Andrew Pring Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Water way to run a country

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:19:00 GMT

Here is a Morning Advertiser health warning.

Time for a mental step change

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 GMT

Ted Tuppen’s offer to help fund a trade body should make licensees think long and hard about what it means to run pubs professionally, says Andrew Pring.

The devil will be in the detail

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:31:00 GMT

The biggest pubcos pledge fairness and reform, but what about the others — and what about the nitty gritty of their offers, asks Andrew Pring.

The importance of going soft

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:32:00 GMT

A bit of clever retailing and a sense of adventure is all licensees need to reap the rewards of a top-notch soft drinks offer this summer, says Andrew Pring.

Let’s hope it’s not just rhetoric

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:31:00 GMT

The promise of change makes it an exciting time and, if the pubcos are genuine in their desire to evolve, the future will be fairer for licensees, says Andrew Pring.

MA pub awards show the way

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:03:00 GMT

It’s right and proper, given the range of problems traced to their door, that the post-Bec talk has been all about what pubcos must do to change the way they operate, says Andrew Pring.

90 days to reshape the trade

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:50:00 GMT

The Campaign for Real Ale has stepped into the fray over the beer tie — to the dismay of the Fair Pint campaigners, says Andrew Pring.

Searching for the right values

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:42:00 GMT

Pubcos must ask themselves some searching questions if the trade is to reform, says Andrew Pring.

Trust in the trade — a Manifesto

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:49:00 GMT

The Morning Advertiser has launched a Manifesto for restoring trust between licensees and pubcos. To keep politicians out of our business, the trade must show it can sort out its own problems.

Wake-up call for the pubcos

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The conclusions of the Business and Enterprise Committee’s report must form the foundations of a fresh start for the industry, says Andrew Pring.

The real cost of late payment

Fri, 08 May 2009 07:18:00 GMT

Taking ever longer to pay suppliers is a short-sighted policy and potentially disastrous for the industry, says Andrew Pring.

'Trade must solve own troubles'

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:20:00 GMT

Blaming Fair Pint for Darling's decision to raise duty makes us much sense as blaming the pubcos for every ill, says Andrew Pring.

Polarised views can’t help pubs

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:17:00 GMT

Remember that chant in Animal Farm — “four legs good, two legs bad”? Well, it’s becoming that heated and polarised in the pub trade these days, says Andrew Pring.

Making the pubco model work

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:37:00 GMT

The market forces driving pubcos to offer more support to their licensee partners are a template for the future, says Andrew Pring.

Give licensees a fair chance

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:54:00 GMT

Punch shouldn’t waste the time of those licensees who really are interested in buying, says Andrew Pring.

A fairer way of settling rents

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:25:00 GMT

Tenants feeling hard done by in rent reviews could be a thing of the past as the BII moves to take its affordable arbitration scheme forward, says Andrew Pring.

At last, Gordon talks sense

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:15:00 GMT

The Prime Minister weighed into the debate with a long-awaited moment of clarity — now we need to build on it, says Andrew Pring.

Time to reshape trade bodies

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:09:00 GMT

The lobbyists may have failed, but instead of a night of the long knives, the answer is surely a restructuring of the trade body landscape, says Andrew Pring.

We are your good news bible

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 03:20:00 GMT

Calling all MA readers, calling all MA readers: is there any good news out there? Or is it really the end of the world and we’re all off to hell in a handcart?

CLICK TO WIELD THE AXE

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:30:00 GMT

Many thousands have so far signed up to the Axe the Beer Tax campaign, but more of us need to if we are to influence the Chancellor come Budget day, says Andrew Pring.

Banks hold the key to sell-off

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:47:00 GMT

Punch may want to reinvent its business model, but it needs to be realistic about pub sale prices — and banks need to start lending to licensees.

Beer: waiting to be reborn

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:52:00 GMT

Brewers and licensees need to regain their self belief in beer and once more exude pride in our national drink

Scrap the beer duty rise — now

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:17:00 GMT

The trade is involved in a real race against time to find a solution that will stem the tide of pub closures, says Andrew Pring.

Help! We need everybody’s

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:47:00 GMT

Whether or not pubcos are able or willing to offer help to licensees, additional trade initiatives are vital, says Andrew Pring.

Fight them and their speeches

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:51:00 GMT

The Government’s latest barrage of blows against the trade is a shameful and ill-timed attack, says Andrew Pring.

Bespoke prices would suit all

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:18:00 GMT

Licensees can’t do it on their own — they need flexibility from their pubcos to rival the big managed operators, says Andrew Pring.

