The UK licensed trade: making the case for a professional body and career framework

Pratten, John D. and Lovatt, Christopher J. (2008) The UK licensed trade: making the case for a professional body and career framework. International journal of contemporary hospitality management, 20 (1). pp. 35-44. ISSN 0959-6119

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the need for the creation of a professional body whose membership would be essential for those wishing to hold a licence for the retailing of alcohol in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The Home Office and similar sources are employed to establish the problems of alcohol abuse. Trade information is utilised to consider the attitude of various stakeholders to this issue. Ethical texts examine expected responses from the sector. From these authoritative sources a solution has been proposed. Findings – The results led to the proposal that the establishment of a compulsory professional body be considered. Research limitations/implications – There is a lack of empirical research to investigate the proposal. This would be necessary to progress the idea. Practical implications – The proposal for a professional body whose membership would be compulsory for a licence-holder would be the subject of a major policy debate. Originality/value – This embryonic proposal is original and would be of interest to all stakeholders.