The recent Licensing Act Consultation and what this means for hospitality businesses.

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The government’s consultation proposes changes to the Licensing Act of 2003, which governs the sale of alcohol and the provision of entertainment and late-night refreshment in England and Wales.

One of the main proposals is to give local authorities more powers to regulate the night-time economy, particularly in areas where there are high levels of crime and disorder. This could include the introduction of a “night-time levy” to fund extra police patrols and other measures to keep people safe.

Another proposal is to allow more flexibility for businesses when it comes to opening hours. Currently, premises can apply for a licence to open until 11pm or 12am, depending on their location. The consultation suggests that this could be extended to allow businesses to apply for later licences, potentially up until 4am.

However, this would be subject to conditions such as ensuring that the premises are not causing a nuisance to local residents, and that there are adequate measures in place to prevent crime and disorder.

The consultation also proposes changes to the licensing regime for events such as festivals and concerts, to make it easier for organisers to obtain licences and for local authorities to regulate them.

Overall, the proposals aim to strike a balance between allowing businesses to thrive and ensuring that the night-time economy is safe and well-regulated. The consultation is open until May 2023, and businesses and members of the public are encouraged to have their say on the proposed changes.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

UK pubs hope King Charles’ coronation will give industry a much-needed boost

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Pubs across the UK are hoping that the coronation of King Charles III, scheduled for May 30, will provide a much-needed boost to the struggling hospitality industry. The coronation celebrations are expected to bring in thousands of visitors and tourists from around the world, providing a much-needed injection of cash and business for pubs and other establishments.

In addition to the boost in tourism, many pub owners are hoping that the coronation will lead to an increase in consumer spending and a boost in consumer confidence. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the hospitality industry, with many pubs and other establishments struggling to stay afloat in the face of ongoing restrictions and reduced demand.

However, some experts have warned that the boost from the coronation celebrations could be short-lived, and that the hospitality industry will continue to face challenges in the months and years ahead. Inflation, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences are just some of the factors that could impact the industry’s recovery and growth.

Despite these challenges, many pub owners and industry experts remain optimistic about the future of the industry, and are hopeful that the coronation celebrations will mark the beginning of a new era of growth and prosperity for the sector.

Commenting on the upcoming coronation, a spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association said: “We are excited about the coronation celebrations and the opportunities they will bring for our industry. We hope that this will be a turning point for the sector, and that it will mark the beginning of a brighter future for pubs and other hospitality businesses across the country.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Chancellor urged to take action on UK hospitality industry in upcoming budget

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Industry leaders and trade groups in the UK’s hospitality sector are urging the Chancellor to take action in the upcoming budget to support struggling businesses and help them recover from the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Among the measures being called for are an extension of the furlough scheme, additional financial support for businesses facing ongoing restrictions and reduced capacity, and a reduction in VAT rates for the hospitality industry.

According to industry experts, these measures are necessary to help the sector remain viable in the face of ongoing challenges, including supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and changing consumer preferences.

In a joint letter to the Chancellor, trade groups including UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, and the Society of Independent Brewers called for a “bold and ambitious” budget that recognizes the importance of the hospitality sector to the UK economy.

They wrote: “The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, with many businesses struggling to survive in the face of ongoing restrictions and reduced demand. We urgently need the Chancellor to take action in the upcoming budget to support the industry and help it recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”

The Chancellor has indicated that he is aware of the challenges facing the hospitality sector, and has pledged to support businesses as they work to recover and rebuild in the months and years ahead.

However, industry leaders are calling for more specific and targeted measures to be included in the budget to help the sector stay afloat and remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

UK government seeks feedback from businesses on business rates

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The UK government has launched a new consultation aimed at gathering feedback and insights from businesses across the country on how to improve the country’s business rates system.

Business rates, which are a tax on commercial properties such as shops, offices, and pubs, are a major expense for many businesses in the UK. Despite this, the system has faced criticism in recent years for being complex, outdated, and unfair.

In response to these concerns, the government is now seeking input from businesses of all sizes and sectors on how the system could be improved. The consultation will focus on a range of issues, including the valuation of commercial properties, the frequency of rate reviews, and the effectiveness of relief measures.

