Trade reflects on ‘mixed-bag’ Autumn Statement

Following rumours of a second duty hike in line with inflation, the government quelled fears by announcing a freeze on alcohol duty in the Autumn Statement last week.

Christmas strikes to cost hospitality £800m

ASLEF, the UK’s train drivers’ union, has announced a ‘rolling programme’ of strikes during the festive month.

Wet October softens growth for hospitality

Britain’s leading hospitality groups saw year-on-year growth slow to 3.2% in October amid widespread poor weather, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals.

Industry welcomes RMT breakthrough

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), has agreed a deal in principle with train operators to resolve the ongoing rail dispute, quelling fears of a repeat of last year’s Christmas strikes which were so damaging to the hospitality industry.

Licenced premises down by a third since 2003

The number of licenced premises in Britain has fallen below 100,000, marking a 31% decline in the two decades since 2003.

Somms to be eligible for skilled worker visa

Following a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), sommeliers have been reclassified to be eligible for the skilled worker visa route.

‘No Christmas strikes’ – hospitality leaders urge unions

Leading hospitality businesses have called for the festive season to be protected from strike action amidst the ongoing rail dispute.

73 venues listed in the Green Pub Guide

The Green Pub Guide, in association with Heineken, has returned for a second year and features 73 British pubs, bars and restaurants that have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact.

Hospitality sales struggle amidst inflation despite 6.7% increase

According to the latest UKHospitality Quarterly Sales Tracker, turnover was up 6.7% in the last year to £137billion but, compared to 2019, remains almost 20% behind in real terms, when accounting for inflation.

Ofgem challenged on hidden energy costs by UKHospitality

Leading associations including UKHospitality have signed an open letter challenging energy regulator Ofgem to take ‘immediate’ action on hidden charges by energy brokers.

Strong April for hospitality cancelled out by inflation

Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups achieved like-for-like and YOY sales growth of 6.9% in April 2023, the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker reveals.

UKHospitality calls for temporary licensing relaxations to be made permanent

Following a public consultation, UKHospitality has called on the government to make the temporary licensing relaxations permanent. 

Energy bills mount as government support reduces

A snap survey by UKHospitality reveals the staggering costs the industry faces on the eve of the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme, which will reduce government support to businesses.

Scots call time on ‘self-inflicted’ advertising proposals

The Scottish retail and hospitality sectors have added mounting calls to government to reassess its proposed ban on alcohol advertising, as the consultation reaches its close.

Hospitality sector under massive strain as insolvencies hit decade-high

Chris Losh: Hospitality sector reels from strikes

In the middle of December an interview between Richard Madeley of Good Morning Britain and Mick Lynch, head of the RMT union, went viral. Stick with it – 

Business energy support to reduce from March government announces

The goverment has announced a new energy support for businesses that will take effect from 1 April 2023, although at a lower rate than the present scheme. 

How the Drinks trade reacted to The Budget

In today’s Autumn Statement (17 November 2022), Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a few announcements regarding business taxes, but there was no mention of alcohol duty, much to the frustration of the drinks trade.

WSTA pens letter to Chancellor opposing alcohol duty u-turn

Over 100 business executives from across the alcohol industry have signed a letter written to the Times calling on the Chancellor to bring back the freeze on alcohol duty.

Third of hospitality businesses risk going bust in 2023

More than a third of the UK’s hospitality sector faces closure in 2023 due to the ‘cost of business crisis’.