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Losing confidence: publicans say they are desperate for Government support as their debts increase and job losses seem unavoidable

Pubs without grants reaching ‘point of no return’

Operators have shared the realities of sustaining their business after being excluded from the Government’s grant scheme for hospitality businesses at the start of the coronavirus shutdown, with stories of facing the prospect of letting staff go, amassing debt and not being able to reopen.

Pub insurers identified for another group claim

A law firm is appealing to pub operators ahead of a potential group action against insurers who have declined claims for business interruption.

‘Prices will be kept the same’ say 50% of pubs in poll

The majority of operators asked in a weekly hospitality poll have said they plan to keep their food and drink prices the same as before lockdown, while half also said they expected trade levels to reach no more than 40% of pre-coronavirus levels in the...

Employers to be asked to pay NI and pension contributions from August

Employers will have to start making payments towards the furlough scheme, starting with national insurance (NI) and pension contributions from August, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced today (29 May).

Legal Q&A: Licence and permit renewal, the pitfalls of a CVA

In the latest Legal Q&A from specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, we take a closer look at licence and permit renewal as well as the potentail drawbacks of a company voluntary arrangement.

Self-employed income support scheme to be extended

The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be extended with applications opening in August for a second and final grant, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has announced today (29 May).

Council calls on Government for power over late-night levy

A city council has joined voices in the pub trade calling on the Government to change the control of levies on licensed businesses.

Mixed reactions to Chancellor’s employer contribution announcement

Trade bodies have voiced mixed opinions on Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement of how much employers will be asked to contribute to the furlough scheme.

‘If you have focus, determination, tenacity and drive, you will get through it’

After a fire closed his business for six months, licensee Brendan Padfield learnt lessons that he has used to put the pub in the best stead for reopening after the coronavirus closure.

Group action launched against Aviva and QBE insurers

Insurance companies Aviva and QBE (UK) Limited have been chosen as the focus of an action group that intends to launch a group claim against insurers refusing to pay out to pubs for loss of income during the coronavirus crisis.

Giving employment to under-18s

Over recent years, the trade has stepped up a gear to entice school leavers into its workforce. Competition is hot but just how compatible is the current legislation in terms of being able to compete?

Government to publish new rent code of practice

The Government has established a working group with the commercial rental sector to develop a code in a bid to encourage fair and transparent discussions between landlord and tenants amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Licensees rebuff billionaire-owned pubco's rent offer

Wellington Pub Company publicans have rebuffed the landlord’s offer of three months’ free rent and two quarters charged at 50%, following an updated statement from the pub group.

The checklist to help you stay legitimate post-lockdown

At the time of writing (1 June), we are still awaiting both relaxation of the lockdown regulations and guidance for the hospitality sector from the Government on reopening and, until then, we are all still flailing around in the darkness.

How to reduce your food menu for reopening

As the time for reopening gets closer, you may want to set out your new food menu and that probably means making the offer smaller but stronger.

Get ready for Premier League kick-off (part 2)

With a Premier League kick-off scheduled for 17 June and pubs slated to start opening less than a month later, what challenges could the return of live sport pose operators?

PM eyes earlier pub reopening and reduced social distancing measures

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “optimistic” about pubs reopening earlier than he first thought.

Trade pays respects to St Austell brewing director Roger Ryman

Tributes have been made to St Austell Brewery brewing director Roger Ryman after he passed away peacefully this week, aged 52, after a battle with cancer.

BrewDog launches Barnard Castle Eye Test beer

Scottish brewer and operator BrewDog has unveiled a new beer following Government adviser Dominic Cummings driving 260 miles amid lockdown.

Carlsberg UK joint venture to see Marston’s become a ‘focused pub operator’

The creation of the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company will see Marston’s hand over the keys to its beer business and become a ‘focused pub operator’ for the first time in its near 200-year history.

Reluctant insurers could be ‘final nail in the coffin’ for pubs

A pub operator has said the refusal of insurers to pay out over the coronavirus outbreak will leave many pubs unable to open again.

Hospitality staff missing out on up to 40% of income from tronc payments

Many hospitality workers have suffered a substantial drop in income because tronc payments are not covered by the furlough scheme, according to an analysis of workers’ incomes in the previous year.

Chancellor set to reveal further ‘flexible furloughing’ details

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is set to announce further details about contributions from employers for the furlough scheme from the beginning of August.

Trade bodies join forces to call for full furlough extension

Industry associations have urged the Chancellor to maintain the furlough scheme at the current 80% payment level until October and increase its flexibility for the trade.

• LIVE – Experts answer your on-trade questions

Have you got a question about your on-trade business that you can’t find an answer for even though you’ve searched online and listened to Boris’s daily updates? Perhaps The Morning Advertiser can help.

The real ‘wide area effect’

We’re the Luddite Brewing Company, our brewpub has been closed due to coronavirus and there seems to be a problem with our business interruption insurance.

UKHospitality launches suppliers’ alliance to push for Government help

Trade body UKHospitality has announced a new initiative that will pressure the Government to further support hospitality supplier businesses.

Time to clean up your act before reopening

The countdown is on for reopening your pub. Make sure you are setting and maintaining high standards when it comes to cleanliness and good practices

Carlsberg UK and Marston’s brewing arm merge in £780m venture

Marston’s Brewing Business and Carlsberg’s UK division have announced a proposed transaction to form a giant beer company with a value of £780m.

£16.5m cash injection for Revolution Bars Group to fight Covid crisis

Revolution Bars Group has announced that a £16.5m loan provided under the Government’s Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) will help the operator survive the novel coronavirus emergency.

1-metre social distancing ‘more viable’ for trade’s future

Most operators believe their businesses will stand a better chance of success post-lockdown operating under one-metre social distancing instead of the Government’s current recommendation of two metres.

How can pub kitchens operate with social distancing?

While two-metre distancing in pubs remains a raw subject, we look at what measures operators need to consider to avoid making a meal of their post-lockdown kitchen policies.

The steps to take to reopen your pub

Flush the beer lines, cleanse your kit and restock the cellar – how to get your pub ready for reopening

UKH reveals guidance for reopening

In-depth cleaning regimes and adhering to distancing rules are two of the main themes operators should consider when reopening, trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has outlined.

Scaled down social distancing ‘might just save’ pubs

While Brits were doing their best to enjoy a VE Day bank holiday weekend in lockdown, Denmark cut social distancing from two metres to one metre in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance. Could a similar step help UK pubs when the time comes...