England

What's in the news 14 January

Review of the Week

Restrictions have had no impact on infection rates

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington catches up with Castle Rock Brewery boss Colin Wilde to hear his thoughts on the weeks news, from the impacts of restrictions, frustrations over government behaviour and isolation rules changing.

Pingdemic: Downing Street has said it is 'crucial' for individuals to isolate when notified by the NHS Covid app (image: Getty/Mark Sutherland)

Downing Street contradicts minister on app alerts

By Emily Hawkins

Downing Street has contradicted a minister who said businesses and employees should make their own “informed decisions” concerning self-isolation alerts from the NHS app.

Lockdown easing: pub companies are waiting on updated Government guidance before deciding whether to encourage staff to continue wearing masks (image: Getty/LeoPatrizi)

Pub bosses mull future of masks

By Emily Hawkins

Pub bosses are considering whether or not to ask or require staff to wear face coverings beyond 19 July as 38% say they will ask staff to continue.

Unlocking announcement: Prime Minister Boris Johnson will update the country about what life will look like on Monday 19 July (image: Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street via Flickr)

PM to announce end of restrictions

By Emily Hawkins

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to set out how he will “restore people’s freedoms” by removing all Covid measures including face-covering and social distancing laws.

Tournament countdown: 'Pubs are the home of live sport and we cannot wait for the Euros and watching together a major tournament in the pub once more,

BBPA outlines pub tactics ahead of UEFA Euro 2020

By The Morning Advertiser

As operators count down to UEFA Euro 2020’s curtain raiser on 11 June, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has produced practical guidance for pubs in an effort to assist safe and successful screenings this summer.

Game on: pub customers can play pool and darts but the business must factor this into their risk assessment (image: Getty/Steevy84)

Pub goers can play pool and darts

By Emily Hawkins

Customers returning to the pub this week will be allowed to play indoor games such as pool and darts, as per Government Covid-19 guidance for businesses.

Reopening rules: operators shared their experiences of customers being confused by how to use the NHS coronavirus app to scan into venues (image:Getty/Olivier Le Moal)

'No one knows how to use the NHS app'

By Emily Hawkins

Pubgoers have been hesitant to use the NHS contact-tracing app and been reluctant to hand over their details, operators have reported.

Outraged reaction: the pub and brewing trade has said 'now is not the time' for talk of further regulations for venues (image: Getty/ DGLimages)

'Not the time' for mandatory calorie labels on pints

By Emily Hawkins

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.

Closure imminent: pubs in London and other parts of England must close with little notice under the new tier system

Closing hospitality venues an 'illogical tactic'

By Emily Hawkins

Hospitality sector leaders are once again telling the Government that the industry must not be blamed for coronavirus outbreaks, after it was announced pubs will be forced to shut in more areas of England.

Pubs matter: a new campaign is calling for operators and customers to share their pub stories on social media

'Pubs matter' is message of new campaign

By Emily Hawkins

Pubgoers have been urged to share why their local is close to their heart on social media in a bid to highlight the plight of the sector.