supporting the business interests of the
self-employed licensees in the licensed trade
BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR REJOINING THE FLVA YOU ARE CONSENTING TO THE ASSOCIATION RETAINING YOUR CONTACT DETAILS. WE DO NOT PASS THIS INFORMATION TO ANY THIRD PARTIES.
UNIQUE PUB COMPANY LEASE RENEWALS
If you have a unique pub company lease which is approaching expiry or renewal in the next year please contact us for advice and assistance. For further detail see our members area under Unique Pub Company Lease Renewals. See also MRO & Tied Rent Reviews & Renewals
RENT REVIEWS AND THE MARKET RENT ONLY (MRO) PROCESS
Now that the majority of Pub Co personnel have returned to normal duties the previously delayed rent reviews and agreement renewals are being processed.
Please be aware we can assist with your negotiations in this respect.
Any potential MRO CLAIMS are subject to strict and legislative time constraints so please make contact as soon as possible should you wish to avail yourself of our services.
INCREASED SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ANNOUNCED BY THE CHANCELLOR.
The chancellor has just announced increased support for both employers and employees in areas designated as high alert levels. For the latest detail please follow the link below
DIFFERING ALERT LEVELS AND THEIR MEANING AND RESTRICTIONS
The links below give detail regarding the various alert levels and actions which need to be taken including potential closure under the new Government guidance.
The Poster link gives a quick "at a glance" summary for each level
IF YOUR BUSINESS IS FORCED TO CLOSE DUE TO LOCAL RESTRICTIONS
Please follow the links below for guidance regarding additional support and grants which are available if your business is forced to close because of local restrictions
Support has been expanded for those areas where business’s are forced to close because of local restrictions, details of this expansion and grants available are detailed in the additional links below
JOB RETENTION BONUS SCHEME
To see if you are eligible and can claim the above grant please follow the link below
JOB SUPPORT SCHEME
For the latest details regarding the Job Support Scheme, which follows on when the Furlough Scheme ends at the end of October, please follow the links below
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/job-support-scheme
OCTOBER FURLOUGH PAYMENTS
From today 1st October, the government will now only pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee is on furlough. Employers must pay ER NICs and pension contributions and top up employees’ wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed
SELF EMPLOYED BENEFIT GRANT WEBINAR.
The Government YouTube webinar has been updated with detail in respect of the revised Self Employment support scheme.
Follow the link below for details
EXTENSION OF THE 5% VAT RATE and PAYMENT INSTALLMENTS.
The current 5% VAT rate for hospitality outlets on food accommodation and soft drinks was due to expire on the 12th January 2021has been extended to 31st March 2021.
VAT deferment and payment plan options have also been announced
Please follow the link below for full details
EXTENSION TO THE SELF EMPLOYED SUPPORT GRANT SCHEME
The above scheme has been extended and amended from the closure of the current assistance in November 2020 till April 2021
For further information please follow the link below.
RESTRICTIONS ON WEDDING RECEPTIONS 28TH SEPTEMBER 2020
The Government has announced new restrictions on Weddings and receptions which come into force on the 28th September 2020.
For full requirements please follow the link below
GRANTS FOR BUSINESS’S UNDER LOCAL LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS.
For details regarding the above scheme and eligibility please follow the link below.
LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO SELF ISOLATE IF COVID 19 POSITIVE OR CONTACTED BY NHS TRACK & TRACE.
From the 28th September it is now a legal requirement that you must self isolate. For full details please follow the links below
GUIDANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH COVID 19 INFECTIONS WHO DO NOT LIVE WITH THE INFECTED PERSON
Please follow the link below for advice regarding if, when, and for how long you must self isolate after contact with an infected individual
WHAT HAS CHANGED FOLLOWING THE PRIME MINISTERS ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE 22ND SEPTEMBER including FAQ's
Follow the links below for detail of the PM’s announcement and resume of the changes following the Prime Ministers address on the 22nd September including Frequently asked questions.
HOW NHS TRACK AND TRACE WORKS
Follow the link below for information on how the NHS system works
* UPDATED * UPDATED NHS QR TRACK AND TRACE REQUIREMENTS UPDATED * UPDATED *
Further to earlier links requirements have been update please follow the link below for the latest requirements and links to download the NHS QR CODE TRACKER which must be displayed in your outlet from the THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER. You are recommended to utilise this single app in preference to others to avoid confusion for your customers. Customers (or lead customers) refusing to provide details via app or manual collection of data must be refused entry. Police and emergency first responders are exempt.failure to comply with these regulations will result in fines of upto £4000. Follow the link below for full details, downloadable QR codes and privacy notices.
