive line-up of Singer, Estelle, performs on stage with a fan for the Singer songwriter, Jamie Callum at the Arthur’s Day international artists for the Arthur’s Day Guinness 250th Anniversary Celebrations. Celebration held at The Bank in Dublin. global festivities which included artists such as Sir Tom Jones, Estell and the Sugababes. and were given access to the Sky philanthropy in Ireland. To communities across Ireland. TV platform that broadcasted honour and continue this legacy The proceeds of the Arthur’s The celebrations in Dublin the live music events and the Arthur Guinness Fund has Day ticket sales went to the rippled round the world, various gigs that took part on been established with the aim Arthur Guinness Fund with including Northern Ireland. In the night of the 24th. of supporting and empowering Guinness & Co. donating €6 total, 1200 outlets in Northern social entrepreneurs, who have million globally to the Arthur Ireland were invited to join the Arthur Guinness and his family projects and initiatives that Guinness Fund, which became 50 million people raising their were responsible for some of are innovative, impactful and active at the end of September Guinness to Arthur at 17:59 the most well known acts of sustainable, for the benefit of 2009.
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 6 2009 Club Review 5 Corporate News
C&C Group make aquisition Irish, Northern Irish and Scottish businesses of Anheuser- Busch InBev, including the Tennent’s brands, for £180m
C&C recently announced that and distribution rights to Ireland, Tennent’s brands have it has entered into a conditional certain ABI brands in Ireland, approximately 25% of the on- agreement to acquire the Northern Ireland and Scotland, trade draught lager market. businesses of Anheuser- including Stella Artois and Busch InBev (ABI) in Ireland, Beck’s, as part of a strategic The Board of C&C believes Northern Ireland and Scotland partnership with the world’s that the Acquisition will for a total consideration of £180 largest brewer. develop its existing business, million. The acquisition will be with potential to increase the financed from a combination of Tennent’s Lager is Scotland’s position of Magners outside its the group’s own cash resources leading lager brand where it core market. represents an attractive growth and existing bank facilities accounts for 55% of volumes opportunity for the group. The and is subject to shareholder of lager sold to the Scottish Tony O’Brien, Chairman of acquisition will, we believe, approval, regulatory consent on-trade and around 30% of C&C said, “This acquisition create operating synergies and and employee consultation. the Scottish off-trade. The is an evolution of our stated increase shareholder value. Our business is the leading brewer strategy and clearly enhances management team has a strong The assets of the business being in Scotland by volume, brewing the Group’s position in the track record of successfully acquired include: Tennent’s, Tennent’s brands and also Long Alcoholic Drinks sector. managing internationally Scotland’s leading lager brand; producing and selling the Stella Tennent’s is a renowned branded beverages. The Board The Wellpark Brewery in Artois brand, which has a 5% Scottish brand, which, unanimously recommends Glasgow; An on-trade loan book volume share of on-trade lager combined with our leading that shareholders approve this of approximately £27 million; in Scotland. In Northern market position in cider, acquisition.”
6 Club Review Issue 6 2009 nifederationofclubs.com Corporate News
International White Winemaker of the Year visits Northern Ireland
Fresh from being named International White Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) event in London, Neil McGuigan, Australian Vintage Ltd’s General Manager of Production and Winemaking, was in Belfast to lead a selection of wine reviewers and enthusiasts in a tutored tasting of the McGuigan range of wines.