According to the government, the feedback gathered through the consultation will be used to inform the development of a new business rates system that is fair, transparent, and reflective of the needs and concerns of UK businesses.

In a statement, the government said: “We understand that business rates are a significant expense for many businesses in the UK, and that the current system can be complex and difficult to navigate. That’s why we are seeking feedback from businesses of all sizes and sectors on how the system could be improved. We believe that by working together, we can develop a new business rates system that is fair, transparent, and reflective of the needs and concerns of UK businesses.”

The consultation is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, and will remain open until April 19, 2023.

We are currently not sure how publicans can take part in this research, but a link will be posted here once found out.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Food shortages becoming a growing concern for UK hospitality sector

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The UK hospitality sector is facing an ongoing challenge when it comes to sourcing and procuring the ingredients and supplies necessary to keep their businesses running. With food shortages becoming increasingly common, many pub and restaurant owners are struggling to obtain the products they need to serve their customers.

According to industry experts, the problem is being driven by a range of factors, including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and changing consumer preferences.

In some cases, suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand due to production issues or a lack of available staff. In other cases, rising costs and shifting consumer preferences are making it more difficult for suppliers to source the raw materials and ingredients needed to produce their products.

For pub and restaurant owners, the challenge of sourcing high-quality, affordable ingredients and supplies is becoming a growing concern, as it can impact both the quality of their food and their ability to remain profitable and competitive.

In response to these challenges, some hospitality businesses are taking steps to diversify their supply chains and to explore new sourcing options. This can include sourcing ingredients locally or working with smaller, more agile suppliers who are better equipped to respond to changing market conditions.

Despite these efforts, however, the ongoing challenge of food shortages and supply chain disruptions is likely to remain a major concern for the UK hospitality sector in the months and years ahead. By staying informed about market trends, consumer preferences, and the latest supply chain developments, pub and restaurant owners can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing market.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Beer prices in UK pubs: What’s behind the recent increases?

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Pubs in the UK are facing a range of challenges and uncertainties, from ongoing pandemic-related restrictions to rising costs and changing consumer preferences. One area where these challenges are particularly evident is in the price of beer, with many pubs reporting increases in the cost of a pint.

There are several factors that may be contributing to these price increases. One is the rising cost of ingredients and raw materials, such as hops, barley, and yeast, which can make it more expensive for pubs to produce and serve beer.

Another factor is the ongoing impact of the pandemic, which has forced many pubs to operate at reduced capacity and to implement costly health and safety measures, such as additional cleaning and ventilation requirements.

At the same time, changing consumer preferences and expectations are also having an impact, with many customers now demanding higher-quality, more innovative, and more sustainable beers and other drinks.

While some pub owners and managers may be reluctant to raise prices in response to these challenges, others argue that doing so is necessary in order to remain profitable and sustainable in a rapidly changing market.

Ultimately, the decision to raise beer prices is a complex one, and will depend on a range of factors, including the pub’s location, customer base, and overall business strategy. However, by staying informed about market trends and consumer preferences, and by remaining flexible and adaptable, pub owners and managers can position themselves for success in the years ahead.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Pricing meals at pubs: How to adapt to changing food trends

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The UK pub industry is facing a period of significant change, driven in part by shifting consumer preferences and changing food trends.

As customers increasingly demand healthier, more sustainable, and more affordable food options, pub owners and managers are having to adapt their menus and pricing strategies to stay competitive and meet changing expectations.

One approach that many pub owners are taking is to focus on offering a range of dishes that cater to different dietary needs and preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

By doing so, pubs can attract a wider range of customers and offer more choice to those with specific dietary requirements, while also differentiating themselves from competitors and demonstrating their commitment to offering healthier and more sustainable food options.

Another important consideration when pricing meals at pubs is to be aware of the cost of ingredients and other inputs, and to adjust prices accordingly. This can help to ensure that dishes are priced fairly and sustainably, while also allowing pubs to maintain profit margins and invest in new initiatives and technologies.

