50 YEARS
1964
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN WELCOME
Welcome to SLTN’s 50th anniversary supplement. When the paper launched in April of 1964 it promised to bring “accurate and up-to-the-minute reports of the outstanding items of news from all over Scotland” and to contain “first class features of popular and unusual appeal and present the latest and best in pictures”. Over 50 years a lot has changed, both in the trade and the world at large, but the paper has remained true to these founding principles. Taking a trip back through 50 years of ‘the News’ is like embarking on a crash course in modern history – from pictures of The Beatles in the 1960s to coverage of the Poll Tax in the late ‘80s. But more than that, the stories, adverts and images featured in this supplement paint a picture of one of the country’s most vibrant, creative and, above all, enduring industries, as well as the many characters that helped it to thrive.
Here’s to the next 50 years.
Front Cover Image Credit: Michael McHugh, A Great Pub Company 3
1960s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Hot topics in the 1960s included Sunday opening, pubs in council estates and the increasing presence of women’s toilets in Scotland’s public houses. SLTN published its ďŹ rst full issue on April 24, 1964, under the editorship of Vic McManus. The 1960s was a signiďŹ cant decade for the licensed trade, and soon ‘the News’ was shining a spotlight on a range of issues that included ‘veto’ polls (whereby whole areas could be voted ‘dry’), Sunday opening and the controversial topic of whether pubs should be allowed in council estates. It was also the decade that saw the birth of Tennent Caledonian Breweries and a shift towards more unisex public houses. Younger readers may be surprised to learn that, in 1964, many Scottish pubs didn’t even have women’s toilets!
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Eddie Tobin, nightclub veteran, Glasgow “I started in dance halls supplying entertainment and DJs etc. in 1966. “The change in licensing hours is probably the biggest change since then. When I started, pubs closed at 10.30pm, dance halls/nightclubs closed
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at 1am and were not licensed. “We are now looking at virtually 24-hour trading for a number of premises throughout Scotland. “I think the trade has dealt with the challenges very well in Scotland. The quality of some of the bars is outstanding.�
SLTN has been an essential read. Through the paper, the trade inside and outside the major cities has been informed of what was happening, what might be happening and what shouldn’t be happening. It has helped people plan a direction.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 1960s
Peter Lederer, director of Diageo in Scotland “Diageo has changed significantly over the last 50 years. Indeed 50 years ago, we did not exist in the corporate entity that we are today. Through acquisition and mergers, we have grown into the world’s leading premium drinks supplier, with 26,000 employees, and owner of world leading brands, including Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Gordon’s, Baileys, Guinness and Smirnoff. “Over 50 years, SLTN has been a great source of knowledge and insight, and, alongside the Ben, the SLTA and the SBPA, has helped developed a camaraderie amongst retailers and suppliers, who all want to create a successful industry which shows Scotland at its best.”
SLTN has been a great source of knowledge and insight.
Caol Ila distillery, 1967
Congratulations From the 1R :DWHU %UDQG and the 1R )ODYRXUHG &DUERQDWH %UDQG in the on-trade* *CGA Brand Index, Value Sales, MAT to 22.03.14, Total UK Coverage
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1960s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
It has been incredibly important to have a dedicated licensed trade publication in Scotland. SLTN is a fantastic avenue to showcase our products in Scotland.
Stephen Rankin, UK sales director, Gordon & MacPhail “The most significant change in the industry for Gordon & MacPhail in the past 50 years has been the increased interest and demand in single malt Scotch whisky. During the 1960s, my grandfather, George Urquhart, who was
Gordon & MacPhail the second generation in the Urquhart family to run the business, was considered eccentric to independently bottle single malt Scotch whisky when the demand
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Congratulations to
SLTN on their 50th Anniversary
Licensing Law Specialists for over 60 years ‘Our Experience... Your Results’ Hill Brown Solicitors Ltd, 3 Newton Place. Glasgow G3 7PU Tel: 0141 333 0636
Email: Licensing@hillbrown.co.uk
www.hillbrown.co.uk 6
in the market place was for blended whisky. Now the business is owned and managed by the third and fourth generations of the Urquhart family, and single
malt Scotch whisky is the heart of the business, as we bottle single malts from our vast stock of casks, many laid down by my grandfather all those years ago.”
Maurice Taylor, hotelier and restaurateur “I landed a job as a junior night porter at Turnberry hotel, then owned by British Transport Hotels, in 1960. I then joined its management trainee scheme. My first position as general manager was for the Lorne Hotel in Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street just a few years later. “There have been a number of significant changes in the industry since then, including extended trading hours and the insistence of proper certified training/certification of licensees. “There have also been vast improvements in all aspects of the business, including the Funding for Lending Scheme for premises.”
“SLTN has given a vital trade involvement link for all participants and helps keep the ‘club’ atmosphere within the trade. It plays an important role in helping inform and keep players up to date with developments.”
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 1960s
Richard Paterson, master blender, Whyte & Mackay “The single biggest change that I have witnessed within the drinks industry over the past 50 years would have to be when Glenfiddich began to promote their single malt whiskies. Prior to this everyone was drinking blended whiskies and malts were somewhat under the radar, however after Glenfiddich took the first step and started marketing their products, the rest of the single malt industry followed suit and malts began to reign supreme. “For me, this symbolised a turning point within the whisky industry that is still relevant to this day. “There have been many other incremental changes over the past 50 years and as consumer behaviour patterns have evolved we too have followed suit in order to remain relevant.“
SLTN has been the voice of the licensed trade. Paul Waterson, owner, Golden Lion, Stirling, and chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association “When I came into pubs it was all about drinking in a very confined space of time. Pubs were there to drink in. Many didn’t have anything else in them. They didn’t even
have ladies toilets in them. Ladies weren’t particularly welcome in a lot of establishments. “When you go back to that and then look at where we are now, there’s a massive change. “When I go out I see how many different types of pubs we have now, the different types of people
that go into them. We’ve got all these different amenities in our pubs now. I’d back the service levels in our premises against anywhere in the world. The staff get better, they’re knowledgeable. You can’t just walk behind a bar, as I did, and somebody says to you ‘there’s the
till, there’s the price list, there you go’. There’s an art to tending bar now – whether it’s cocktails, whether it’s knowledge about whisky, knowledge about wines. All of that coming together has made it a far more professional business, and that’s what we wanted.”
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 1970s
During the 1970s new laws, companies and investments would change the Scottish trade forever. With an inux of new legislation, companies and investment, the 1970s would see the Scottish trade changed forever. The biggest issues tackled by the SLTN team during the decade included the introduction of VAT, the impact of the recent North Sea oil ďŹ nd on the Aberdeen trade and the transformative Licensing (Scotland) Act of 1976.
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In the late 70s SLTN switched from a weekly publication to its familiar fortnightly format.
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1970s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
James Mortimer, Lynnet Leisure Group “I opened Victoria’s about 20 years ago. It was a one-off. When I first opened it, it was a bit of a hard sell. Then one night, I got a call from my old pal Rod Stewart saying he was coming. I had opened Panama Jack’s with Rod about 15 or 20 years before that. He ended up singing in the piano bar at Victoria’s. When he left, there were photographers outside and that was it; the next week the queue for Victoria’s was right down Sauchiehall Street and it never looked back. “Rod still comes to Rogano every time he’s in Glasgow – it’s his favourite haunt.”
I’ve read SLTN since I started as a pub manager with Tennent’s about 48 years ago. It’s a great trade newspaper; it’s good to keep up to date with everything and it keeps you going in this business. The punters read it too. 10
The then Wm. Morton
Donald Campbell, sales director, Inverarity Morton “I think SLTN is vital. It’s the paper I’ve always gone to first, and see as the bible of the Scottish licensed trade. “The great appeal of SLTN is it doesn’t just appeal to individual publicans, restaurateurs and hoteliers, it appeals to suppliers, wholesalers, brand owners. It has an appeal and is relevant to a cross-section of the whole industry.”
would like to congratulate
SLTN on its 50th birthday.