The tasting event, hosted by United Wine Merchants, was held in Belfast and guests enjoyed a selection of wines from the award-winning McGuigan Label, which won four trophies, two gold, nine silver and ten bronze medals at the IWC event earlier Paul Schaasfma, Frank McGreevy this month. The range was and Harry Beckinsale. Entertainment Renewals, also recognised at the recent Decanter World Wine Awards. Public & Legal Notice is particularly popular with Ciaran Meyler, Wine Manager Northern Ireland consumers I Advertising of United Wine Merchants, was keen to hear their views on commented, “Neil has rightly the range.” been recognised for the SAVING YOUR outstanding quality of wines his With over 30 years experience team has been producing and to rely upon, Neil is one of CLUB MONEY I’m delighted he was able to Australia’s foremost winemakers visit Northern Ireland to discuss and has been instrumental the McGuigan range with our to the success of McGuigan guests. His knowledge of the Wines. He is a wine judge at intricacies of winemaking is a National and International † fascinating and his dedication level and his commitment to Biggest selling local morning newspaper in Northern Ireland † and passion are reflected in the Australian wine continues to Biggest read local morning newspaper in Greater Belfast † high quality of the McGuigan drive the innovation behind the Biggest read local newspaper in the rest of Northern Ireland McGuigan wine brand. label.” Example 12cm x 1col Entertainment Renewals Costs Copies Sold Daily Mirror £126 + vat 60,228* Neil McGuigan added, “I Better value than News Letter, Irish News or Belfast Telegraph experienced a most hospitable welcome on my visit to Telephone: 028 9056 8110 Northern Ireland. Winemaking † SSource NITNITGIGI 20200707 *S*Source - ABCABC, ABC MGNNJJan-JunJ 20072007 is my passion and I enjoy the opportunity to discuss this with fellow wine enthusiasts; and as the McGuigan range
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 6 2009 Club Review 7 General News
Tough penalties for illegal workers
Clubs are being reminded of the unaware of how serious the new You should importance of ensuring they are penalties are. If you knowingly check that all not employing illegal workers, as hire an illegal worker you face documentation tough new penalties come into an unlimited fine and a prison provided by force. Every illegal employee sentence. If you negligently hire prospective found at a club can result in a an illegal worker then the fine is employees correlates hefty fine, even if you thought potentially £10,000 per worker and that they are they were entitled to work in so it’s a huge risk to take. officially recognised the UK. with forms such as In 2006 the Border & a passport, work The issue of recruiting Immigration Agency raided permit and P45 immigrants who do not have the more than 5,000 businesses or P60. Take a relevant work visas has been well leading to 22,000 people being photocopy of them, documented recently. While removed from the UK. It is holding on to them the Government has launched predicted that the new laws will for the duration an advertising campaign to see that number increase. Clubs of the employee’s highlight the new laws, many are advised to further tighten up time with the club businesses are still not heeding their recruitment procedures, and for three years the warnings. ensuring they are documented afterwards. and applied consistently across business that it’s important to The higher penalties come into all employees and not just across Equally, it’s worth noting that carry out proper due diligence force on February 29 and still a those you may think are likely to if you are looking to make an on this issue to avoid any future worrying number of bosses seem be illegal workers. acquisition of another club or liabilities.” PAT is the law Portable Appliance Training into the electricity system has (PAT) of all electrical items has to be tested by an approved been on the statute book for company every year. several years. All plugs and fuses also come Clubs are reminded that all into this. It is important portable appliances have to be to ensure that the company tested. Anything that has a carrying out this work on plug and has to be inserted behalf of the club is registered.
8 Club Review Issue 6 2009 nifederationofclubs.com General News
A ‘safe’ bet Make sure you Ritchie reviews don’t get taken to gambling policy, the cleaners practice & law Clubs are warned to be on the goods you must inform their guard against firms which them within five working days deliver supplies without them and they charge a cancellation Social Development Minister, being ordered by the club. fee of £75 to collect. They Margaret Ritchie MLA, today then chase the club chairman announced a high-level, strategic The unscrupulous firm first for the money. review of Northern Ireland calls the club to get the name gambling policy, practice and of the Secretary, Chairman or It goes without saying that law. Steward. clubs should not hand over any money to companies that The legislation dates back to The club then receive cleaning supply goods that have not 1985 and is not robust enough goods to the value of £250 been ordered. Just because to deal with modern gambling. to £350. On the reverse of they have a name of a club the delivery note is printed official does not mean that Margaret Ritchie said, “Current a cancellation policy, which official has made the order. legislation is old, inflexible and states that if you do not want hard to understand and the gambling market has moved on. There are new products and new ways of gambling that the current law never envisaged. It is in everyone’s interests that the gambling industry is regulated effectively which is why I am initiating this review.”
