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.

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

Industry leaders in Scotland are calling for greater clarity on the implementation of the country’s deposit return scheme (DRS), which is due to come into effect in July 2023.

Under the new scheme, customers in Scotland will be charged a deposit on certain types of drinks packaging, which they can then reclaim when they return the packaging for recycling.

While the scheme is seen as an important step in reducing waste and improving recycling rates, industry leaders are calling on the Scottish government to provide greater clarity on how the scheme will work in practice.

Some businesses are concerned about the potential cost and logistical challenges of implementing the scheme, and are calling for more guidance on issues such as how the deposit system will be operated, how refunds will be processed, and how the scheme will be enforced.

In addition, there are concerns that the scheme could lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which has already put significant financial pressure on the hospitality industry.

However, many in the industry also see the potential benefits of the scheme, and are calling for more support and guidance to help businesses prepare for its implementation.

Industry leaders are calling on the Scottish government to work closely with businesses to ensure that the scheme is implemented in a way that is practical and effective, and that takes into account the challenges facing the industry.

With just a few months to go until the scheme is due to come into effect, there is a growing sense of urgency among businesses and industry groups to get clarity on how the scheme will work in practice, and to ensure that they are prepared to comply with the new regulations.

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. 

The UK pub industry is calling on the government to take action to address the rising cost of energy, which is putting significant financial pressure on many businesses.

In a letter to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), industry group the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has outlined a series of measures that it believes could help to ease the burden on pubs and other hospitality businesses.

These measures include reducing the level of VAT on energy bills, introducing a temporary cap on energy prices, and increasing support for businesses looking to invest in energy-efficient technologies.

According to the BII, rising energy costs have become a major issue for the UK pub industry in recent years, with many businesses struggling to cope with the high cost of gas and electricity.

The problem has been exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, which has forced many pubs to close or reduce their operations, while still facing high fixed costs such as energy bills.

In its letter to the BEIS, the BII warned that without action from the government, many pubs could be forced to close, leading to job losses and a further contraction of the industry.

The letter also called for greater transparency in the energy market, and for more support for businesses looking to switch to renewable energy sources.

The BII’s call for action on energy costs comes as the UK pub industry continues to face a range of challenges, including the ongoing impact of the pandemic, staff shortages, and uncertainty around Brexit.

Industry leaders are calling on the government to take a more proactive approach to supporting the hospitality sector, and to provide targeted financial support to help businesses weather the current crisis.

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.