The SMIRNOFF, GORDON’S, BELL’S, BAILEYS and CAPTAIN MORGAN’S SPICED words and associated logos are trademarks. © Diageo 2014
ALEC SOMERVILLE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Once upon a time‌ we broke the mould were very much in favour. Big city licensees, who relished their Sundays off, Launched in 1964 as a vibrant weekly usually on the golf course, were agin. But paper covering the entire Scottish drinks brewers, with their hundreds of managed business, it has happily survived and houses, eventually swung the vote. thrived. Licensing law reform heralded the start It broke the mould. Fifty years ago there of Sunday pubs and, most crucially, the were relatively few specialist publications end of veto polls. serving commerce. The handful which Anyway, some highlights of my 25 years existed were in niche markets. in the hot seat: The Booze News, as it quickly and t 5IF AJOUP UIF T DPOGFSFODF XF SBO affectionately became known, was bright, asking experts in key sectors to forecast brisk and in the format of the popular trends in the coming decade. We were on tabloid press. It caused an immediate stir the brink of joining the Common Market. and, most importantly, it was read. For a wild-card speaker we had a certain In a way, it deďŹ ed trade press publishing George Robertson MP, then a Labour gravity by aiming to satisfy a seemingly opposition front-bencher. impossibly wide readership – big He was a star speaker and NATO must companies, small pubs, caterers, offhave been watching – later, much later, licences – the lot. they gave him a job! “SLTN defied trade press By convention, it t #FJOH JOEVDUFE FBSMZ JO should really have fallen publishing by aiming to the highly prestigious and between the several satisfy an impossibly wide very exclusive Keepers of stools. It did not. the Quaich fraternity at a What actually was/is readership. It should have banquet in Blair Castle. fallen between the several SLTN? t *OWFOUJOH UIF USBEF T On hearing it Ladies Lunch. In the old stools. It did not. described as a ‘trade days virtually all dinners paper’ one Londonand other events were based boss said: “Oh no. men-only. So we, in It is a business journal.â€? conjunction with Famous But our readers knew Grouse, introduced an the answer. Often we were told “I got MY annual lunch exclusively for members of News on Friday.â€? So we were sure we were the several ladies’ auxiliaries. Bell’s copied doing it right. the venture, so it must have been good! It has always been very much a ‘people’ t *OWFOUJOH UIF .BTUFS PG .BMU business. For example, we remember with qualiďŹ cation in conjunction with fondness the pub trade dynasties – the Tamnavulin Distillery. The wine industry Griers, Flynns and Watersons in Glasgow, had long had its Masters; the time had the Ross’s in Dundee and others. come for malt whisky to have its. For them, and everyone in the midt (FUUJOH PVU PG UIF PGm DF GBWPVSJUF USJQT 1960s, there were two really big issues: were to distilleries. Memorably one jaunt veto polls, by which the temperanceto Speyside by helicopter whose pilot minded citizens could petition to have got lost trying to identify Auchroisk from individual local authority areas declared the air. We only found it because another ‘restricted’ or even completely ‘dry’. ‘copter was already on the ground Licences could be, and sometimes were, adjacent! lost. The deadly threat was always there. But times change, do they not? To old The other huge bone of contention was timers like myself today’s Scottish drinks the campaign to allow pubs to open on trade is virtually unrecognisable. Sundays. It split the trade right down the They will certainly change again. middle. And SLTN should keep pace and be THE Bars in smaller towns and rural areas trade paper, as always.
Ah, the good old days! And the not so good ones. SLTN has seen them all.
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Alec Somerville SLTN EDITOR 1966-1992
Proud to support the SLTN and Licensees in Scotland
Growing together
50 YEARS
On behalf of the entire team at Bruce & Co, we extend our wholehearted congratulations to SLTN on their 50th anniversary. We wish them every success for the years to come and look forward to continuing our partnership.
Bruce & Co. is a market leader in business sale transactions, predominantly within the licensed and leisure sector. The group have 30 years’ experience in business selling with an excellent, proven track record in delivering successful sales and consistently surpassing the expectations of their clients. 2014 has been an exceptional year of trading for Bruce & Co. with 65 businesses sold within just 10 months, and a further 18 due to complete! SLTN & Bruce & Co. – partnering in success.
Buy : 0844 2488 285 website : www.bruceandco.co.uk
Sell: 0844 2488 286
Twitter : @Bruce_Co
Blog : blog.bruceandco.co.uk
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 1980s
The 1980s was a decade of consolidation for the Scottish licensed trade. With the 1976 licensing act now ďŹ rmly in place, the 1980s was a decade of consolidation for the Scottish licensed trade. Glasgow scrapped the last of its ‘dry’ areas, industry association the BII was born and Guinness won a â€œďŹ ercely contestedâ€? battle to take over Scottish whisky giant Bell’s.
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In the early ’80s the paper introduced one of the first trade ladies lunch events, sponsored by Famous Grouse.
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1980s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Station Bar, Glasgow Michael McHugh, Station Bar, Glasgow, and Alexander’s, Clydebank “SLTN has been the most neutral and informative trade publication for Scotland’s licensed trade. It’s the paper everybody looks at to get a proper analysis of what’s been going on,
and it probably reaches the furthest corners of the country – from the most remote pubs to the busiest locations in the country. “All-day opening is the biggest change I’ve seen since I started in the industry. It was a much better system, and one which stopped the binge
Bob Taylor, drinks industry veteran “My job at Bell’s in the ‘80s was to entertain people and look after the trade. I would go round the bars and give out invitations to Bell’s for a day out. I had a busload that would leave Glasgow once a week. “There were a lot of characters in pubs in those days. When I went into those bars the guys would say ‘that boy’s a Bell’s drinker’. I had about £15 a day to buy punters drinks and I’d just say to the publican ‘give the boys a drink.’ It was promoting the brand and it worked! “I did a stint as a golf club steward and it put me off ever running a pub. It’s a hard game. I admire publicans.”
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drinking and moved the trade towards becoming more female-friendly. “Moving forward, I’d like to see the trade recognised for the professionalism of its people – we deliver a high level of service in sometimes very challenging circumstances.”
Bob Taylor (second right)
SLTN is the paper everybody looks at to get a proper analysis of what’s going on.
Cheers to a fantastic 50 years
CHL
’S
®
LA
AN
MA C
from Molson Coors (UK) B EST ALE ALE BEST FORTIS ET FIDUS
FORTIS ET FIDUS
FAMOUS MOMENTS ARE WORTH SHARING The Famous Grouse is proud to be part of the SLTN’s famous 50th celebrations
www.makesomeonefamous.com
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN DRINKS TRENDS
A quarter gill of whisky and a pint of 80/- wasn’t an unusual order at the bar when SLTN launched, but a lot has changed in the last 50 years. Take the whisky category, for example. The genesis of today’s whisky industry can be found in SLTN in 1964, when the paper reported on a nationwide campaign to promote Glenfiddich as a “straight malt”. At a time when whisky was marketed exclusively in blends it was a ground breaking move, one that created an entirely new type of product (single malt) and helped shape the whisky world as we know it today. Whisky wasn’t the only spirit making waves in 1964, though. The paper also reported on vodka sales “soaring” in the trade – a trend that would continue for the next five decades. And in the 1970s, with the popularity of spirits and mixers growing, soft drinks began to make significant strides. Whether it was a £1 million marketing investment from Schweppes (SLTN April, 1976) or the trade-focused advertising from Coca Cola, Pepsi and Britvic that appeared throughout the paper, the soft drinks firms made a lot of noise in the 1970s – firmly establishing themselves as an important category for pubs and bars. The ‘80s and ‘90s saw wine becoming a much bigger factor in Scotland’s on-trade. As the category boomed, Scottish wine merchants such as Forth Wines even made their presence known south of the border (SLTN
Changed days: Glenfiddich’s 1964 campaign and cider over ice. July 1995). But the ‘90s wasn’t just kind to wine. An entirely new category – Ready to Drink – grew rapidly and made waves amongst young adult consumers across the country. In the early years of the new century, RTDs faced competition from another significant newcomer. Who would have thought that serving a product over ice could create such a stir? But that’s exactly what happened when Magners kick-started a cider revolution that transformed the category’s image with consumers. The cider category hasn’t looked back and today pub customers can choose from over-ice, packaged, keg and cask formats of the drink, which now goes beyond apples to include a broadrange of fruit flavours. Choice has been key to the evolution of the drinks trade over the last 50 years, and consumer desire for variety has also helped create the recent ‘craft beer boom’ and the popularity of cocktails. Looking ahead, it would be impossible to predict the next 50 years of drinks trends in the Scottish trade, but it seems clear that quality and innovation will continue to be at the heart of the bestperforming products.
