Trade calls for rapid reforms
Government must act to combat the growing crisis in hospitality
Ministers need to speed up licensing reform to stem the growing crisis in the hospitality industry, according to trade leaders.
The trade is now increasing pressure on the Government to extend opening hours. It warns that many smaller pubs could go under as a result of the combined effects of bad weather, foot-and-mouth disease and now the US attacks; and need additional hours to attract extra trade.
Licensees in London's Leicester Square, who have seen trade plummet in the last few weeks, are leading the calls for immediate action.
Philip Matthews, licensee of the Rock Garden Bar and Restaurant and chairman of the Westminster Licensees' Association, said: "Britain needs to attract more Europeans. It can only do this if we extend hours and compete on the same level as Madrid, Barcelona and Paris."
The Government sought this week to reassure the trade that licensing reform remains a top priority, especially in the wake of this recent blow to tourism.
Speaking at a Labour Conference fringe meeting in Brighton on Monday (October 01), tourism minister Dr Kim Howells (pictured) said: "An ill wind always blows some good. There is now a greater need for reform and a change to licensing hours because of the terrible year the trade has suffered."
An industry insider observed: "Any company with interests in London or major cities must be worried. Those in the capital, especially Leicester Square, are particularly vulnerable. People do not want to stay out late because of the bomb threat.
"We are not just talking about an economic slowdown but the fear of terrorism. Tourism is suffering, therefore walk-by trade must be suffering."
The majority of JD Wetherspoon's outlets are situated in city centres. Chairman Tim Martin said: "It would be stupid to say I'm not worried about the current situation and there has been some effect on trading."
But a Government insider told thePublican.com this week that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport had not even drafted a bill yet, but was still finalising the set of instructions on what was to be included.
This leaves many in the trade fearing that it is a case of too little too late.
Martin Rawlings, spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association, said the organisation was working hard behind the scenes to speed up the process in reaction to the current crisis.
He said: "Everybody seems to have suddenly realised that the hospitality industry is very important - something we have been saying for years. Perhaps it is the case that you have to have a crisis like this before anything is done."
Nick Bish, of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: "It's very important that a draft bill is published as soon as possible and that licensing reform is included in the next Queen's Speech. We mustn't rely on deregulation, it's got to be complete licensing reform as soon as possible."
Related news:
Trade aims to boost tourism (28 September 2001)
Uncertain future for pubs in wake of US terrorist attacks (26 September 2001)
People flock to pubs to watch attacks on America unfold (12 September 2001)
