Legislation

Legalities around displaying drinks prices

27-Jun-2023 By Suraj Desor, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

The law on displaying prices for alcoholic drinks was changed some years ago with the introduction of The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Review of the week

Choice, small plates and a touch of theatre is key to success

23-Jun-2023 By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser’s Ed Bedington caught up with one half of the 2023 BII’s licensees of the Year, Joe Buckley, to get his take on current events.

July rail strikes 'hammer blow' for sector

23-Jun-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Fresh rail strikes in July will be a “hammer blow” for hospitality businesses entering the peak summer season, UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls has stated.

NTIA calls for Gov to protect security workers from violence

23-Jun-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Trade bodies have called for Government to take action to protect security workers against violence, after a new BBC report drew attention to the high levels of abuse they face in the workplace.

Interest rates hike prompts fear among trade bodies

23-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Bank of England-imposed interest rates rise has the potential to contract the value of the hospitality economy by £4bn within four years, according to UKHospitality (UKH).

Cheap shot from Government on wages

22-Jun-2023 By Ed Bedington

The Government’s recent “naming and shaming” of companies for allegedly paying below the minimum wage feels like something of a cheap shot, certainly for those named in the hospitality sector.

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Hearings – A salutary lesson

22-Jun-2023 By James Anderson, partner, Poppleston Allen

About six months ago, a colleague of mine represented an independent bar operator facing a review of his premises licence for noise issues in relation to loud music and people leaving the premises late at night. This was in a reasonably affluent suburb...

Gov 'names and shames' pubcos for underpaying staff

22-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Government has 'named and shamed' more than 200 companies for failing to pay their lowest paid staff the minimum wage – and a number of pubcos have made the list which dates between 2017 and 2019.

Green Initiative

Have your say on sustainability in the pub sector

22-Jun-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

The Morning Advertiser wants to hear your thoughts on sustainability within the industry.

Fears over legislation void ‘risks threat of terrorism’

20-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

A refusal by the Government to implement legislation for security businesses is putting the sector at risk from terrorist threats, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the UK Door Security Association (UKDSA).

ASLEF July overtime ban 'another setback' for sector

20-Jun-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Next month's overtime ban from the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) is "another setback" for the industry, trade body UKHospitality has stated.

200 pubs closed in first quarter of 2023

19-Jun-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

Some 200 pubs closed their doors in the first three months of this year, according data obtained by one accountancy firm.

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Legal Q&A: adults purchasing alcohol for minors in pubs

16-Jun-2023 By Jonathan Smith, partner, Poppleston Allen

This week’s column from licensing firm Poppleston Allen advises operators how to proceed in situations involving customers over the age of 18 attempting to purchase alcohol in pubs for patrons that are under 18.

Boris Partygate findings ‘devastating news’ for hospitality

15-Jun-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

A new report revealing former Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled parliament over 10 Downing Street parties is “devastating news” for hospitality, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).

Labour vows to back high streets and overhaul business rates

15-Jun-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy, has pledged to "breathe life back into the high streets" by supporting the hospitality sector.

The Lock In Podcast

Wasp wrangling and other tips for summer success

13-Jun-2023 By Ed Bedington

Wasps can ruin many a pub garden experience, but how best to handle them? The Lock In team tackled the perennial pests and other top tips on making the most of summer trade.

DRS ‘reduced to a tardy political battle’ says SLTA

09-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association) has welcomed the news Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be delayed until at least October 2025 but warned politics must be left out of it in future.

Controversial Deposit Return Scheme delayed until October 2025

07-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Trade bodies have welcomed the opportunity for a more collaborative approach to finalising the details of Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) after the start of the initiative was delayed for the third time.

Marston’s stands out on tenant satisfaction

06-Jun-2023 By Ed Bedington

Tenant satisfaction with their pubcos remained unchanged from last year, according to a recent survey by the pubs code adjudicator (PCA), with Marston’s and Greene King notable exceptions.

Bristol alfresco drinking is here to stay after 5k sign petition

06-Jun-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Bars and restaurants in Bristol city centre will be able to extend their pavement licences for outdoor seating, after an online petition amassed more than 5,000 signatures.

‘Business owners powerless at hands of energy suppliers’

06-Jun-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

A number of organisations representing a variety of businesses have pleaded to the Government for urgent action on the energy crisis.

Scotland and UK cannot afford to lose DRS says administrator

06-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Too much money has been invested into the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for it not to go ahead as planned says the initiative’s organiser Circularity Scotland.

Seaside pub wins long-term protection from noise complaints

02-Jun-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

A ‘much-loved’ grassroots music pub in Shoreham, West Sussex, has been granted long-time protection from noise complaints after its operators instructed lawyers.

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Are licensees responsible for drink-driving customers?

02-Jun-2023 By Carl Weston, head of marketing and partner (non-solicitor), Poppleston Allen

Legal expert Poppleston Allen looks at the responsibility of blame when it comes to drink-driving and on-trade operators.

‘Get a grip’ on train strikes call from BrewDog boss

02-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

BrewDog boss James Brown has demanded the Government “get a grip” of ongoing train strikes, which have lasted for almost a year, to save independent hospitality businesses.