My top priority in taking forward the review will be public safety. Close supervision stage two the responses will be of the industry is needed to analysed and a report produced achieve responsible regulation - for the Minister. keeping crime out of gambling, protecting the young and the Margaret Ritchie continued, vulnerable and ensuring fairness “We need to have a mature, for the consumer. Our legacy well-informed debate. My should be the creation of an current priorities are to find intelligent regulatory system that out local people’s attitudes to is seen to be fair.” gambling, the size and shape of the gambling market and There is currently little hard the wider economic and social evidence available on which impacts of gambling. I will to develop policy. A phased work closely with all interests to approach is therefore planned develop a package of balanced and will initially involve reforms. I wish to ensure that research, information-gathering everyone in the community has and engagement with key the chance to comment and I interests, leading to publication encourage them to do so as part of a discussion document. In of this process.’’
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 6 2009 Club Review 9 www.drinkaware.co.uk ©2009 InBev UK Limited, all rights reserved. General News
C.I.U. elect new New Portman General Secretary Group Chairman
The recent C.I.U. election on marketing and social has voted Mick McGlasham, responsibility standards for currently the Durham Branch drinks producers. Previous Secretary, as the next General chairs have been appointed Secretary of the Union. from among the senior drinks executives who make up the The challenge is one that Mick Portman Group’s Council. looks forward to and which will use his local and national On taking up the position, knowledge to promote working Seymour Fortescue said, “The men’s clubs and the Union on Portman Group is already the mainland. a highly respected alcohol Mick McGlasham Seymour Fortescue. regulator and is a key player in The outgoing General Secretary, addressing the adverse aspects Kevin Smyth, will work with Kevin will be sorely missed by The UK’s leading drinks of our drinking culture. I look Mick for a few weeks before clubmen and colleagues alike manufacturers have appointed forward to working closely his retirement, after 32 years but says, “I wish Mick all the Seymour Fortescue as the with other groups to build a dedicated service, first as best in his new post and I’m first external Chairman of consensus around actions that Education Secretary, then as sure he will continue to take the Portman Group. This promote responsible attitudes General Secretary for the past the Union from strength to new position is designed to to alcohol.” 17 years. strength.” provide independent leadership
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 56 2009 Club Review 11 General News
Spirits fraudsters fined
Watch out if you are watering had either been diluted with more than 22% down spirits and refilling water or refilled with cheaper of water. branded spirit bottles. The supermarket spirits. He International Federation pleaded not guilty at court and The restaurant of Spirits Producers in claimed that employees must was found to have conjunction with Trading have committed the offence substituted Bells Scotch Standards officers has while he was away on holiday. whisky with MacAndrews, successfully prosecuted two Further investigation revealed Gordons Gin was actually pubs and an Indian restaurant that the practice had been going Grosvenor Gin and the on the mainland and are on for some time. He was Smirnoff Vodka was cracking down on the practice subsequently found guilty of Checkov. Khalid Miah, a of counterfeiting. four offences, fined £1,500 for director of the restaurant, each one plus £2,000 in costs. pleaded not guilty at court The landlord of the pub in to four offences under England, was found guilty of Meanwhile, an Indian the Food Safety Act. The watering spirits and refilling restaurant is to pay a total restaurant was found branded spirit bottles with of £5,000 in fines and costs guilty and fined £2,000 supermarket brands. Trading after a routine visit by Trading and ordered to pay £3,000 Standards officers inspected Standards officers found it was costs. the landlord’s stock following substituting spirits with cheaper customer complaints and brands and serving watered Commenting on the conviction restaurants to serve customers discovered that premium down vodka. The vodka being councillor Iain McCracken, with cheaper brands and charge brands of gin, vodka and whisky served had been topped up with said it was unacceptable for higher prices.
