‘Trade on its knees – we are just trying our best in difficult circumstances’

The first week of pubs being allowed to reopen for outdoor trading only has seen operators pivot once again in order to serve customers.

'We couldn't have taken any more money'

Operators recounted a positive first week of outdoor trading amid high demand but said they faced challenging circumstances.

Social distancing rules could see 'end of tipping'

A sector-wide fair tipping policy should be introduced after Covid restrictions mean venue staff are likely to be tipped less, campaigners have argued.

• LIVE: Minister urges councils to 'show pragmatism'

Coronavirus latest: councils must take a pragmatic approach towards Covid rules for pubs or risk encouraging unsafe socialising, a minister has said.

‘Bring forward reopening,’ Welsh Government urged

Indoor hospitality in Wales should reopen alongside trade in England and Scotland next month, one industry body has suggested.

'Cancel business rates until 2021 as sector recovers'

Trade associations have called for business rates in England to be cancelled until at least October 2021 for hospitality businesses as they rebuild.

'Not the time' for mandatory calorie labels on pints

Reports of proposals to force large pub chains to display calorie labels on pints of beer have been dubbed “outrageous” and described as “costly and complicated” by the trade.

Summer serves: seasonal launches from Bombay Sapphire, Kopparberg and Crystal Head Vodka

Bombay Sapphire, Kopparberg, Crystal Head Vodka and a collaboration between HonestBrew and Northern Monk are among the latest crop of seasonal drink launches.

Drinks sales outperform food on first day of outdoor trading

Pubs with outside areas that were permitted to trade on Monday 12 April saw drinks sales up on 2019 figures.

Bag a profit by upselling post-lockdown drinkers to crisps and scratchings

With the value sales of crisps, snacks and nuts in the UK’s pubs and bars totalling £24m pre-pandemic, The Morning Advertiser sinks its teeth into the art of the upsell.

Hawthorn eyes expansion to ‘at least double its estate’

Off the back of its announcement to float on the stock market, Hawthorn has also revealed it is looking to significantly expand its portfolio.

Staff do not have to ask to see app check-ins

Pub staff do not have to ask customers to show their phone screens to prove they have checked into the venue via the NHS app, it has been confirmed.

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Hospitality wage inflation bubble ‘bursts’, more than 600 new food businesses, the end of tipping?

The latest update on people moves, jobs and training from across the pub sector includes news on hospitality wage inflation and attempts to safeguard workers against a downturn in tipping.

The challenges ahead

In the latest edition of the podcast, the team discuss the issue of staffing amid reopening alongside conflicting guidance from councils and many other challenges operators are facing and could face in the coming months. The team are also joined by Admiral...

Added fraud checks for Restart Grants stall reopening plans

Fraud checks are delaying the payments of Government Restart Grants, leaving operators frustrated and helpless.

City operator dubs insurer 'morally reprehensible' after no pay-out

A multiple site operator has been “left with no choice” but to press legal action against an insurer after it claimed its insurer backtracked on a pledge to pay out.

Scottish pubs 'unfairly targeted' by alcohol rules

Calls continue to mount for a relaxation of rules about serving alcohol when pubs reopen in Scotland.

Customers turn up in ‘ski jackets and hats’ to back pub

Pubgoers have not been deterred by cold weather and snow showers, according to one operator who reopened this morning.

BrewDog unveils Edinburgh DogHouse, Adventure grows beyond London, Flight Club Ireland 2022

The past week has seen bar groups including BrewDog, Adventure Bar Group, Flight Club, Loungers and Incipio announce new site plans.

Tesco ad calls on customers to support pubs

Instead of using ad spend to showcase in-store offers, Tesco has urged its customers to give its supermarkets 'a miss' in favour of a visit to their local.

Premiumise for success on reopening

With the hospitality sector starting the long slow process towards reopening their businesses this week, it’s time for operators to reassess their offer and think about premiumisation.

What are rules for pubs to reopen for outside trading?

With updated guidance revealed following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement earlier this week (Monday 5 April), we have put together the rules pubs need to know ahead of outdoor trade being permitted on Monday (12 April).

Payment guidance reiterated after confusion

Operators have been reassured they can take payments indoors in exceptional circumstances after confusion on social media.

Welsh Government hit with legal challenge over 'absence of facts'

A legal challenge has been launched against the Welsh Government over its lack of clarity on the reopening of indoor hospitality.

'Incidental' live music permitted in reopened pub gardens

Live music will be authorised when pub gardens reopen as long as performances are complementary to customers drinking or dining, and are not the main purpose of their visit.

Pubs will reopen with 'hands tied behind our backs'

Pubs have been singled out once more with disproportionate regulations in comparison to other sectors, according to trade associations.