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FRONT PAGES OF THE DECADES CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Front pages of the decades
1 August 27, 1965 2 April 27, 1973 3 April 18, 1985 20
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN FRONT PAGES OF THE DECADES
SEPTEMBER 4, 2008
Trade groups at odds over key plank of government drink document
The Scottish Government wants to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.
Price controls will penalise responsible majority - Diageo
inside
DIAGEO has slammed the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol, claiming it will penalise the “vast majority of the public who drink responsiblyâ€?. In its response to the government’s ‘Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol’ document, the drinks giant said the government is attempting to place responsibility for tackling alcohol misuse “on the shoulders of the drinks industry and thus failing to recognise that everyone has the responsibilityâ€?. Diageo GB managing director Benet Slay said the company is “frustrated and disillusionedâ€? with the government’s proposals and consultation process. The drinks ďŹ rm is calling for a new system of coregulation for alcohol promotions. “We believe the most effective approach is through a fair, transparent and effective system of coregulation,â€? said Benet. whisky Work progresses at Diageo’s
the LANDMARK stage in new development of Diageo’s was malt distillery in Roseisle 14 new reached last week when at the copper stills were installed Speyside site. in Alloa, Made by coopersmiths 170 miles the pot stills were shipped before north in several consignments at Roseisle. being assembled on site to six tonnes, Each one weighs ďŹ ve four metres is eight metres high and in diameter. skilled It is said to have taken coppersmiths at Diageo’s around four Abercrombies workshop stills. months to craft the new travelled A team of coppersmiths ensure the north to Morayshire to directly stills – which were hoisted – were from lorries into the stillhouse
A
safely installed. skills have “Traditional coppersmith spirit which a huge inuence on the Brian Higgs, is produced,â€? explained director. Diageo’s malt distilling of work “An immense amount the stills and has gone into crafting
An immense amount of work has gone into crafting the copper stills. and having preparing for their arrival landmark for them installed is a real the project. Alloa and “For both the team from sense of our team there is a huge into place.� pride to see them going
is said to The Roseisle stillhouse to have been carefully designedthe stills. of enable easy maintenance to The new distillery is expected be designed employ 25 staff and will energy from to source most of its renewable sources. its However Diageo insists true to operations will remain processes. traditional whisky-making of a The new distillery is part investment the claimed ÂŁ100 million whisky ďŹ rm is making in its Scotch decade. operations over the next Its bottling plant at Shieldhall, been Glasgow, has already are also plans to upgraded, and there capacity of enhance the production its grain distillery in Cameronbridge, Fife. designed to The developments are demand help the ďŹ rm meet growing deluxe its for its whiskies, especially in key blended Scotch brands, overseas markets. Last month, Diageo announced an energy it had joined forces with a ‘green’ management ďŹ rm to build much of the energy plant to provide Cameronbridge power required for its distillery. to The project remains subject the if it gets planning approval, but to complete. nod will take two years director Brian Donaghey, managing said the of Diageo in Scotland, long-term plant would secure “the at sustainability of our operationsite the Cameronbridge, moving fossil fuelsâ€?. away from reliance on
Whisky ambassador: Hannah
Jenner
Hannah joins good ship Benromach Jenner YACHTSWOMAN Hannah for is the new brand advocate single malt Benromach Speyside Gordon & Scotch whisky, owner MacPhail has announced. Hannah was the only female Round Skipper in Clipper 07-08 the World Yacht Race. carry out In her new role she will roles a number of ambassadorial product for the brand, including and endorsement, public speaking appearances at events. of the Hannah guided the crew Style Glasgow: Scotland with in the Clipper to third overall the World Clipper 07-08 Round and Yacht Race after 10 months Now she’s 36,000 miles of sailing. challenge, preparing for her next 2010/11. the Velux 5 Oceans in Whisky Benromach is the OfďŹ cial the of the Clipper 09-10 Round World Yacht Race. named Loch Fyne Whiskies has Ledaig Connoisseurs Choice of the 1990 to be the ‘Bottling Gordon Year 2008.’ Bottled by as & MacPhail, it’s described an “assertive whisky combining cereal peppery spiciness and notes with a peaty inuenceâ€?.
Kate goes to Glenfarclas distiller FAMILY-owned Speyside the Glenfarclas has announced as sales and Wright appointment of Kate
marketing executive. from Kate, who is originally in malt whisky Campbeltown, has worked for six years, having sales and marketing Springbank. Fluent worked previously for she said her in French and Spanish, sales in initial focus will be developing important export France and Spain – two markets for Glenfarclas. joining the team at “I’m delighted to be Glenfarclas,� she said.
in Diageo’s new Roseisle distillery stills is safely installed at The last of the 14 new copper the stills in early 2009. are scheduled to run through Morayshire. The ďŹ rst spirits
SLTN :LW[LTILY
SLTN - dedicated to the trade
new Speyside distillery
Stills installed at Roseisle site
Speyside bound: Kate Wright
12/11/2014 17:42
Time is right for minimum pricing By Scott Wright THE Scottish Government has been told minimum pricing must become a reality if the country is to succeed in its battle against alcohol misuse. The claim comes from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association in its response to ‘Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol’ – the latest government blueprint for tackling drink misuse. Among the range of radical ideas oated are measures to deal with the price and presentation of alcohol in the off-trade. As well as stating the government’s desire to end ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘three for the price of two’ style deals, it seeks views on the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol, which it suggests could be 35p per unit. The government hopes such a move would curb the consumption of higher strength ciders, spirits and lagers. The SLTA says there is a clear link between Scotland’s
The Scottish Government’s ‘Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol’ document outlines a number of measures aimed at tackling alcohol misuse.
worsening drinks record and the increasing availability of cheap alcohol, and says minimum pricing must be part of the remedy. But its views are not supported by fellow trade group the Scottish Beer & Pub Association. It said government intervention on price should only be taken as a “last resort� and if there is “clear evidence� it would reduce alcohol misuse; the trade group has a similar view on calls for higher taxes.
Both groups, however, are united in their opposition to the proposed “social responsibility fee� – a new tax on operators to pay for policing and other resources needed to deal with
order problems in town and city centre streets. The consultation suggests the ‘polluter pays’ levy would apply to on and off-trade operators, but the SLTA stressed it would be unfair charge pubs, clubs and bars for policing the streets. The SBPA said the “hospitality industries already more than pay their way in meeting any costs associated with the operating of their businesses�. The deadline for responses to the government paper falls next week (September 9). Its other suggestions range from making it mandatory for licensed premises to offer 125ml measures of wine and 25ml measures of spirits, to raising the minimum purchase age in the off-trade from 18 to 21.
Coors to up beer prices THE wholesale price of Carling will go up by 3p a pint later this month – the second price increase on the lager this year. Coors Brewers conďŹ rmed it will implement the “extraordinaryâ€? price increase, which applies to on and off-trade customers, from September 29. The brewer has blamed the rising cost of raw materials and energy for the price hike, saying it is “no longer tenableâ€? to absorb the costs. Coors increased on-trade prices by 4p per pint in February of this year.
