Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Jerry Lockspeiser: Can we plan for the unknown?

Published: 23 November, 2020

“The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.” Charles Bukowski

Soapbox: Southern bias leaves a bitter taste

Published: 17 November, 2020

After enduring three months of local restrictions with little help, Sara Saunby, owner of Manchester hybrid Salut, says Whitehall’s belated decision to help the North is too little, too late

Furlough extension “wasted investment” without further support

Published: 06 November, 2020

Trade bodies have welcomed the extension of the Job Retention (furlough) Scheme (JRS) but warned that this alone is not enough to keep hospitality alive.

UKH: ‘Decision to permit takeaway alcohol vital lifeline for businesses’

Published: 04 November, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) has welcomed the “pragmatic decision” to allow restaurants, bars and pubs to sell pre-ordered takeaway alcohol sales during lockdown 2.0.

Govt U-turn on pub lockdown sales

Published: 04 November, 2020

In a U-turn, the government has agreed to allow England’s pubs to sell takeaway alcohol during the national lockdown that begins on Thursday.

‘Shop out to help out’ scheme needed for small retailers

Published: 02 November, 2020

Extra help is needed to support small, independent retailers through a second lockdown, including a ‘Shop out to help out’ scheme and a cashflow windfall, it has been suggested.

Second national lockdown a "calamity" for hospitality without more govt support

Published: 02 November, 2020

There are deep concerns across the hospitality sector about the impact of the government’s latest lockdown measures for England which were announced on Saturday evening by the prime minister.

UKH Cymru: ‘Restrictions having a hugely debilitating effect'

Published: 29 October, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) Cymru has warned that further support is needed if the industry to survive the winter.

Beale: 'The threat of VI-1 forms is still very real’

Published: 28 October, 2020

The WSTA has warned that the threat of VI-1 forms is still "very real", saying that the policy, not just the timing, still needs to change.

WSTA crowns rum the drink of lockdown

Published: 26 October, 2020

The WSTA has crowned rum the "drink of lockdown" with the spirit enjoying the biggest growth across all spirits during the period, according to new WSTA data.

Trade bodies welcome Chancellor’s latest support package

Published: 23 October, 2020

Trade bodies across the industry have welcomed the Chancellor’s latest support package for businesses announced yesterday afternoon.

South Yorkshire follows Manchester into Tier 3

Published: 21 October, 2020

South Yorkshire has officially joined Manchester in the highest bracket of Covid measures, meaning bars and restaurants not serving seated meals will close.

Industry estimates 750,000 job losses without ‘appropriate support’

Published: 19 October, 2020

Hospitality faces 750,000 job losses without urgent government support, according to the latest research conducted by CGA for UK Hospitality (UKH), the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

UKH: Additional extensive financial support crucial

Published: 12 October, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) has welcomed the new support for closed hospitality businesses but said that support for others must go further, repeating its call for a much more comprehensive package of support for the whole sector to cover rent and other overheads.

On-trade in northern England could shut

Published: 08 October, 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce additional lockdown restrictions across parts of England early next week.

Govt delays vote on 10pm curfew as opposition mounts

Published: 07 October, 2020

The government has delayed a vote in the House of Commons on the 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants.

UKH: "Post-18 education support must target hospitality"

Published: 30 September, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) has welcomed the announcement that the government will expand post-18 education and training.

On-trade visits to drop sharply following new restrictions

Published: 28 September, 2020

Consumers will significantly reduce their visits to pubs, bars and restaurants in the light of the new government restrictions introduced last Thursday, according to new CGA research.

Sunak reveals new Job Support Scheme and confirms VAT cuts

Published: 24 September, 2020

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the details of the government’s Winter Economy Plan, including a new Job Support Scheme that will replace furlough when it closes on 31 October, and an extension of the VAT break for hospitality until 31 March 2021.