Hairdressers and sweetness salons have been warned by police that providing complimentary glasses of bubbly to their clients might value them as much as £20,000.
Staffordshire Police issued the warning to companies amid concern some are providing free drinks of wine or champagne as a part of remedy packages with out a correct licence.
Whereas the power admitted that the affords are “nicely intentioned”, it insisted the affords have been nonetheless unlawful if the enterprise doesn’t have a licence.
Officers warned that companies might face a £20,000 tremendous if they’re caught. Homeowners might additionally resist six months in jail.
Inspector Paul Prenter, head of the power’s licensing division, mentioned police wished to proceed to have a “constructive relationship” with companies.
However he added: “Offering alcohol to clients with out a licence is a breach of part 136 of the Licensing Act and is a legal offence.
“Please guarantee your enterprise is just not giving alcohol to clients, in any other case our licensing officers shall be in contact and it might lead to a hefty tremendous for your enterprise.
“Alternatively for those who do want to proceed the observe, please contact your native council.”
Martyn Brindley, Stoke-on-Trent Metropolis Council’s strategic supervisor for public safety, urged homeowners who have been uncertain of their enterprise’ standing to name an recommendation line.
“It is extremely vital that every one companies are conscious of the legal guidelines relating to serving alcohol on their premises and that they abide by them,” he added.
The recommendation was met with some ridicule on social media. One consumer wrote on Fb: “On the finish of the day extra vital issues are or ought to have precedence in these troubled occasions.”
One other mentioned: “With every thing happening within the UK proper now… that is what you resort to concentrating on?”
It comes after a barber store in Dorset was urged by a council final 12 months to cease handing out free beers to clients.
The homeowners of the Blind Barber in Poole have been instructed to cease handing out “stubby” beers together with the “odd bowl of nuts” by the Borough of Poole Council.