* UPDATED * UPDATED TEST & TRACE GUIDELINES UPDATED * UPDATED *
NEW SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES NUMBERS AND EVENT RESTRICTIONS
New legal requirements on group sizes, 6 maximum, events weddings 15 maximum, funerals (not including wakes) 30 maximum. Please follow the link below for full requirements
STATUTORY SICK PAY
To see if you can claim back SSP paid to your employees as a consequence of COVID 19 follow the link below.
BUSINESS EVICTIONS AND REPOSSESSIONS
The Government have extended the support in respect of business evictions until the end of this year for full details follow the link below
** **VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE **
Further to our earlier advice click here the test case has now been heard and judgement given (subject to appeal)and the following links give an outline of the courts findings.
https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/result-fca-business-interruption-test-case
In short the FCA made the following statement
"There were 21 sample wordings considered, but the FCA estimates that, in addition to these particular wordings, some 700 types of policies across 60 different insurers and 370,000 policyholders could potentially be affected by the test case.
Next steps for policyholders
Every policyholder who has made a claim or complaint that is potentially affected by the judgment should receive an update from their insurer within 7 days."
Please ensure you lodge your claim immediately.
NEW MEETING NUMBERS AND RESTRICTIONS
As from the 14th September there are new legal restrictions on the number of people who can meet as a group, inside or out. Contravention of the new rules by the public or business’s allowing such activity is a punishable offence. For further full guidance follow the link below
NEW REVISED LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO RECORD CONTACT/CUSTOMER/STAFF DETAIL
It is now a legal requirement to collect the following data from customers visiting your establishment
- name
- contact number
- date of visit
- arrival time
- departure time, if possible
For further details please follow the link below
NHS COVID 19 QR POSTER
Follow the link below to register for your NHS QR code to assist in data collection
https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
TEST & TRACE GUIDELINES
The link below gives an overview of the NHS Test and Trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive and what they, or their close contacts, should do.
JOB RETENTION BONUS SCHEME
If you have employees who on average have earned and average of £520pm during the period 1/11/20 & 31/1/21 (£1560 in total) and you retain them in employment you may be eligible to claim a grant of £1000 for each employee from the Government. Initial details can b found by following the link below and full and detailed guidance will be published in September.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/job-retention-bonus/job-retention-bonus
CHANGES TO THE JOB RETENTION (FURLOUGH) SCHEME payments
Please note that from the 1st September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough. Employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions and top up employees’ wages to ensure they receive 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500, for time they are furloughed.
* UPDATED * SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT LATEST GUIDELINES. * UPDATED *
The 2nd tranche of self employed income support is now open and claims must be submitted by the 19th October 2020.
For further guidance follow the links below
For the latest information regarding the FINAL Self Employment Income Support Grant follow the link below
* UPDATED * EAT OUT TO HELP OUT * UPDATED *
There are 5 specific claim dates for the above scheme as below
- 3 to 5 August
- 10 to 12 August
- 17 to 19 August
- 24 to 26 August
- 31 August
For details on how to claim please follow the link below
The government have introduced a scheme where your customers can dine in your establishment and they will receive upto 50% discount (capped) on food and non alcoholic drinks, which will be reimbursed to you via HMRC
Registration to take part in the scheme opens on the 13th July and the scheme runs from the 3rd August 2020 to the 31st August 2020. For full details, restrictions, and examples follow the links below
REDUCED RATE VAT FOR HOSPITALITY OUTLETS
The government have introduced a temporary reduced rate of VAT which will operate for a 6 month period from 15th July 2020 to 12th January 2021.
The reduced rate will apply in general to food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on your premises, hot takeaway food and hot takeaway non-alcoholic drinks, and the supply of sleeping accommodation in a hotel or similar establishment.
For further detailed information please follow the links below
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catering-takeaway-food-and-vat-notice-7091
STAFF,VISITOR & CUSTOMER DATA COLLECTION.
Details in respect of Government requirements for our industry to collect, share (or not) and destroy data from customers, is detailed in the link below.
There is also information regarding official “test, track and trace” contact to avoid fraudulent use by non NHS bodies
FLEXIBLE FURLOUGH SCHEME STARTS 1ST JULY 2020.
From the 1st July you can bring back previously furloughed workers part time and still claim furloughed pay from the Government.
For details follow the link below
DEFFERED VAT PAYMENT SCHEME ENDS 30TH JUNE
The Government VAT deferral scheme ended on the 30th June 2020.
You need to continue to submit VAT returns as normal, and on time, pay the VAT in full on payments due after 30 June, set-up cancelled Direct Debits.
