• LIVE: Support – what are suppliers doing to help the on-trade?

30 March, 17.32 – Bibendum and Matthew Clark

Matthew Clark and Bibendum Wine have launched a new app called Local, in a bid to help pubs, restaurants, bars and independent merchants offer home delivery or click-and-collect services, with no set-up costs or upfront charges.

The app allows businesses to reach consumers in their local area who still want food and drink and to support local businesses.

Consumers can order online, on mobile or by phone and can find their local delivery area by entering their postcode or visiting the locations page. 

Businesses just need a logo, menu, contact details and Stripe Connect account to set themselves up on the app.

24 March, 15.45 – Bacardi

Bacardi and its brands, including Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Bacardi rum, has pledged $3m (about £2.5m) in financial aid and other support to help people on the front lines of the industry with its #RaiseYourSpirits initiative.

This donation is in addition to the $1m (about £840,000) pledged by the Patrón Tequila brand last week.

The company said this was just the start and its teams were working to identify more ways it can assist the on-trade.

23 March, 13.57 – Diageo

Diageo has pledged a £1m fund​ to help operators during the coronavirus pandemic, as well the launch of a new information line for independent, licensed business owners.

Both initiatives were made live from Monday 23 March and have been launched in a bid to help independent operators through the troubling coronavirus pandemic, which has seen the sector shut its doors due to Government safety measures not used during peacetime.

18 March, 16.19 – Bullards Gin

A Norwich distillery is producing hand sanitiser​ in a bid to protect the public’s health. Bullards Gin managing director Russell Evans said the business would be supplying the sanitiser in bulk rather than directly to consumers.

The distillery was keen for its customer base of pubs, which includes Greene King and independent sites across East Anglia, being able to access it as well.

17 March, 14.06 – BT and Sky Sports

Sky and BT Sport announced they will suspend billing​ on their services for pubs. Broadcaster Sky has announced it will not charge pubs from 14 March for its live sport service while BT Sport will suspend billing for a two-week period for its commercial customers.

Major sporting fixtures have been cancelled in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus, with the Government potentially looking to ban mass gatherings shortly.