It is also important for pub owners and managers to be aware of changing food trends and to adapt their menus and pricing strategies accordingly. By keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and consumer preferences, pubs can stay ahead of the curve and offer customers the dishes and experiences they are looking for.

Ultimately, the key to success in the pub industry is to be adaptable, responsive, and willing to experiment and innovate. By listening to customers, staying up-to-date with trends, and offering high-quality, affordable, and sustainable meals, pub owners and managers can build a loyal customer base and position themselves for long-term success.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.

Stonegate – Pubs Code non-compliant MRO offers

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Stonegate has offered to revise the terms of rent review clauses in its MRO (Market Rent Only) agreements, which were found to be non-compliant with the Pubs Code. The Pubs Code is a set of regulations designed to protect the rights of pub tenants in relation to their pub-owning companies.

The revision would ensure that Stonegate’s MRO agreements comply with the Pubs Code, specifically with regard to the timing of rent reviews and the provision of the necessary information to tenants.
This offer follows an investigation by the Pubs Code Adjudicator, which found that Stonegate’s MRO agreements did not fully comply with the regulations.
Stonegate has stated that it is committed to working with its tenants and the Pubs Code Adjudicator to ensure compliance with the Pubs Code.

Stonegate has written to its lessees on those agreements to confirm it will not be enforcing the upwards-only open market rent review and offering to remove it from their agreement. It has also offered a financial contribution towards legal costs for any who take up the offer.

Other pub companies (or pub-owning businesses under the pub’s code) are expected to follow suit.
If you are an MRO tenant or lessee with an upwards-only clause please email us here

The impact of low and no-alcohol drinks on the UK pub industry

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The growing trend for low and no-alcohol drinks is having an impact on the UK pub industry, with many businesses adapting their menus and strategies to cater to changing consumer preferences.

While traditional alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and spirits remain popular, the rise of low and no-alcohol alternatives is driving significant changes in the sector.

For pubs, this means rethinking their drinks offering and marketing strategies, and finding new ways to engage with customers who are looking for healthier and more sustainable drink options.

Some pub owners and managers are also exploring new partnerships with low and no-alcohol drink brands, in an effort to offer a wider range of options to customers and to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

However, there are also concerns that the rise of low and no-alcohol drinks could have a negative impact on the pub industry, particularly if customers begin to shift away from traditional alcoholic drinks.

While the industry is adapting to these changes, there is still much uncertainty about what the future holds, and how the sector will need to evolve in order to remain competitive and successful.

Despite the challenges, many in the industry see the trend for low and no-alcohol drinks as an opportunity to innovate and evolve, and to offer customers a wider range of options that reflect changing preferences and attitudes.

With the rise of low and no-alcohol drinks set to continue, it is likely that the UK pub industry will need to continue adapting and evolving in order to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE. 

Heineken reports 2023 profit increase despite challenges in Europe

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Dutch brewing company Heineken has reported a profit increase for 2023, despite facing challenges in its European markets.

The company reported a net profit of €2.6 billion ($3.1 billion) for the year, up from €2.5 billion ($3 billion) in the previous year, driven by strong sales in its Asia Pacific and Americas regions.

However, sales in Europe were weaker, due in part to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and changing consumer habits.

Despite the challenges, Heineken remains optimistic about the future, and is continuing to invest in its business and to explore new opportunities for growth.

The company has recently launched a number of new products and marketing initiatives, aimed at engaging with younger consumers and promoting its brand in new markets.

Heineken has also announced plans to expand its operations in Africa, where it sees significant potential for growth, and to invest in new technologies and sustainability initiatives to help drive the industry forward.

Industry analysts suggest that Heineken’s success in 2023 is a reflection of its ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions, and to position itself as a leader in the global brewing industry.

With the future of the industry uncertain, many companies are looking for new ways to engage with consumers, drive growth, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Despite the challenges facing the industry, companies like Heineken are demonstrating that there are still opportunities for growth and innovation, and that with the right strategy and approach, it is possible to succeed and thrive in the years ahead.

The Pubs Advisory Service works in conjunction with many businesses to increase their profitability and to help them resolve disputes. If you would like help with your pub business, then please contact us by clicking HERE.