Scotch whisky latest Work progresses at a new Speyside distillery as stills are installed page 32-34
entertainment Reardon’s American Pool
and Snooker comes to Glasgow’s
Hope Street, Chris Fitzgerald
reports
David aims to pot black with new station outlet snooker E’RE not a bar with a club table – we’re a snooker with a bar.â€? of David Linas, That’s the philosophy of the the Glasgow-based co-owner Pool American city’s three Reardon’s and Snooker venues. in the He opened the third outlet ofďŹ ce at former British Rail parcel – and said Central Station in February business is now booming. group David, who co-owns the the ďŹ rst with brother Brian, opened (taking the Reardon’s outlet in 1981 world surname of the then six-timesnominal for a snooker champion Ray, fee). They now have membership-based New City snooker halls in Shawlands, venue on Road and the most recent Hope Street. is a key factor “I think entertainment in any offer,â€? said David. some pubs “I can’t believe the state and pool and hotels let their snooker tables get into.
“W
We deliberately ďŹ tted plate glass windows so people can see inside. down and “We have ours brushed we get them cleaned every night and reclothed every year. play on a “People won’t want to sit there like an damaged table, so it’ll at all.â€? ornament making no money which The latest Reardon’s venue,
is designed Reardon’s plate glass frontage
in the guise of forms of entertainment [which plays a 25,000-song jukebox screens around videos on the giant TV the venue] and fruit machines.â€? join’ in and Reardon’s offers a ‘walk costs ÂŁ40 policy. A gold membership per year and a silver membership each time a is free, with ÂŁ2 payable a table. member wishes to use glass “We deliberately had plate front of house,â€? windows ďŹ tted at the said David. see what’s “This is so people can street and it inside from out on the to want to makes them more likely come in and join.â€? 10am to Reardon’s is open from and until 2.30am Thursday to Saturday the week. 1am during the rest of out at “We’re obviously packed trade weekends and get a steady David. during the week,â€? said the corporate “We’re now targeting team building market. Companies offer getting a lot exercises and we’ve been of them in here. tables are tables and much money the individual “They take up a lot of – even from behind the bar – making at any given time spend a lot of money our business his home. it’s a great way to move Tennent The bar is supplied by forward. with Tennent’s tables are Caledonian Breweries, “When you consider that pint and up to four lager selling at ÂŁ2.75 per roughly ÂŁ6 per hour and and split the Tennent’s Velvet at ÂŁ2.80. people can play on them a simple bar of entertainment Reardon’s also offers cost, it’s a cheap form American snack menu, featuring I offer here. as hot dogs and on snooker, diner-style fayre such “The girls aren’t as keen why I have lots burgers. but love the pool. That’s food and drink, “It’s important to offer of pool tables. also have other I feel,â€? said David. “We
to entice potential members
lease from David and his brother snooker tables, Network Rail, has ten and six British 14 American pool tables which, David pool tables, several of the Far East. said, were imported from Network It took three months for of the Rail to complete the handover for the six weeks building and a further completed. refurbishement to be The walls have had 1930s-style by a local murals painted on them sign writer, while Kilmarnock-based the completed designer Brian Donnelly brickwork. interior with faux exposed a Memsec David told SLTN he uses across his EPOS computer system to view how outlets, as it allows him
inside from Hope Street
Operators aim to be
Digital g Juke Boxes
Leisure Services
been one ORSE racing has long sports. of the UK’s most popular events at With high turnouts for race Hamilton, Ayr and Musselburgh year, it seems courses throughout the in very good the Scottish scene is health. to be after a Now licensees appear customers slice of the action, offering the ďŹ nal furlong all the excitement of cost. – at a fraction of the of According to Alex Bowman in Elie, the Station Buffet Bar in your Fife, holding a race night too much pub doesn’t require organisation. several race Alex, who has staged was given a nights over the years, & Newcastle DVD by brewer Scottish ale brand (S&N), whose John Smith’s
H
Gaming Machines
GLEN
Plasma and LCD Screens
Tel: 0141 772 4900 www.glenleisure.co.uk
Racing times: George Williams
Pool Tables 42 - SLTN - September
4, 2008
12/11/2014 17
Entertainment focus Why business is said to be booming at new Glasgow snooker venue page 42-44
City Centre Land – Jocelyn Square, Glasgow, G1 5JU s 3UPERB SITE WITH PLANNING FOR RETAIL APARTMENTS s !DJACENT TO 'LASGOW S (IGH #OURT s )DEAL FOR HOTEL LEISURE SUBJECT TO PLANNING s 7ILL APPEAL FOR VARIOUS USES s 2ARE OPPORTUNITY PRICED TO SELL
Feuhold - Offers in region of ÂŁ1.9million
Contact: David Reid david.reid@knightfrank.com Tom McKee tom.mckee@knightfrank.com 0141 221 9191
August 7, 2014
www.sltn.co.uk
Outlets across city enjoy boost from eleven-day event
Games gold for Glasgow trade GLASGOW’S licensed trade was the big winner at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, after the city welcomed more than a million visitors over eleven days. Operators told SLTN that they received a signiďŹ cant boost from the sporting events around the city, with several having linked up with visiting teams and nations or hosting their own Games-related events. Those outlets close to the events were said to have enjoyed a particular uplift. Patrick Collins, general manager at Italian restaurant La Rotunda, which is located next to the SSE Hydro, SECC and Clyde Auditorium venues, said the Commonwealth Games was “everything I thought it would be and moreâ€?. The venue’s outdoor area was extended from 36 covers to 200 for the duration of the Games, with ‘jumbrellas’ provided by Games sponsor Heineken. La Rotunda also worked with neighbouring venues to host a
s 4ORY -30 *OHN 3COTT "OB 3HIELDS AND 3.0 COUNCILLOR #ORRI 7ILSON
‘Vote with your throat’ at Ayr pub AN Ayr pub is conducting its own independence poll over the next month by asking customers to “vote with their throats�. The Twa Dugs, run by former Daily Record journalist Bob Shields, has introduced two beers from Ayr Brewing Company – one championing a ‘yes’ vote, the other supporting the ‘no’ side. The ‘yes’ beer is a 3.8% IPA called Independence Pale Ale, while the ‘no’ side is represented by the 4.2% ABV Bitter Together. The beers were launched by representatives from both sides of the debate:
Conservative MSP John Scott and local SNP councillor Corri Wilson. Shields described the beers, which are available in cask and bottle, as “a wee bit of froth on a normally dry story�. “Every time some of my customers come in there’s a big ‘yes’ debate or a ‘no’ debate,� said Shields. “You’ve got guys that prefer IPA but won’t touch it because it’s a ‘yes’, and other guys that would normally prefer a bitter that’ll say ‘I’m not touching that if it’s got a ‘no’ badge on it!’ It’s certainly polarised the punters.�
s 4HE #OMMONWEALTH 'AMES CLOSED WITH A CEREMONY AT (AMPDEN 0ARK
marquee selling food and drink to Games visitors. And the restaurant recruited an additional ten temporary staff for the duration of the event. “It was fantastic, but it was a very steep learning curve, to be honest, as to how the systems work, how you work it with
outside, how the kitchen keeps up,� said Collins. “It took us about three days, to be honest; you tweak something each day, try something new, and then we got everything solid.� s h7E VE SHOWCASED THE LICENSED TRADE AT ITS VERY BESTv n SEE PAGES
Final call for refresher training
4 April 21, 1994 5 September 4, 2008
inside
THOUSANDS of licensees are putting their livelihoods at risk by failing to complete personal licence holder refresher training. Any personal licence holder (PLH) who received their licence on or before September 1, 2009 must complete a refresher course by August 31, and notify their licensing board by December 1. But new ďŹ gures secured by licensing law journal SLLP show that, despite a recent surge in courses completed, between 8000 and 12,000
gin Brockmans gin masterclasses are nearly here Gin THE ďŹ rm behind Brockmans venues has revealed the host in for its free gin masterclasses
Scotland this month. run from Each masterclass will taking 2pm-4pm with events Glasgow place at Saint Judes, Bat, (August 18), The Hanging and Edinburgh (August 19) 20). Orchid, Aberdeen (August Brockmans founder Bob Fowkes will host each cover masterclass, which will serves a range of Brockmans own before a ‘create your cocktail’ competition. “Almost Fowkes commented: gin everyone who tries our they is very enthusiastic and back for almost always come more.� your To book a place send of work contact details, place to and the event you wish attend to sarah@lusciousliquid. com with “Brockmans line. Masterclass� in the subject
A gin serve for every outlet can gain Operators across the tradeďŹ rms from resurgent spirit, say IN serves have long been a menu staple at high-end cocktail bars, but as the show growth, category continues to for a variety there’s an opportunity the spirit’s of outlets to cash in on
G
popularity. growing Drinks ďŹ rms say the spirit’s to style bars. popularity isn’t conďŹ ned Brands, the ďŹ rm Graham Coull of VC2 said there behind Boe Superior Gin, in demand for gin has been an increase mainstream to “across all outlets, from specialist gin barsâ€?.