Deferred VAT payments should be paid in full on or before 31 March 2021
For full details follow the link below
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FAST TRACK FOR PAVEMENT LICENSING AND OUTDOOR SEATING.
The government has announced fast track and deemed permissions for street table licences and outdoor seating. Please follow the links below for details and forms
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safer-public-places-urban-centres-and-green-spaces-covid-19
UPDATED * GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES 4TH JULY RE-OPENING * UPDATED
For updated and more specific guidance please follow the link below.
Please follow the links below regarding the Governments announcement that Pubs can re-open on the 4th July following certain guidelines
VAT DEFERRAL & CURRENT PAYMENTS.
Please follow the link below for the latest information with regard to Deferred and current VAT payments and returns.
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS
Please follow the links below for a new code of practice outlining best practice with regard to business evictions.
CHANGES TO EMPLOYERS CONTRIBUTION TO JOB RETENTION FURLOUGH PAY.
Employers are to pay a larger proportion of employees pay from July, increasing in steps through to October.
Please follow the link below for details.
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
As you may be aware the Financial Conducts Authority (FCA) is seeking clarity through the courts regarding business interruption claims due to COVID 19.
More detailed information can be found on the links below, including potential timescales.
Please ensure you have lodged your claim with your insurers and have their formal response
https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/business-interruption-insurance
REQUIRE YOUR STAFF TO TAKE HOLIDAY WHILST STILL FURLOUGHED
Follow the link below for details on how employers can require their staff to take holiday and still be able to claim the 80% furloughed pay under the Job Retention Scheme.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/holiday-entitlement-and-pay-during-coronavirus-covid-19
GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS OFFERING TAKEAWAY OR DELIVERY FACILITIES.
If you are currently or are thinking about introducing Takeaway or Delivery services please go to the link below for advice and guidance
STATUTORY SICK PAY FOR WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN TOLD TO SELF ISOLATE BY NHS
For the latest information in respect of SSP and also the regulations surrounding employyess effected by the recent “track and trace” regulations please follow the link below.
CHANCELLOR EXTENDS SELF-EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SCHEME AND CONFIRMS FURLOUGH NEXT STEPS INCLUDING PART TIME RETURN TO WORK WHILST STILL FURLOUGHED
The chancellor has announced extensions to the self employment grant and new contributory measures for employers for workers effected by furlough. Employees may also be eligable to return to work part time, whilst still covered under the furloughed Job retention Scheme. Details in the links below.
BEWARE OF SCAMS
Please be very aware of scams that purport to be from HMRC. Do not give out private details, answer texts or download any attachments. If you believe you have been sent a scam you can forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME NOW LIVE.
Please note that the Self employed income support scheme is live from today the 13th May. Follow the link below for full details.
* REVISED * BOUNCE BACK LOAN SCHEME. * REVISED *
The Government has just announced the detail of a new loan scheme for business’s which will be interest and repayment free for the 1st 12 months of the loan. The loan is to be 100% guaranteed by the Govt and can be taken over a 6 year period. Loans can be for £2k to £50k. The maximum amount to be equivalent to 25% of turnover. The scheme started on the 4th May and is designed to be faster and easier to access than the current business interruption loan scheme. Follow the links below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan#how-to-apply
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan#eligibility
* REVISED * HMRC WEBINAR ON THE JOB RETENTION SCHEME * REVISED *
HMRC are offering live webinars on the Job Retention Scheme.
The live webinar will, be taking a look at: furloughed workers, who can apply for the scheme , following the rules of the scheme, how much may be claimed, how to claim and what you’ll need to claim.
Places are extremely limited so please save your place by clicking on the choose your date and time link below
UK GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FINDING TOOL.
If you are in any doubt about which support grants you are eligible for follow the links below as a substantive check
https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
* UPDATED * HOW TO CLAIM BACK FURLOUGHED WORKERS PAY * UPDATED *
Please follow the new links below for Government information regarding the process, detail and STEP BY STEP GUIDE required in order for you to claim back your wages costs of your furloughed workers. This HMRC portal is now available. Payments should be received by you within 6 days.
You may need a Government Gateway ID. If you don’t have one or have forgotten yours please follow the link below to register for HMRC online services
Please also check changes to CHANGES TO EMPLOYEES ELIGIBILITY as some staff previously not eligible, including redundancies, may now qualify for furloughed pay.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/register
* UPDATED * DESTRUCTION OF BEER IN CELLARS AND DUTY RECLAIM * UPDATED *
Please go to the link below for an easy to use beer desrtruction format for participating brewers. PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOUR LANDLORD COMPANY HAS THEIR OWN POLICY THEN YOU MUST FOLLOW THAT POLICY TO FACILITATE EASY DESTRUCTION AND CREDIT
https://www.returnyourbeer.co.uk
YOU MUST CHECK WITH YOUR PUB COMPANY FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICIES REGARDING RETURN OR DESTRUCTION
In general and in brief you must have authority from the Supplier, Pub Co/Brewer/Wholesaler, who in turn must have the authority of their supplier. Documentation must be completed for each container destroyed recording specific details, volumes, ABV etc. The local water authority must also be consulted. Credit for the duty element will be given to the supplier who in turn will credit yourself.