NDOOESOITNBETTER...
No-one offers you the peace of mind and a trading relationship that requires no risk, work or outlay on your part. Others promise - but we deliver. If you are considering your options in Vending - even as an existing Holmes customer - SPEAK TO US BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISIONS and get the facts.
� FOR ALL YOUR VENDING NEEDS �
For All Sales Enquiries Contact Anne 028 9084 1158 Email: [email protected]
For All Service & Repairs Contact Julie on 028 9079 6257 Email: [email protected]
12 Club Review Issue 6 2009 nifederationofclubs.com General News
The minimum wage and what you need to know
Q. What are the new National reference periods beginning on A London-based nightclub So although you can deduct a Minimum Wage (NMW) rates or after 1st October 2009. came into difficulty earlier sum of money from wages to and when do they come into this year over its system for cover these elements, what is effect. Q. I currently include tips in tips, which involved pooling left after those deductions must A. The rates increase as of 1st my employees’ wages to bring and distributing tips to staff still be at least the NMW. October 2009 is as follows: it up to the minimum wage - is members. This became an issue • For workers aged 22 and that still OK? because neither employer or Q. One of my workers is 21, over it will rise from £5.73 to A. Following a consultation employee were paying national he claims he’s heard that he £5.80 per hour. with people in the industry, insurance on the sum, which will now be entitled to the full • For those aged between 18 the Department for Business was being used to top up adult rate of NMW. Is it true? and 21 it goes up from £4.77 Innovation and Skills has employees’ wages. A. It isn’t true just yet - but it to £4.83 per hour. changed regulations so that as will be from December 2010. • For those aged 16 and 17 it of 1st October 2009 service It is likely the Government will From that point onwards, the will increase from £3.53 to charges/tips can no longer be introduce a new industry code full adult rate will be available £3.57 per hour. used by employers to top up pay of best practice on gratuities in to anyone aged over 21 (it’s • The acommodation offset packets to the NMW. the not too distant future, so currently 22). will rise from £4.46 per day it’s clearer for employers and to £4.51. Even prior to this date, employees. Q. What happens it I don’t including gratuities as part comply with the new rules? The new rates only apply to pay of basic pay is a delicate area. Q. I provide accomodation A. The Government is getting for some of my staff - how tough. If you do break the law does that work in relation to expect to be dealt with severely. NMW? A. The provision of As of April 2009, an employer accommodation in relation found guilty will have to pay to a job does count towards arrears to each named worker the NMW - but only up to a and pay a financial penalty maximum amount. As of 1st linked to the underpayment - October 2009 this will rise from up to £5,000. But in addition, £4.46 per day to £4.51 per day. it is now possible that an So, for example if you provide employer who fails to pay the accommodation seven days NMW can now be tried under a week to a member of staff criminal law in the Crown it would be £31.57 per week Court and if found guilty that which is being contributed carries an unlimited fine. towards a salary (7 x £4.51). Q. A retired gentleman does However it does get quite the occasional bit of work for complicated if you charge me, mainly because he enjoys Ranked by Chambers UK 2009 your employee rent - it is getting out and about. Are recommemnded you get proper pensioners eligible for the as the top licensing solicitors advice to make sure your NMW? calculations are correct. A. Yes, pensioners are entitled in Northern Ireland to receive at least the NMW. Also bear in mind that although accommodation can If you are unsure about your be offset against the NMW, particular situation please call other benefits in kind, such the Federation helplines on: as food, the use of a car or 07889 800329 - 07889 800331 clothing cannot. 07889 681714 - 07889 800325
nifederationofclubs.com Issue 6 2009 Club Review 13 LAUNCHING NEW LOOK
350%2)/2 )2)3( !,% 3).#%
• ./24(%2. )2%,!.$s3 .5-"%2 $2!5'(4 !,%
• /54 /&