newest artisan gin, NB Gin is Scotland’s less than 100 litres. of distilled in batches Berwick from It’s handmade in North carefully selected pure grain spirit and a full avoured botanicals to produce quality spirit.
aware of the “Customers are more from choice they have available, craft avoured gins to premium products,â€? he said. of Brockmans Bob Fowkes, founder is in growth Gin, agreed the category bars. And in mainstream pubs and steps he said there are several capitalise on this operators can take to popularity. are looking to “Bars all over the world types of gins have a range of different of one type,â€? and not have too many more likely a sale. with he said. “It’s key that staff working style and as this will “American gins, western our gin know the brand innovation about it to aromatic gins are bringing empower them to talk that passion and difference to the category.gins customers and hopefully or six said Taylor. “A mixed range of ďŹ ve will inspire a purchase,â€? and where the isn’t should be a minimum But having the knowledge to gin you vital bar clientele are more inclined enough, said Taylor. It’s to eight or so.â€? staff put that may want to take that knowledge into Once a range action. is in place, “When it has to be customers communicated approach the to customers. bar take the David Lang, opportunity to director of speak to them Strathearn she said. Distillery, the about the gins on offer,â€? Scotland house pour, ďŹ rm behind the Homecoming “They may still want the to but at least 2014 gin, advised operators which is absolutely ďŹ ne, good product of a different ensure their staff have they walk away hearing alternative knowledge. brand or recommended as next time.â€? “It can really make a difference it’s serve and may order it to tell; with each gin has its own story Encouraging staff to experiment test message with help them best that staff stay on different serves can also gin this to be true to the customer’s their product knowledge. encouraged experience,â€? said Lang. “Bartenders should be Malts, the serves, as this Emma Taylor of Wemyss to try creating new gin View Gin, said as well as ďŹ rm behind Darnley’s will encourage upselling, the staff, the the more knowledgeable
When customers approach the bar use the opportunity to talk about gin.
The results are in: it’s NB Gin? Interested in stocking Contact sales@nbgin.com
www.nbgin.com NB Gin, The Distillery, North Berwick 14 s SLTN s August 7,
2014
/ T: 0845 4674547 / E: sales@nbgin.com
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licence holders are still to complete training. Licensing lawyer Jack Cummins reminded PLHs that they will lose their licence if they don’t complete training by their allotted deadline. “A huge number of personal licence holders have passed the exam but not notiďŹ ed [the board],â€? he said. “Some might not appreciate that this is a twostage process. If you complete the course, but don’t notify, the result will still be a revocation.â€?
Something for everyone Gin’s versatility means it is proving popular in a variety of outlets pages 14&15
training
Don’t sleep walk your way to disaster Training and legal ďŹ rms
warn Scottish personal licence
holders of imminent danger
going to be warned that “there is month HERE is less than one a problemâ€? for some on-trade SCPLH to go until the ďŹ rst ever businesses. who refresher training deadline “There will be many people and legal – mainly and both training ďŹ rms have their licences revoked operators to assumed professionals have urged because they have wrongly the law. to three months ensure they comply with they can be trained up are required Fulton. Personal licence holders after the deadline,â€? said training every be trained to undertake refresher “That is wrong. They must personal licences submit proof ďŹ ve years; those with by the deadline and then 1, three months issued on or before September as the to the board no later than treat that 2009, are required to [after].â€? meaning at John start-date for their licence, Tim Shield, a partner training any they must complete refresher Gaunt and Partners, dismissedcould 2014. boards on or before August 31, suggestion that some months to extend the They then have three refresher training inform their deadline, and licensing board warned that that they have completing completed the training is training, or face “absolutely should act now, ďŹ rms say. having their a refresher course, but licensees vitalâ€? for licence sector s There’s still time to complete licence revoked. working in a highly-regulated revoked and take responsibility SLTN legal holders. their licence would be like licensing have to at Hill Brown indicating refresher columnist and partner “I’ve not seen anything only learned this at the themselves.â€? has said put in yet to Licensing, Jack Cummins, there’s going to be a discretion course,â€? said Wadelik. There is still time for those number of the law is very around training before it’s clear that, “a worrying place and as I read it “We will not know until book to complete their are still sleep people have to Mark Phillips personal licence holders clear,â€? said Shield. December how many the deadline, according left to thousands Body for walking towards disasterâ€?. to hear Yet with only a few weeks done the course, maybe of the HighďŹ eld Awarding some providers with me.â€? “I’m particularly concerned that complete the training, have already, but not Compliance. increase quarters DG Training increased it suggested in some have not noticed a particular And Louise Ramsay of “All of our centres have grace have and places there’s a three or six month in demand for courses. said it seemed some operators the number of courses courses I the refresher period,â€? he said. “I’m amazed by how few chosen to either ignore available,â€? said Phillips. The course the numbers it to the cannot ďŹ nd “That’s totally wrong. have run compared to training deadline or “leave what “In the unlikely event you August 31 – said Jo you would need must be completed by trained ďŹ rst time around,â€? last minuteâ€?, and highlighted such a course in your area, period for be for to consider taking then there’s a three-month Worrall of Twist Training. the consequences could – but it’s not a Hospitality your refresher in notiďŹ cation to the board Steve Wadelik of Belendon an operator’s of awareness in another region. safety net. said there is still a lack business. on the line for consequences “The SCPLH “It looks as if jobs are the trade regarding the “All licensed unless they get deadline. Refresher thousands of trade staff of missing the refresher premises must not know is a generic booked now.â€? “Some of my clients did have a named also qualiďŹ cation and Peter Fulton of ABV Training premises not linked to any manager who is a so it can be personal licence speciďŹ c licensing authority, alcohol can could take it in holder – without this no taken anywhere. So you enormous Licence Holders Glasgow.â€? be sold which could have Edinburgh but use it in Scottish CertiďŹ cate for Personal business course is consequences on any Booking on to a refresher “Therefore but Linda selling alcohol,â€? she said. the ďŹ rst step to compliance, + Vat (ÂŁ144.00) importance of Scotland it is essential that the Bowie of Alcohol Focus SCPLH 1 day course - ÂŁ120.00 the initial ďŹ ve there’s more refresher training within reminded operators that course than + Vat (84.00) year period is not disregarded.â€? to passing the refresher for inaction Refresher 4 hr course - ÂŁ70.00 With the consequences attendance. approaching, must in Catering clear and the deadline “Personal licence holders placed the course will BIIAB Award in Food Safety CPL Training’s Paul Chase remember that the refresher training Vat (ÂŁ60.00) could come onus on completing refresher not cover everything that 1 day course - ÂŁ50.00 + must at licence holders’ doors. up in the exam – candidates a lot of she said. “I think there has been study the book in advance,â€? Grangemouth, Ayr. and the for Venues: Glasgow, Edinburgh, publicity about refreshers “There are national standards getting the what information consequences of not training – these show of failing to course and also | 01698 791 259 course done on time or must be covered on a once you Contact Steve: 07740 949424 be assessed in notify the licensing board what information must | info@belendon.com Email: wadelix@aol.com have,â€? said Chase. the exam.â€? people “At the end of the day,
T
Jobs are on the line for thousands of trade staff unless they get booked now.