UKH calls for chefs to be added to immigration list

01-Jun-2023 By Gary Lloyd

UKHospitality (UKH) has urged the Government to add chefs to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), in order to alleviate persistent shortages.

BBPA and BII push Gov to fill pubs vacancies

31-May-2023 By Gary Lloyd

Chefs from overseas must be included on the Government’s Shortage Occupation List, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the British institute of Innkeeping (BII).

Only 1 in 3 firms optimistic about future as energy costs soar by 80%

30-May-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

Just 29% of hospitality businesses are optimistic about the next 12 months with energy cited as their biggest concern, new data has showed.

'Eye-watering' impact of rail strikes to hit £3.25bn

30-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Half-term rail strikes will cost the sector £132m, bringing the total “eye-watering” impact of the year-long strikes to £3.25bn, trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has claimed.

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Legal Q&A: Lessons to be learned about selling alcohol at school events

26-May-2023 By David Inzani, associate solicitor, Poppleston Allen

In the latest column from Poppleston Allen, the legal experts look at the rules around premises licences and the general sale of alcohol at a school fete.

Sacha Lord to help hospitality battle energy company commission scandal

26-May-2023 By Amelie Maurice-Jones

The night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord is finalising a plan to help hospitality businesses recover hidden commissions paid to brokers by energy companies.

MPs join pub protection calls

26-May-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pubs (Pubs APPG) has asked the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee to look at the impact the Government’s proposals for High Street Rental Auctions will have.

OPINION

Sunak’s smoke and mirrors won’t bring down the cost of a pint

25-May-2023 By Dom Hope-Smith, director and co-founder, Carnival Brewing Company

During a recent trip to Japan on his way to the G7 summit, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave a press interview in which he was quoted as saying: “We reformed the alcohol duties that mean this summer you will be able to get cheaper beer in pubs. These are...

UKH Scotland demands ‘new approach’ on business rates

19-May-2023 By Gary Lloyd

UKHospitality Scotland says the Scottish government’s claim that pubs and restaurants have seen a decrease in their overall rateable value has not been backed up by hospitality businesses.

Business rates appeal system 'isn't working'

18-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Latest Government figures indicate the business rates appeal system “isn’t working”, property expert firm Colliers has stated.

NTIA Save Brixton Academy campaign sees 'overwhelming' support

17-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

The campaign to save the Brixton Academy from permanent closure received an “overwhelming” level of response, The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) has stated.

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High Stake Gambling reform – A gamble not worth taking

17-May-2023 By Alex Tomlinson, trainee solicitor, Poppleston Allen

On 27 April 2023, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published its Gambling White Paper, aimed at tackling gambling reform for the digital age. The proposed reforms vary from increased ‘know your customer checks’ to extra powers for...

NTIA calls for support to save Brixton Academy being 'lost forever'

15-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

A campaign to save the Brixton Academy from permanent closure has received more than 10,000 written representations, the Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) has confirmed.

CAMRA calls on Gov to save high street pubs

15-May-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) believes the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ bill could put the future of thousands of pubs at risk and has called for their planning rights to be protected.

Academy closure sees 'enormous' loss of trade for Brixton pubs

12-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Brixton businesses have seen an “enormous downturn in trade” since the local academy’s closure with resident firms losing £500,000 each week.

VOA calls for business rates reforms views

12-May-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has urged businesses to share their views on revealing more information of business rates valuations.

Interest rates hike 'inflicts further economic pain'

11-May-2023 By Rebecca Weller

Rising interest rates could “significantly impact business viability”, trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has warned.

Perspective needed on work parties

11-May-2023 By Ed Bedington

If things can’t get much worse for the pub sector, the fun-police are now out trying to ban drinking at work parties.

NTIA welcomes move to protect sector workers’ tips

04-May-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed a Government move to protect tips against “a few unscrupulous employers”.

How will Martyn’s Law impact pubs?

03-May-2023 By Nikkie Thatcher

With the draft legislation for Martyn’s Law being published, The Morning Advertiser has looked at how the bill will affect operators.

NTIA pleased with West Midlands night-time economy adviser appointment

28-Apr-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed the news restaurateur Alex Claridge has been appointed as the first night-time economy adviser by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Gambling White Paper shows 'positive steps'

28-Apr-2023 By Rebecca Weller

The white paper on gambling provides an “opportunity to improve” protection in pubs and demonstrated “positive steps” towards “fairness”, trade bodies from across the sector have stated.

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Extended hours for the King’s coronation weekend

28-Apr-2023 By Jonathan Smith, managing partner, Poppleston Allen

In 1952, the last time we enjoyed a good old knees up at a coronation, the sale of alcohol was governed by the Licensing Act 1921, pubs were faced with many of the restrictions that had applied during the First World War, such as the afternoon break and...

NTIA welcomes stringent taxi legislation

28-Apr-2023 By Gary Lloyd

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed toughened taxi licensing legislation that will help ensure hospitality staff and customers are safer while travelling at night.

Sector can be 'catalyst for growth' with local authority backing

27-Apr-2023 By Rebecca Weller

The hospitality sector can be a “catalyst for growth” in communities with support from local authorities, trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has stated.