Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Analysis: Hospitality seeks aid to halt closures

Published: 14 February, 2024

As the on-trade is hit by a cost-of-doing-business crisis, many are facing a tough decision unless government intervenes. James Bayley reports.

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.

6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023

Published: 30 January, 2024

New data released today (30 January) has revealed more than 6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023, bringing the total number of closures since the pandemic to nearly 23,000.

Hospitality employment scheme for jobseekers launches in Wales

Published: 26 January, 2024

A government-backed employment pathway for hospitality began in Cardiff this week, offering jobseekers career opportunities and a route back into work.

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.

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.

Scottish hospitality businesses ‘hang in the balance’ without government support

Published: 18 December, 2023

New analysis has revealed that thousands of Scottish hospitality businesses will be left unsupported if a rates relief isn’t included in the Scottish Budget tomorrow (19 December).

On-trade: All I want for Christmas…

Published: 11 December, 2023

With the festive period upon us, Chris Losh asks how restaurants might fashion a silk purse out of a pig of a trading climate.

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.

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.

Christmas strikes to cost hospitality £800m

Published: 17 November, 2023

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

Wet October softens growth for hospitality

Published: 15 November, 2023

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

Published: 09 November, 2023

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

Published: 30 October, 2023

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

Published: 04 October, 2023

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

Published: 02 October, 2023

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

Published: 14 September, 2023

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

Published: 08 September, 2023

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

Published: 25 July, 2023

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

Published: 24 May, 2023

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.