Belendon Hospitality Training
Services
It is essential that the importance of refresher training is not disregarded.
www.belendon.com
22 s SLTN s August 7,
2014
Time is running out Consequences of failing to complete refresher training could be dire pages 22-24
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR We are looking for a driven, enthusiastic and dynamic operations director with real attention to detail to help take our award winning group to the next level. The right candidate will have multi-unit management experience with strategic planning and budgeting expertise. But most of all we are looking for a leader with a can-do attitude, who can inspire and motivate Salary, terms and conditions all negotiable. To apply for this position, please email your CV and covering letter to: HQTXLULHV#Ă RRGLQQV FR XN by 31 August 2014.
01/08/2014 10:20
01/08/2014 10:33
6 August 7, 2014 21
ADVERTS THROUGH THE YEARS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Adverts through the years
22
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN ADVERTS THROUGH THE YEARS
23
1990s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
The 1990s was a decade in which the Scottish drinks industry changed forever, and also saw the launch of the first ever SLTN Awards. Mergers and acquisitions were the name of the game in the 1990s. From Japanese giant Suntory buying Morrison Bowmore to the “megamerger� between Grand Metropolitan, owner of spirits company IDV, and Guinness, the drinks industry would never be the same again. Elsewhere, the BSE crisis had repercussions across the hospitality industry, while SLTN launched the prestigious SLTN Awards.
1990s TOP STORIES t 8IPMFTBMFS 8BMMBDFT &YQSFTT XBT CPSO JO GPMMPXJOH UIF NFSHFS CFUXFFO 8BMMBDFT BOE &YQSFTT 7JOUOFST t 1VCT HJBOU +% 8FUIFSTQPPO PQFOFE JUT ĕ STU 4DPUUJTI TJUF JO JO (MBTHPX t ć F ĕ STU 4-5/ "XBSET UPPL QMBDF JO 0DUPCFS XJUI 3POOJF 3VTBDL PG UIF #SJEHF *OO BU 3BUIP UBLJOH UIF JOBVHVSBM -JGFUJNF "DIJFWFNFOU "XBSE t "O BNFOENFOU UP UIF 8FJHIUT BOE .FBTVSFT *OUPYJDBUJOH -JRVPS "DU XBT JOUSPEVDFE JO BOE FOGPSDFE JO *U BMMPXFE UIF TBMF PG NM TQJSJU NFBTVSFT 24
Not only has SLTN been a great way to keep informed about what’s going on in the trade in terms of changes, what’s trending, etc. it has also allowed those of us in the trade a platform to have our voices heard. Alan Cawley, Cawley Hotels
1964
AND SHE STILL LOVES IT TODAY. HERE’S TO 50 YEARS OF SUPPLYING SCOTLAND’S FAVOURITE BRANDS.
Tennent’s and the red T are registered trademarks of C&C Group.
1990s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
David Wither, managing director, Montpeliers “I’ve spent the majority of my working life in the trade – I was manager of Edinburgh’s World Pub at 19, I then spent the next ten years working for Scottish & Newcastle before setting up Montpeliers in 1992. “There have been lots of changes within the industry over the years. The smoking ban teamed with the Licensing (Scotland) Act signalled major shifts in spending behaviour and the way people consume. It’s no longer the case that you can only focus on drinks; you must have a quality food offer too in order to satisfy ever increasing customer expectations. “Satisfying an ever hungry marketplace is something that we’re constantly working on. I think we can all agree that customer expectations are greater than ever before. No longer is it good enough to strive to be ‘good’ – you need to be ‘great’.”
Happy birthday SLTN! 50 years old and still in great shape, which is more than can be said about me! 26
Donald MacLeod, owner, The Garage and The Cathouse Happy birthday SLTN! 50 years old and still in great shape, which is more than can be said about me! “I entered the trade 25 years ago with the opening of the Cathouse but I was in and around the trade for ten years before touring with my band The Crows. “It has been great fun, but never easy. In the early days it was establishing a
credible alternative club scene to what was generally on offer. “In recent years the smoking ban, banking crisis, tightening of licensing legislation, SIA, overprovision, continual over the top and negative media, pre-loading, and councils and government allowing pubs to have the same hours as clubs have all presented huge challenges and changed the way the trade operates.”
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 1990s
Fifty golden years of great news
Billy Gold, owner, the Hielan Jessie “I started in the trade around twenty years ago helping out and covering a few shifts in my father’s pub (the Hielan Jessie) which I now own
Gavin McGreish, owner, Campus “Fifty golden years of great news, keeping us well informed. Have a great birthday!
and run. At the time I never imagined I would still be in the trade twenty years later but I am very glad that I am. “I hope that the independent pub trade in Scotland
“The paper has been very important in keeping licensees updated with proposed changes and legislation. I
can continue to play a part in the lives of locals and visitors alike, continue to employ people, continue to contribute to the local and national economy, continue
particularly liked the introduction of the legal page, which was very pertinent at the start of the new Act.”
to be an important part of local life, continue to raise amazing sums for charity but, most of all, continue to do what we all do so well – make our customers welcome.”
SLTN has been vital over the past five decades in keeping the trade informed of the issues and developments relevant to us as well as providing a platform for the trade to air its views.
Jimmy Marr, owner, Park Leisure “SLTN keeps you up to date with any changes that are happening in the trade, whether they are of a legal nature or market trends from a customer perspective. “In addition, it’s a great way of learning from other success stories and tap into what is happening in other areas.”
SCOTTISH LICENSED TRADE NEWS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS - CONGRATULATIONS! With Scotland increasingly setting its own agenda, it’s vital for the trade to have a vibrant newspaper like the SLTN highlighting the key issues facing Scottish pub businesses and licensees. Here’s to the next fifty years of the Scottish Licensed Trade News. With very best wishes, from the Scottish Beer & Pub Association
David Patterson President
Brigid Simmonds OBE Chief Executive 27
Quality and character that stand the test of time.
WE’RE AS PROUD TO APPEAR IN THE SLTN TODAY AS WE WERE 50 YEARS AGO. THE LEGEND CONTINUES.
McEWANS.CO.UK please drink responsibly
FACEBOOK.COM/McEWANSBEER
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN PAUL WATERSON
Paul Waterson CHIEF EXECUTIVE SLTA
Since 1964 numerous local and national issues of great importance to the SLTA and the wider trade have been carried and commented on by SLTN.
