If you operate a pub, bar, restaurant, takeaway, nightclub, hotel or any other licensed premises, right to work checks should be treated as a core part of your compliance system. Many operators think right to work checks are simply an HR or employment issue. In licensed premises, they are much more than that.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, licensed premises must promote the four licensing objectives. One of those objectives is the prevention of public nuisance. Licensing authorities must carry out their functions with a view to promoting those objectives, including public nuisance prevention.

The Licensing Act 2003 has not changed in any fundamental way, yet the way licensing authorities, responsible authorities, and the courts expect compliance to be demonstrated has evolved significantly. For licensing professionals, this shift is critical. Increasingly, it is not enough for premises to say they are compliant. They must be able to evidence it clearly, consistently, and in real time.

Pouring drinks might seem like the simplest part of working behind a bar — but in a licensed premises, it’s an area packed with legal responsibilities, accuracy requirements, and customer-service expectations. Small mistakes can lead to customer complaints, profit loss, and in serious cases, breaches under the Weights and Measures Act or the Licensing Act 2003.