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Government announces ‘very positive’ apprenticeship changes

Published:  18 March, 2024

The government has today (18 March) announced a series of apprenticeship reforms which will benefit SMEs and the workers they employ within the hospitality sector.

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Trade and national press divided on duty

Published:  07 March, 2024

Taking a glass-half-full approach, much of the right-wing press applauded Jeremy Hunt’s extension of the alcohol duty freeze till February 2025, described as a ‘victory for drinkers’ up and down the country by one tabloid. 

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WSTA makes ‘last-ditch plea’ for duty cut

Published:  01 March, 2024

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) along with over 100 UK wine and spirit producers, retailers and hospitality businesses have called on the government to cut duty in a ‘last-ditch plea’ ahead of the Budget announcement on 6 March.

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Tipping legislation scrutinised in hospitality webinar

Published:  12 February, 2024

Complying with the new legislation on the allocation of tips in the hospitality sector was the hot topic in a live industry webinar held last week, organised by technology provider Access Hospitality.

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Trade divided on MUP increase

Published:  09 February, 2024

The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland will rise from 50p to 65p, Holyrood has announced.

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Analysis: Pints fail to impress

Published:  19 January, 2024

The government’s decision to allow the use of imperial measures to sell wine has been met with a lukewarm reaction, finds James Bayley.

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Portman Group releases label guidance for ‘Alcohol Alternatives’

Published:  17 January, 2024

Alcohol labelling regulators, The Portman Group, has released new guidance for ‘Alcohol Alternative’ products, defined as 0.5% abv or below.

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Government consumes 1,400 bottles of wines and spirits between 2020-22

Published:  12 January, 2024

The UK government wine cellar has belatedly released its bi-annual report, revealing that 1,433 bottles of wine and spirits stock were consumed between 2020-2022, when the nation was subject to on-again, off-again Covid restrictions.

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New wine label reforms take effect

Published:  02 January, 2024

As of yesterday (1 January 2024), several new wine reforms introduced by the government have taken effect, including the removal of importer addresses from wine labels.

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Government lauds ‘pint’-sized wine as Brexit benefit

Published:  02 January, 2024

The UK government has permitted the sale of ‘pint’ sized still and sparkling wine across supermarkets, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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Scottish hospitality businesses denied rates relief

Published:  20 December, 2023

Following months of campaigning, leading hospitality bodies are ‘extremely disappointed’ with yesterday’s Budget announcement in Scotland.

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New drink spiking measures introduced by government

Published:  19 December, 2023

Drink spiking is set to be targeted by police and door staff in a raft of new measures unveiled by the home secretary James Cleverly as the festive party-going season gets into full swing.

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IWCA takes aim at COP28 in open letter

Published:  12 December, 2023

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) has penned an open letter to wine trade CEOs and press regarding the forthcoming resolutions at COP28 in Dubai.

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Concha y Toro brings forward net zero emissions goal by 10 years

Published:  05 December, 2023

Announced at COP28 in Dubai, Viña Concha y Toro has voluntarily committed itself to achieve net zero by 2040, rather than 2050 as called for by the Paris Agreement, after reducing its carbon emissions by 35% over the last five years. 

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Hospitality visas ineligibility skyrockets under new immigration laws

Published:  05 December, 2023

The UK government has announced it will increase the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700, in a move that could 'further shrink' the talent pool for UK hospitality.

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Drinks companies Royal Warrants up for review after Queen’s death

Published:  01 December, 2023

A string of well-known wine and spirits companies will have their Royal Warrant of Appointment status reviewed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year.

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FJ Gritsch winery leaves Austria’s Vinea Wachau

Published:  01 December, 2023

FJ Gritsch, the family-run Austrian winery, will leave the Wachau regional winegrowers’ association and instead classify its wines under the DAC pyramid of origin.

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Trade reflects on ‘mixed-bag’ Autumn Statement

Published:  27 November, 2023

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.

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Alcohol Duty: ‘One tax rise in a year is alarming, two is unacceptable’

Published:  17 November, 2023

Ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November, senior figures in the wine industry are voicing their concerns amidst fears of a second alcohol duty rise in the space of four months.

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Oxford Landing brings ‘duty-friendly’ wines to market

Published:  16 November, 2023

Oxford Landing Wines, owned by Australian winery Hill-Smith Family Estates, has launched two low-alcohol wines to the UK market.

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