Fifty years done! Congratulations to to innovate and develop and, through that, SLTN. Not simply for achieving the gain commercial success. No doubt SLTN has milestone – many organisations can do always fulfilled these criteria. that. But to achieve this with integrity Since 1964 numerous local and national and with good reputation is no mean issues of great importance to the SLTA achievement. and the wider trade have been carried and commented on by SLTN. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association A few of these events have had a massive has always been inextricably linked to the influence on the way we conduct our Scottish Licensed Trade News. businesses and have helped cement the We were formed slightly earlier than ‘the reputation of the SLTA politically and SLTN’s News’ in 1880, as The Scottish Wine Spirit and role as the mouthpiece for our trade. Beer Trade Defence Association. We have The first of these was the very important the only record of the first meeting of the change to the licensing laws in 1976. association. This meeting was held at 2.30pm It could be argued that this is when The on February 4, 1880 in The Athole Arms in SLTA truly came into the public eye and Dundas Street, Glasgow, which still trades to prominence ably assisted by SLTN. 80% this day. of our proposals were implemented and I One of the issues of great concern at remember very well that SLTN played its part that historic meeting was, as it is today, in scrutinising the debate from all sides. Many communication. How were members daily papers picked up on going to find out what Well done on reaching articles carried by SLTN, “The Scottish”, as it was which helped us in our known then, was doing to your half-century and lobbying function. further its succinctly put good luck in the future. I Another major event objectives, “to thoroughly am delighted that we are was the change to the unite the whole spirit trade of Scotland for the purpose served by such a successful licensing laws in 2005. Again SLTN was at the of protecting their interest publication as SLTN. forefront of this. I was during the progress of more involved in trade any Bill introduced to the affairs then and SLTN detriment of the trade”. was invaluable to all the Our forefathers moved relevant trade associations quickly on this and in 1881 in getting their point across. the Licensed Trade Guardian, a monthly The smoking ban in 2006 was another journal, was established. Unfortunately The watershed moment. This was different from Guardian is no more; however the vital anything else because the whole world function of communication has been carried seemed to be looking at this story. Once out, on a completely independent basis, by again, SLTN and ourselves were linked SLTN since its inception in 1964. together in trying to get various points ‘The News’ very quickly became popular across not only within the trade but to not only with on-trade licence holders, but politicians, the public and other media. SLTN also with various trade bodies, politicians, did its usual professional, efficient job of the wider industry, ancillary trades and carrying the story from all trade associations, advertisers. individual publicans and groups and also The format of part newspaper and part from politicians, the NHS and others. When magazine has always allowed the News to stories were being spun and distorted, as perform the vital role of informing licence they invariably were throughout this story, I holders and the wider industry of relevant could always rely on SLTN to carry the stories issues and providing a platform for comment in a balanced fair way. and debate, and also it is a launch pad for So well done on reaching your half-century new products, ideas and innovation. and good luck in the future. I am delighted However there is more to any business that we are served by such a successful success than a good concept or format. publication as SLTN and I look forward to It has to have knowledge of its market, carrying on our relationship. credibility within that market, be prepared 29
WOMEN IN THE TRADE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Women in the trade It’s fair to say the Scottish licensed trade has not always been the inclusive industry it is today. From drinks advertising campaigns to beauty pageants, the general attitude towards women in the early days of SLTN was very different to what it is today. But times change, and one of the most visible trends throughout the paper’s 50 years has been the shifting roles of, and attitudes towards, women in the trade. In 1964 a woman was more likely to be pictured perched on a bar than running one, but by the mid 1970s the industry was slowly changing – both in front of and behind the bar. Whereas in the ‘60s many Scottish pubs were inhospitable environments to women, the 1976 licensing act reflected a shift in how pubs presented themselves to their customers. The drinks industry followed suit, and by the early 1980s there were several dedicated ‘ladies’ lunch’ events for women in the trade.
In 1985 SLTN covered the annual general meeting of the Aberdeen Excise Licenceholders’ Association, at which Ron Miller of the Equal Opportunities SLTN March 7, 1985 Commission argued that “changes are coming, no matter how many dinosaurs fight against them”. Licensees were advised to “not get involved in situations that could put them in the wrong with equal opportunities legislation”. Several decades later and the industry is a changed place. Not only do women make up a sizeable share of on-trade customers, they also appear in a range of senior roles across the industry, from company directors to brewers to master blenders. And not forgetting SLTN itself, which now has a female editor for the first time in the paper’s history.
SLTN July 31, 1964
Chris Gardner, chief executive, The Ben “Women are playing a much bigger role in the trade and are having much more say on how the companies are run. “I’ve been influenced by lots of people in the trade, directors on the board of the Ben, especially the past presidents, a fine team 30
of men and women who, while in the chair, have great responsibility. “Allan Hardie of Carlsberg was a pioneer as in 1995 he engaged the first woman speaker at the Ben dinner and also invited me to attend for the first time. Now around 25% of the attendees are women.”
“The first industry dinner I went to, you’d have been lucky if there were ten females at it. The fact that it’s now 50/50 or even 60/40 some years is a huge change for the better, because it’s obviously a much more inclusive industry.” Donald Campbell, sales director, Inverarity Morton
JACK CUMMINS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
“Haud on, son! Heaven’s sake! Those permitted to open on Sundays. sandwiches are no fur eatin’ – they’re It is a measure of the distance we have only there in case the polis come in”. travelled in the past 50 years or so that, at the A friend of mine recalls sitting in a Glasgow time of the Clayson Report, the expression hotel one evening in the 1960s when the “family-friendly pub” had yet to be coined. agitated proprietrix suddenly arrived at his In fact, the committee thought that “only elbow as he was about to reach for the a minority of public houses” could possibly food in front of him. It was a time when the meet even basic criteria for a proposed new sale of alcohol after 10pm was more or less “children’s certificate”. It’s a blessing that restricted to premises offering meals and these days have gone: undoubtedly, a more holding a ‘supper hour extension’. And the liberal approach to licensing regulation has law restricting the supply of drink on Sunday produced much higher standards in on-trade afternoons to “bona fide travellers” resulted retailing – a result Clayson expected, but one in jam-packed hotel bars, as sections of often overlooked and for which the trade the public embarked on artificial odysseys, simply doesn’t receive enough credit. clutching bus and train tickets for fear of My assessment of the Licensing (Scotland) challenge. Act 2005 is far less enthusiastic. Certainly, it Of course, by today’s standards, those has produced some positive improvements. sort of restrictions are almost unbelievably The creation of the single, operating plandraconian. Yet, there was appetite for even based premises licence freed operators from more. One general the shackles of the old The law restricting the practitioner told the fixed licence categories. Clayson Committee, set supply of drink on Sunday Tackling “irresponsible up in 1972 to review promotions” – no matter afternoons to ‘bona fide licensing law, that the how imperfectly – was no travellers’ resulted in hotel doubt a positive step. It only acceptable use bars full of people clutching was right and proper that of alcohol was as “a surface antiseptic”. The irresponsible operators bus and train tickets. committee’s report could more easily be published in 1973 was brought to account. In a milestone whose principle at least, the significance cannot be introduction of training overestimated. It was, was a sensible measure. quite simply, visionary – even radical – in But, as readers of my SLTN column its approach. Tightening up the law – or will have gathered, I reckon that the retaining the status quo – wasn’t the solution Act has failed in several key areas, by to Scotland’s drink problem. In fact, a failure botching the attempt to bring clubs to change would, according to Dr Clayson, within the mainstream licensing system, only mean rapidly increasing pressure to creating training rules not fit for purpose, drink in an uncivilised way. There had to be imposing excessive costs on the trade and a major shift in attitudes to alcohol, a goal introducing procedures that place unfair which might be realised by improving the and unnecessary burdens on business. standards in licensed premises, allowing As we move into yet another round of more time to drink and thus reducing licensing reform, these defects will not be the pressure to drink, encouraging family put right. Instead, the trade will face further drinking facilities and creating a state of significant challenges. And let’s not forget affairs in which consuming alcohol was not that the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Act 2010 an end itself. Starting with the Licensing devotes well over a page to a new, yet to (Scotland) Act 1976 major changes were be implemented “social responsibility levy”. implemented in stages: the terminal licensed Looking back over the past 50 years, it’s hour was moved from 10pm to 11pm; impossible to escape the conclusion that extensions of hours became possible; public responsible operators have never been house Sunday opening was introduced; under more severe pressure – although children’s certificates were created; and standards in the trade have improved out of – as late as 1994 – off-sale premises were all recognition. 32
Jack Cummins LICENSING DIRECTOR HILL BROWN
The committee’s report published in 1973 was a milestone whose significance cannot be overestimated. It was, quite simply, visionary – even radical – in its approach.
2000s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
The decade that brought the introduction of the smoking ban and a brand new licensing Act, the 2000s was a testing time for the Scottish trade. The 2000s brought the biggest overhaul of the Scottish trade since the late 1970s, with the introduction of the smoking ban, a new licensing act and increased competition from supermarkets. It was a tough decade for many in the trade but, despite the challenges, new operators emerged and ourished while established names were able to adapt and thrive.
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Bill Costley, Costley & Costley Hotels “People are more knowledgeable and well-travelled nowadays and therefore more aware internationally than they were 25 years ago.
