Importance of Keeping a Log Book

Keeping a Log Book to cover your butt!

 One thing we always emphasise on our LCQ course is the importance of keeping a log book when you are operating as a DM. Most premises have a log book near the main service area or in the office for any incidents or notes to be written down. These can include breakages, low stock or any disruptions from patrons during the shift i.e. drunkenness, fights or evictions from the premises.

 What we strongly advocate is alongside this log book your premises or you yourself keep a separate logbook that is solely for any issues regarding maintaining your liquor licence. This includes incidents with patrons, any breaches of the Act that might have occurred i.e. sales to minors, intoxicated patrons and how you dealt with it.

 What this does is it creates a record of reference for learning to deal with those situations going forward. You can train staff on how to prevent those incidents from occurring next time. It also acts as a show of awareness to licensing authorities if you are ever called to account for any of these issues. If you asked a group of patrons to leave the premises because they were intoxicated and they went on to cause trouble if you were asked why they were on your premises by for example the police you could point to your log book and show that they had been asked to leave.

 Overall it shows good situational awareness in regards to maintaining the integrity of your liquor licence.

 Make sure each time you start a shift create a new entry and sign it off at the end with a simple – no incidents – if there aren’t any or write down any incidents that occurred.