Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

New Horizons Q&A: Paul Jenkins, Caprice Holdings

Published: 04 January, 2021

With an end game in sight with the vaccine in 2021, we speak to members of the trade about their forecasts and plans for the year ahead.

Nicholls awarded OBE

Published: 04 January, 2021

UK Hospitality (UKH) CEO Kate Nicholls has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list for her services to the hospitality sector.

Minister of hospitality petition exceeds 100,000 signatures

Published: 16 December, 2020

A campaign pushing for a minister of hospitality has exceeded its target of 100,000 signatures, meaning parliament must now consider the topic for debate.

Nicholls: ‘Continuing to batter hospitality is not the answer’

Published: 15 December, 2020

UK Hospitality has branded London’s, and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, move to Tier 3 as illogical, warning that businesses will be pushed towards failure and more jobs put at risk as a result.

Hancock confirms London to enter Tier 3

Published: 14 December, 2020

Matt Hancock has confirmed that London will move into Tier 3 Covid restrictions from Wednesday, alongside parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Half measures for on-trade groups post lockdown

Published: 14 December, 2020

Around half of Britain’s managed pubs, restaurants and bars were open and trading last week as lockdown ended and the new tier levels came into force in England, but sales were significantly down even in those sites able to open.

Cautious optimism returns for hospitality’s businesses prospects

Published: 07 December, 2020

A new survey has revealed a rise in optimism among hospitality operators for the future of their business over the next 12 months, albeit from a very low threshhold – but representing a substantial increase from the third quarter of the year.

Long read: From hospitality to homelessness

Published: 03 December, 2020

With 30-40% of people made homeless this year estimated to be former hospitality workers, the situation has become dire for many. Hugh Jones, who also lost his job this year as a result of the pandemic, investigates the depth of the problem, and how the trade can help.

Hospitality to stage second demonstration

Published: 02 December, 2020

Members of the hospitality industry will converge on Parliament Square for a second time this Monday (7 December) to urge the government to revise its policies relating to hospitality venues, both in terms of restrictions and financial support.

UKH calls for govt to earmark ‘Tesco hand back’ for hospitality

Published: 02 December, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) has called for the establishment of a Hospitality and Tourism Recovery Fund to support hospitality businesses that have not received any grant support and are at risk of closure.

Westminster City Council extends alfresco scheme for six months

Published: 02 December, 2020

Westminster City Council has announced it has extended its alfresco dining scheme in central London, which falls under Tier 2 of the new restrictions, for another six months starting today.

25 million keen to visit on-trade this month

Published: 01 December, 2020

A total of 25 million customers want to visit the on-trade this month, according to new research by C&C-owned data and insights company Proof Insight

New UK immigration system goes live

Published: 01 December, 2020

The UK’s new points-based post-Brexit immigration system is now operational.

Trade reels from Welsh trading restrictions

Published: 01 December, 2020

The drinks trade has reacted angrily to the Welsh government’s new restrictions on pubs and restaurants, announced yesterday.

Research highlights supply chain plight

Published: 01 December, 2020

Covid has caused supply chain difficulties for more than nine in 10 hospitality businesses since they reopened in July, according to new CGA and Prestige Purchasing research released today.

PM promises u-turn on support for hospitality trade

Published: 30 November, 2020

Boris Johnson is set to offer more support to pubs and restaurants, the Daily Telegraph is reporting.

Shaken Not Broken fund urges support against £717m lost Christmas bookings

Published: 25 November, 2020

With a £717m estimated loss in Christmas party bookings due to Covid-19, Campari UK and The Drinks Trust are calling on businesses to donate 5% of their annual party fund to support on-trade staff.

Return to tougher Tier system brings limited cheer for hospitality

Published: 24 November, 2020

The news yesterday (23 November) that England will return to a three-tier system post lockdown has highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by pubs, bars and restaurants.

Mixed news for hospitality in new English tier system

Published: 23 November, 2020

The 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants is to be lifted when England comes out of lockdown on 2 December, the prime minister is expected to announce today.

Three quarters of hospitality businesses could close in 2021

Published: 19 November, 2020

Trade bodies have called for an adaptation of Tier restrictions as they warn almost three quarters of hospitality businesses could close without further government support.