THE GUILD OF MASTER VICTUALLERS

A Commitment to Excellence

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

F.A.Q.

These are the type of questions asked by those giving consideration to becoming a member of the GMV. Well let's try and answer those important queries.

WHAT IS THE GMV?

The GMV is an organisation, which assists and protects the business interests of Personal Licence Holders. Members of a local Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) affiliate to the GMV where they exist, if there is no LVA in an area then you can join as a Direct Member. The major purpose being able, by becoming part of a body of licensees, to strengthen the ability of a single Personal Licence Holder, to present the operational side of their business interests in a more powerful manner.

Many LVA's have been in existence for more than 100 years and this long history has given the GMV a substantial historical foundation of experience. It is this lengthy experience that forms the roots of the traditions on which the GMV is based today.

Membership of the GMV is open to all Personal Licence Holders, whatever type of business they operate. Among the current membership there are operators of public houses, nightclubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.

The GMV succeeds by offering a service that will protect, advise and assist the membership in all matters to do with the operation of licensed premises. This service operates from local issues right through to Government level.

At the helm of the organisation is Mr. John Madden CMBII, the Executive Officer, through whom all matters pass and are co-ordinated. He is the link for the affiliated LVA's and Direct Members.

The GMV has direct representation or contact with Government Departments, Licensing Authorities, Local Authorities, Environmental Health Departments, Revenue & Customs, Sky TV Services, The Performing Rights Society, Phonographic Performance Limited and all other agencies whether they have a substantial or minor effect on the licensed trade.

The membership area covered by the GMV extends from the South Coast to the Midlands to include London and the Home Counties.

WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS?

Traditionally the GMV, previously the London and South East Licensed Victuallers Association only accepted holders of the old Full On Licence into membership, as did the LVA's. With the advent of the tremendous changes in the industry, the Beer Orders of the late eighties, the new millennium and the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003, the GMV has constantly adapted to the changing business and social world in which the licensed trade operates.

The membership is now built on a far broader base, Personal Licence Holders from public house, nightclub, hotel and restaurants operators as well as those that work in the off trade section. In addition there are an increasing number of Pubco and Brewery Managers taking up membership.

As long as you have been granted a Personal Licence you are eligible to make an application to join your local LVA, or if there is not one, then you may join the GMV direct. For details of your nearest LVA simply click on the LVA Details page or for direct membership call 01708-447899, our Executive Officer's number.

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WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE GMV WITHIN THE LICENSED TRADE?

To provide a professional, purpose design service, meeting the ever-changing requirements of our industry.

We ensure that the licensees receive the very best advice and service in line with the Licensing Act 2003 and other legislation, regulations and rules governing the manner in which their premises are operated.

In almost every field we have recommended specialist companies/individuals ensuring the interests of our members are cared for. One such specialist is licensing solicitor. Mr. Tom Henry of The Reece Jones Partnership, Sevenoaks, Kent. In the very important field of licensed premises insurance we have an award winning broker, Dickson Insurance Brokers Limited of Watford who specialises in covering licensed premises and offers GMV members discounted premiums rates. The expertise applies to giving advice, information and assistance in matters such as applying for a Premises Licence, a Personal Licence, purchasing the lease or freehold of licensed premises, signing a tenancy agreement, assistance in ensuring fair rent reviews, employment legislation, Health & Safety issues, Environmental Health, Planning and Surveying matters, Licensing Authorities and/or Police prosecutions, appeals in the Magistrates Courts, Variation of a Premises Licence, Revenue & Customs, accountancy and all other matters associated with the licensed trade.

The individual members interests are entrusted to their own elected delegate when attending the quarterly meetings of the Executive Council. In addition Members Meetings are also held quarterly, usually a few weeks after the Executive Council meetings, for the Delegates to report back on the Executive Councils decisions. Direct members have their own Delegate to discuss their concerns with and can attend Members Meetings or contact the Executive Officer direct.

The Executive and Senior Officers and advisors are at hand via the telephone to assist members in matters that are urgent and require instant action. Click on the Contacts page and you will obtain details of the Executive and Senior Officers. In less urgent matters a member would normally contact their LVA Secretary or Chairman.

Every member receives, through the post, our bi-monthly magazine, The Guild News, free of charge to keep them informed.

Annual Conference normally takes place in May, in a resort town so that delegates, members and their families can enjoy a few days away mixing pleasure with the business of conference.

The National Parliamentary Committee

Nationally the National Parliamentary Committee (NPC) represents us. They meet regularly with the other four regions in England and Wales and Government representatives, including Ministers, to discuss national matters vital to the concerns of members. We have the very able Mr. Bill Sharp FBII looking after the interests of the GMV on the NPC, as well as having a licensing advisory role on Committees of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Brian Rees FBII is our voting Delegate. The NPC meets quarterly to discuss matters of national interest to the trade. The current Chairman of the NPC is Mr. Bernard Brindley.

Can you afford not to be a member?

Membership is annual; operating from the date the licence holder's application is accepted. The cost of becoming a member of the GMV and receiving the services and protection it offers is just £35.00 per annum, there is in addition an annual fee for joining your local LVA, if one exists, which differs slightly depending on the LVA concerned.

Additional information on membership matters, the work of the GMV and an application form is available from the Executive Officer, Mr. J Madden on 01708 447899.

British Institute of Innkeeping

The GMV acknowledges and positively supports the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) as the leading hospitality industry training body offering accredited training, leading to qualifications for both management and employees at all levels of the industry.

The GMV has two representatives directly connected to the BII, Mr. Bill Sharp FBII serves on the London Committee whilst Mr. Brian Rees FBII sits on the South-East Committee. Click here to visit them >>

GMV Social Aspects

The GMV has a comprehensive social side at both local and national level; this includes events arranged by the GMV, local LVA's. Ladies Auxiliaries and the Licenced Trade Charity. The social side incorporates dinner dances, ladies days, golf days, race days, theatre nights and a host of other events all of which give the members the opportunity to meet and discuss the trade with other licensees whilst enjoying the social ambience with fellow members and their guests.

WHY BE A MEMBER OF THE GMV?

There is no feeling worse than that of isolation when on your own in times of trouble. As a member of The Guild of Master Victuallers you need never experience that feeling.

Licensed Trade Charity

There is in addition the Licensed Trade Charities (LTC), which is not directly involved but the GMV strongly supports the LTC, and has done so for many years. The charity tends to the needs of those that have or do work in the licensed drinks trade that have been less fortunate than they anticipated. The assistance the LTC give ranges from advice on claiming benefits, retirement housing nominations for the over 55's in addition to supplying equipment such as mobility aids and bathroom adaptations. They also provide superb school facilities at a magnificent setting in Ascot, plus an additional facility at Reading.

For income they rely entirely on membership fees, donations from the drinks industry companies and other organisations such as the GMV, and individual donors.

 

  

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