Health & safety

How to avoid faecal bacteria in pub ice machines

30-Jun-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

Ice machine suppliers have issued advice to help pub operators ensure ice equipment is safe from bacterial contamination.

One in five people in Wales drink more than guidelines recommend

30-Jun-2017 By Michelle Perrett

One in five (20%) people in Wales drink more alcohol than the recommended weekly consumption figure of 14 units, the National Survey of Wales has revealed.

Up in smoke: the rules of vaping inside pubs

30-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

The smoking ban came into effect in 2007 but where does that leave the many people who now want to vape in your premises rather than smoke cigarettes?

Open house event launched to celebrate London Bridge and Borough Market

30-Jun-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

London operators and customers alike are being urged to come together in London Bridge and Borough Market this Saturday (1 July) in support of local businesses following the terror attack in the area.

‘We don't need to go back to the days of stinking like a rancid ashtray’: Your reactions to pro-smoking group’s call to review smoking ban

27-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Around this time 10-years ago pubs and punters were nervous for the future of their local watering holes – with good reason. The smoking ban was days away from coming into force which, as predicted, changed the dynamics of pubs permanently.

Drinkaware unveils five-year strategy as it focuses on older drinkers

26-Jun-2017 By Fred A'Court

A significant shift in drinking habits and falling sales have led the alcohol education charity Drinkaware to shift its focus from young to older drinkers. 

Pro-smoking group calls for review 10 years after ban

26-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

A pro-smoking campaign group has called on the Government to review the impact the smoking ban had on pubs, and to “consider alternatives to the policy”, as the UK approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Warning after pub’s garden furniture ‘explodes’ in heatwave

20-Jun-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

An Essex operator has warned others in the trade to be aware of “exploding” garden furniture during the UK’s heatwave.

Police appeal after petrol bomb thrown at bar

20-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Owners of a South Shields bar have been left “shaken” after a petrol bomb was thrown through the window of their venue on Sunday night.

A breath of fresh air: how the smoking ban has changed the pub trade

19-Jun-2017 By Claire Churchard & Georgina Townshend

The smoking ban became a fact in England on 1 July 2007 with an unprecedented impact for pubs. But how has the trade changed in the past 10 years since it came into force?

Grenfell Tower: Pubs rally to help victims

18-Jun-2017 By Michelle Perrett

Pubs have been rallying to help the community in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster that may have killed close to 100 people. 

Police release CCTV images after series of pub fruit machine thefts

16-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Kent police have released CCTV images of three men they are looking for in connection with a spate of pub fruit machine thefts.

Alcohol duty reform can ‘promote healthier attitudes to alcohol’

14-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Restructuring the alcohol duty system can promote healthier attitudes to alcohol, according to the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).

Special report

'We will not be defeated by terrorism' – Borough Market set to reopen

10-Jun-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

London Bridge, for the moment, has become an eerie, quiet place. Yes, people still walk around laughing and taking pictures, but there is a strong melancholic undertone as everyday business continues.

Security services publish terror attack guidance for pubs

09-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) published new guidance specifically for pubs and bars on Thursday (8 June) following the recent terror attacks in the UK.

How to respond during a flash flood

08-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

As we head into summer, the risk of flash flooding in the UK is at its highest.

In association with Poppleston Allen

Legal Q&A: should you close your pub after a rat infestation?

08-Jun-2017 By Poppleston Allen

If the local environmental health officer (EHO) finds evidence of a rat infestation in a pub kitchen, should the publican close the pub at the EHO's request? Poppleston Allen explains the legal position.

‘Heroic’ Borough pub manager acted on instinct

07-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

The actions of a Borough Market pub manager during Saturday night’s London Bridge terror attack have been called “heroic” by his employers pubco Crafted Projects.

ALMR chief launches bid to fund emergency services bar tab

07-Jun-2017 By Liam Coleman

A crowdfunding scheme to buy a round of drinks for the emergency services that responded to last week’s terrorist attack in London has been launched by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR)'s chief executive.

How to respond during a terror attack - advice for pubs

06-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Everyone hopes that they will never be caught up in a terror attack, but with many pubs on the front line of recent atrocities, being prepared for any eventuality is a wise move.

Licensed Trade Charity calls for more volunteers

06-Jun-2017 By Liam Coleman

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), which supports current and retired pub trade employees, has put out a call for more volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week.

Strong support for London Bridge pubs as customers vow to return

06-Jun-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Pub customers have pledged their support for London Bridge and Borough Market pubs on social media, saying Saturday night’s terror attack will not keep them away from their favourite watering holes.

Pubs ‘on the front line’ of terrorist attacks

05-Jun-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

Pubs played a vital role in protecting and caring for stranded, injured and scared civilians during the London Bridge terror attack on Saturday (3 June) night, trade leaders have said.

Exclusive

How pub staff saved customers’ lives in London Bridge terror attack

04-Jun-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

Staff and customers at Borough Market pub the Wheatsheaf came face to face with the terrorists who inflicted havoc in the area after barricading themselves in the venue moments before the attackers were gunned down by police.

16 pubs surround London Bridge terror attack area

04-Jun-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

At least 16 pubs and many more bars and restaurants surround the area where three knife-wielding terrorists unleashed a horrific attack in the capital last night (3 June), killing seven and wounding 48. Many of the pubs played a key role in keeping customers...

BHA backs Government advice on avoiding 'Brexit' sausage virus

24-May-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has echoed advice from the Government on cooking pork thoroughly amid reports of a ‘Brexit virus’ in 10% of sausages.