“The biggest challenges are the pressure to maintain standards. There’s more competition and standards need to be maintained. “SLTN is important as an avenue for sharing information,
it lets you see the people behind the businesses. Also, it’s a good means of pressurising the government to lobby for such things as VAT reductions as we have the highest VAT in Europe.�
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN 2000s
Kenny Blair, director, Buzzworks “There has been a big demise in the traditional pub in recent years, with the licensed trade being more about drinks along with food. The smoking ban has also seen a big change as well as all the changes to the licensing laws with regards to responsible drinking. I would say the trade has become far more professional through all of these changes. “It has been really important to have a trade publication Gordon Halladay, manager, the Waverley Hotel, Callandar “The first change that springs to mind is the nationwide smoking ban, which of course we experienced first in Scotland. It is a change for the positive though as it has led to many more licensed premises offering food, usually good value, high quality and in a pleasant
environment. “Another area of change is training, which is moving us to become a more professionally recognised trade, with both legislation and customer satisfaction driving the need. More and more courses, apprenticeships, and training companies are ensuring that we are being recognised as a serious career option for all.”
which is relevant and informative. For me, SLTN is a must-read publication to keep me updated with what is happening in the trade.”
Michael Robertson, owner, McPhabbs, Glasgow “I started in Tiger Tiger in 2000 as a part-time bartender. Since then the biggest change I’ve seen has been in customer service. People’s expectations have increased, value for money has taken on more importance, they want more for their money and subsequently the trade has had to adapt and expand the public’s experience through things like live TV, food and outside areas.”
SLTN is a unique publication. It’s very focused on the Scottish trade and reports these local issues well and places them in the wider context of the UK and beyond. A vital publication to inform the trade! Steve Mallon, managing director, Maclay Inns
37
2010s CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
In the 2010s SLTN has continued to report the important issues to the Scottish trade, from drinks products to legislation. A decade of huge sporting and cultural signiďŹ cance for Scotland, the 2010s have also brought added pressure to the trade in the shape of further changes to licensing laws. Personal licence refresher training has been a hot topic, as has the issue of overprovision (and how it is enforced) and the ongoing debate over minimum pricing.
SLTN - dedicated to the trade
March 20, 2014
www.sltn.co.uk
Tardiness could have “dire consequences� for operators
Fears over trade training delays By Dave Hunter s )N FULL BLOOM 3COTLAND S TOURISM INDUSTRY IS SET FOR A BOOST THIS YEAR
Conference marks a big year for tourism
SLTN is a wee bible for me. I love when it comes in – the legal section particularly. I also love watching what’s for sale on the back pages, sitting back and planning world domination!
TOURISM in Scotland is ‘everyone’s business’ this year. That was the theme of this year’s Scottish Tourism Week conference. Organised by the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the conference, which took place during Scottish Tourism Week, tackled some of the issues that will face the tourism industry during 2014, as well as the opportunities presented by this year’s cultural and sporting events. More than 450 delegates attended the event, which was held in Edinburgh’s
Assembly Rooms. “We must not allow ourselves to be left behind – Scotland has a wealth of knowledge and a reputation for being resilient and creative,� said Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance. “We must continually seek ways to deliver only the best quality experience consistently that appeals to the future and emerging markets. “Standing still will not be good enough, relying on the legacy of 2014 will not be good enough. We can not be complacent.�
LICENSEES have been urged to complete their personal licence refresher training immediately, amidst fears of a “meltdownâ€? later in the year. By law, anyone who received a personal licence on or before September 1, 2009 must have completed refresher training by September 1 this year. However, last week it emerged that as few as 1200 people may have completed the training. This means thousands are still to undergo the training. Under the Licensing (Scotland) Act, anyone failing to secure their refresher qualiďŹ cation will have their personal licence revoked. SLTA boss Paul Waterson said it is particularly important for premises managers to undertake the training. “If somebody loses their licence they can’t take it [the training] again for a period of time,â€? he said. “So our advice to everybody is not to worry too much about when their train-
ing is actually due under the Act – just get it done now. “If you’re a premises manager don’t wait any longer, because the ramiďŹ cations are as bad as they can get. “You’ve got no exibility here.â€? Joanne Worrall, director of Twist Training, said availability could become an issue for licence holders who wait until the summer. “August is traditionally a holiday month, Edinburgh is busy with the Festival and many people, including myself, choose to take holidays at this time and so it can easily slip by into September,â€? she said. “I recommend people book up their training as soon as possible.â€? Licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan said the low uptake of training was “frighteningâ€?, and warned of a “horrendous backlogâ€? later in the year.
And SLTN legal columnist Jack Cummins said there could be “dire consequencesâ€? for operators who don’t undertake training, including “premises closed until a new premises manager can be appointed, possible prosecutions for trading without [a personal licence] and loss of employment for those whose job depends on having a personal licenceâ€?. A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the number of licence holders who have completed the refresher training is “substantially less than the numbers required to have completed it by September 1â€?. “We urge personal licence holders to undergo their refresher training and submit certiďŹ cates and other details to the relevant licensing board as soon as possible,â€? she said. “If personal licence holders miss their deadlines their licences will be revoked.â€?
SLTN Awards prepares for launch
Ryan James, owner, Two Fat Ladies
inside
THE countdown to the biggest night on the trade calendar has begun. The SLTN Awards 2014 will ofďŹ cially launch in the next issue of SLTN (April 3) with two new categories. The SLTN Craft Beer Award, sponsored by St Andrews Eden Brewery, will acknowledge the Scottish outlet with the most comprehensive range of craft beers – rewarding a strong knowledge of the category, as well as a dedication to staff training.
And the Story to Tell Award has been introduced in conjunction with the SLTA, VisitScotland, Tennent’s and Diageo. Coming after the Scotland’s Pubs and Bars – A Story to Tell marketing campaign, which asked operators to submit unique stories about their outlet, the award will recognise the operator that has best used their story as an effective marketing tool. Look out for the SLTN Awards 2014 entry brochure with the April 3 issue of SLTN.
Quality is the key
In the driving seat
Beer drinkers more discerning than ever, brewers say pages 16-24
Glasgow student club celebrates two decades in business pages 28&29
2010s TOP STORIES
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COMMENTS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN
Best of the best
SLTN INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
2014 – Mario Gizzi and Tony Conetta 2013 – Stuart Clarkson 2012 – Harry Hood 2011 – Steve Mallon 2010 – Peter Taylor 2009 – Eddie Tobin
2008 – Paul Waterson 2007 – James Mortimer 2006 – Billy Lowe 2005 – Paul Smith 2004 – Bill Costley 2003 – Charan Gill 2002 – Stuart Ross
2001 – David Wither 2000 – Maurice Taylor 1999 – Billy Gallacher 1998 – Roy Grier 1997 – Sir Reo Stakis 1996 – Ronnie Rusack
Serving the trade for 50 years Brian Calder, chief executive, Tennent Caledonian Breweries “Publications like SLTN have been an invaluable resource to businesses like Tennent Caledonian for a great many reasons. The market in Scotland is completely different to anywhere else and it’s great to have a publication which understands the landscape and provides us with useful insights that we can take back to the business. A magazine like this, which also understands how individual businesses within Scotland operate will always be vital.”
Tennent’s lorries
Jim Rowan, managing director, Dunns Food and Drinks “I don’t suppose many of us can imagine not having SLTN around. The title has been a great voice over the years, always fighting our corner. “Although we all get news online, it’s reassuring to have SLTN land on your desk every fortnight.”
Belhaven Brewery
Graham Baird, sales director, Belhaven “Scottish Licensed Trade News’ role as a dedicated voice for our hospitality sector has been fantastic for celebrating the good news about our trade as well as campaigning for the interests of our sector.”
Denis O’Flynn, managing director, Pernod Ricard UK “SLTN is, and will continue to be, essential in helping us to communicate directly with our valued customers in the on-trade, and we feel lucky to have a resource that keeps us so closely connected to the latest developments in the Scottish market.”
Alan Hay, on-trade controller, AG Barr “SLTN has performed an important role over the last 50 years to inform, educate and encourage best practice within the Scottish licensed trade.” 42
Barr lorries in 1954
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SLTN EDITOR’S ROLL CALL
Editor’s ROLL CALL
Vic McManus
Alec Somerville
1964-1966
1966-1992
Patrick Duffy
Scott Wright
1992-2005
2005-2013
Gillian McKenzie 2013-PRESENT
43
50 YEARS
www.sltn.co.uk