Check fully with your regional manager for specific instructions as uplifts may be the preferred route for some suppliers
For full details go to link https://beerandpub.com/briefings/best-practice-for-destruction-of-beer-in-cellars/ and download the document. All instructions must be followed in order for duty to be reclaimed.
VAT DEFERRAL
There is some confusion with regard to the deferral of VAT payments due between the 20/3/20 and the 30/6/20. In brief any payments that are due during this period can be deferred until the 31/3/21, if you wish to do so. There is no need to request a deferral simply do not pay. No penalties will be incurred as a consequence of deferral. For full detail follow the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/deferral-of-vat-payments-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19
MANAGERS P11D DETAIL 2019/20
Details regarding the above are available in our members area.
ONE STOP SHOP FOR BUSINESS SUPPORT
Please follow the link below for easy to follow detail and information regarding all the various Government grants and support available/
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
INCOME SUPPORT AND UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Below are web links covering grant aid for the self employed which is likely to become live in June. Also a link to eligibility and procedures surrounding universal credit. We have been advised that the speed in respect of claiming Universal Credit and receipt of the benefits is greatly improved and applications where eligible should be pursued
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit
RETAIL, HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE GRANT.
This grant is automatically given via the Local Authorities and instructions so far say you do not need to apply.
HOWEVER it would appear that if you complete an application on most LA’s web sites the grants are being processed quicker. Search your local site and get your application in.
GOVERNMENT COVID-19 ADVICE via WhatsApp
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started. Further options then appear.
COVID 19 coronavirus
Please follow the link below for regularly updated Government information on Guidance for Employers, Guidance for Employees and support for business
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
You can subscribe to Government updates on an instant, daily or weekly basis by subscribing to the link below
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS (GDPR)
The above regulation comes into force on the 25th May 2018. It applies to “personal data” which you hold on an individual, these individuals are allowed to see and access any data which you may hold and request its erasure. It places a responsibility on the holder to keep that data secure. For a more detailed explanation go to our members area under GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS (GDPR).
MPL Licenses
There has been flurry of demands from the Motion Picture Licence Company for public houses to take a licence to allow the public broadcasting of TV programmes. This may not be the case and you should seek our advice as to whether or not on is required for your outlet. A more full explanation and proposed response to a request from the MPLC is in our members area.
STATUTORY CODE
The Pubs Code Regulations now supersedes Version 6 of the Voluntary Industry Framework code for Pub Operating business’s with over 500 tied houses. The web site for the Pubs Code Adjudicator can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/pubs-code-adjudicator where there are many useful fact sheets summarising the code.
TIED RENT REVIEWS, LEASE RENEWALS and MARKET RENT ONLY (Free of Tie) CASES.
Please speak to us as we can assist you in the handling and negotiation of all of these processes. Time is of the essence so do not delay, speak to us before the event so you are ready in advance and know what actions to take.
PUB CODE ADJUDICATOR STAY PROCEDURE
The Pubs Code Adjudicator has introduced a “stay” procedure which gives more time to negotiate new agreements after the initial MRO request and the subsequent “full response” from the Pub Operating Business’s. This can be of great benefit and save on your costs.
PUB CODE ADJUDICATOR ARBITRATION AWARDS, PUBLICATION AND EFFECT
There have been several arbitrations published by the Pubs Code Adjudicator which may have a beneficial effect on your ability to take up the opportunity to move to a Market Rent Only option. We can assist you in the explanation of these awards and the service of the relevant notices, should you wish to have a look at this opportunity.
NEW VOLUNTARY CODES FOR PUB OPERATING COMPANIES WHO OPERATE LESS THAN 500 TIED HOUSES
A separate voluntary code has also been introduced as of today to encompass Pub operating business’s operating less than 500 tied outlets and for those operating outlets in Scotland these can be found at the links below and in our members area.
Leased Codes of Practice
Tenants Codes of Practice
Scotland Codes of Practice
Our recommended Insurance broker will be happy to provide a no obligation quote for your business requirements phone 0333 006 8444 (standard charges apply)
Go to our members area for a free no obligations online quote and see how much you can save