Pubs praised for helping Manchester terror attack victims

23-May-2017 By Georgina Townshend

Hospitality venues such as pubs are “focal points” for members of the public in need of help, providing “assistance and reassurance”, it has been said following the terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday (22 May).

Former security head warns pubs to boost vigilance after Manchester terror attack

23-May-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

The former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office Chris Phillips has warned pubs and bars to increase their security following the devastating bombing at the Manchester Arena last night.

Pregnancy advice has gone too far, expert warns

19-May-2017 By Liam Coleman

Warnings for pregnant women about drinking in pubs have gone down an “overly precautionary route”, an expert has said.

National Pubwatch launches Ask for Angela film

12-May-2017 By Michelle Perrett

National Pubwatch (NPW) has unveiled an Ask for Angela film to back up the campaign that promotes best practice across the sector.

Licensees could face 'life in prison' if caught selling fake booze

04-May-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

Operators have been warned they could be sentenced to a lifetime behind bars if a customer dies from drinking counterfeit alcohol bought and consumed on their premises.

Chefs’ health put at risk by ‘punishing’ long hours

27-Apr-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

Chefs have called out industry working hours as potentially damaging to their mental and physical health in a snapshot survey by union Unite.

Fire devastates Thwaites pub after £1m transformation

13-Apr-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

A Thwaites food pub and microbrewery in Hoghton, Lancashire, has been devastated by a fire that tore through the building just months after a £1m refurbishment.

Nine ways to child-proof your pub ahead of the Easter bank holiday

12-Apr-2017 By Liam Coleman

With new figures showing that there are two claims a week for children being injured at commercial properties, according to data from NFU Mutual, Graeme Cushion at legal expert Poppleston Allen shares nine ways to make sure your site is child safe.

How to approach the sensitive issue of transgender customers

10-Apr-2017 By Liam Coleman

Taking the sensitive approach to transgender customers is what all pub operators would like to think they would do. But after a Sussex licensee asked a transgender woman to use a disabled toilet, it begs the question of what approach licensees should...

Nottingham pub welcomed evacuated residents during police ‘stand off’

07-Apr-2017 By Liam Coleman

A Nottingham pub, The Johnson Arms, became a rest centre to more than 40 residents evacuated from their homes after reports of two youths on the roofs of their properties.

‘Over-regulation’ fears on sugar guidelines

30-Mar-2017 By Liam Coleman

Public Health England (PHE) has issued guidelines to reduce the amount of sugar in pub meals.

Pubs charged for food hygiene re-inspections

20-Mar-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

Pubs could be made to pay for requested re-inspections of their businesses under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced.

Food safety controls to be ramped up by local authorities

16-Mar-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

Food safeguards and allergen protection for consumers will be moved up a gear by local authorities, and will be core to delivering a better system of control to ensure a higher level of confidence in UK food.

£10K fines for using illicit wholesalers to start in April

07-Mar-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS), which could see pubs fined up to £10,000 for working with illicit wholesalers, will come into force on 1 April.

Woman dies of food poisoning after eating at Cornwall pub

01-Mar-2017 By Daniel Woolfson

A grandmother died from food poisoning after eating incorrectly prepared roast lamb at a Cornwall pub, a court has heard. 

Ex-Potting Shed and Rectory couple set up Welsh food pub

27-Feb-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

The couple behind famous Cotswolds pub and boutique hotel the Potting Shed and the Rectory have set about transforming a Welsh village pub into a food destination.

Responsible drinking messages in pubs 'largely ignored'

22-Feb-2017 By Liam Coleman

Alcohol Research UK has called for a "multi-pronged" approach to responsible drinking in pubs after a study revealed that posters encouraging drinking in moderation are largely ignored in a pub environment.

Cumbria pub destroyed in blaze to reopen after £2m revamp

09-Feb-2017 By Daniel Woolfson

A fire-ravaged Cumbrian pub is set to reopen after a £2m investment by owner Robinsons Brewery.

BBPA releases guidance for pubs on catering for customers with access needs

31-Jan-2017 By Nikkie Sutton

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has published updated guidance in a bid to help licensees ensure their pubs are welcoming to customers with access needs.

Food safety

Zero hygiene rating for pub with encrusted fly killer and E.coli

13-Jan-2017 By Nicholas Robinson

A heavily “encrusted” electronic fly killer, the presence of E.coli and a lack of hand-washing facilities has left an historic Northamptonshire pub with the lowest food hygiene rating.

Health

Alcohol 'good for body and mind'

09-Jan-2017 By Sara Hussein

Moderate and low-alcohol consumption could “improve” people’s personal and mental wellbeing, according to a recent study. 

NHS Health Survey for England 2015

NHS Health Survey: 31% of men drink above recommended guidelines

15-Dec-2016 By Sara Hussein

More men than women drink above the recommended alcohol guidelines on a weekly basis, latest NHS health statistics have revealed. 

Self-combusting tea towels

Warning on the dangers of 'self-combusting' tea towels that 'burn pubs to the ground'

14-Dec-2016 By Helen Gilbert

Publicans are being urged to review the way they wash tea towels after self-combustion caused a string of disastrous pub fires.

Food safety

Rare burger crippling health risk warning

13-Dec-2016 By Nicholas Robinson

A food safety watchdog has warned of the crippling health threats undercooked burgers can cause now that the category is in steep growth and as a result of more consumers specifying how their burgers should be cooked.