Don’t do a dodo, do a Darwin

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:25:00 GMT

With the downturn biting hard, the economic conditions are right for the evolution of the pub, says Andrew Pring.

Let's work together in 2009

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 03:10:00 GMT

It was the worst year for the trade in living memory, but with necessity as the mother of invention, there have been some real positives, says Andrew Pring.

So far not so bad, Home Sec

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:26:00 GMT

The Queen’s speech revealed plans for a new restrictive code for pubs, but not the draconian crackdown we feared, says Andrew Pring.

Join Save the Pub campaign

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:15:00 GMT

Darling and his pals have turned the licensed trade into a cash cow of monstrous proportions. Now, more than ever, is the time to challenge that anti-pub ethos, says Andrew Pring.

Saluting a trade champ

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:28:00 GMT

Retiring FLVA chairman and industry stalwart Tony Payne’s 34-year career in trade protection has benefited thousands of pub operators and their families, says Andrew Pring.

Pubco model begins to evolve

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:02:00 GMT

Greene King’s new measures that aim to support the licensees running its estate are a bold but much needed move, says Andrew Pring.

Come on, it is OK to enjoy a drink

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:54:00 GMT

The millions currently being committed to the Project Ten responsible drinking campaign would be better spent on encouraging punters back into pubs, says Andrew Pring.

Regulation is strangling our pubs

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:53:00 GMT

As licensees spend a day and a half per week dealing with bureaucracy, an excellent report from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group engages with the gritty reality of pub life, says Andrew Pring.

Man the guns on a burning deck

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:08:00 GMT

What kind of pub novice devises the Government’s anti-alcohol proposals? The trade faces a fierce fight against the oncoming tide of red tape, says Andrew Pring.

Government can listen, so speak up

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:55:00 GMT

Amid more news of pub closures, we need to learn lessons from those pubs that are still doing well — and support our trade leaders as they lobby the politicians, says MA editor Andrew Pring.

Time to reshape the pubco model

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

If pubcos are to survive then the bosses at the top of those companies need to listen to their most talented operations managers, says Andrew Pring.

Blow the budget, save the trade

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:34:00 GMT

Enough of the depressing media stories, let’s support the BBPA’s campaign and get some good publicity out there.

The importance of being honest

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:04:00 GMT

The impending Parliamentary review of the Tisc inquiry should pose more difficult questions for the pubcos.

Backs against the wall: Time to fight

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:37:00 GMT

The Government has done nothing to help pubs, so it's time the trade went on the offensive and showed just how tough it can be.

Time to get grocers off our turf

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:10:00 GMT

Cutting the price of alcohol to combat the economic downturn can only do harm in the long term, so isn’t it finally time for Government to tame the supermarkets?

Good sense prevails for pubwatch

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:07:00 GMT

Amidst some rather bizarre human-rights legislation, it’s refreshing to see common sense protecting licensees and customers from troublemakers, says MA editor Andrew Pring

It's all up to the Government now

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:18:00 GMT

There is no light yet at the end of the tunnel, no end in sight of the perfect storm. If help is to come, it must come from the Government, says Andrew Pring.

Why should pubs take the blame?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:08:00 GMT

One of the biggest contributors to declining standards of Government has been a pathetic over-reliance on management consultants, says MA editor Andrew Pring.

We must solve pub crisis together

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:30:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring says trade must heed Gerry Sutcliffe's warning to lobby with one voice.

A modest proposal for helping pubs

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:31:00 GMT

Andrew Pring considers what support pubcos can offer tenants.

So what have you done since 2004?

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:33:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring considers the impact of the Business Enterprise Committee inquiry into pubcos.

The ban hurts, but it's right

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:48:00 GMT

MA editor considers the smoking ban a year on

Pring: 18 to vote, serve and drink

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:28:00 GMT

On-trade should not be tempted by siren of suggestions for banning off-trade sales to under-21s

Pring: Winning the generation game

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor discusses the joys of youthful licensees

Pring: Pubs bad, supermarkets good

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:58:00 GMT

Pubs are under attack again

Pring: BII shows way in tough times

Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Andrew Pring speaks on the BII annual event.

Pring: What's fair and maintainable pub rent?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:06:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring considers whether fair maintainable rent is fair

Pring; Tisc, Tisc — another inquiry?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Andrew Pring believes the last thing big pubcos need now is another investigation by politicians and regulators

Pring: We are such an easy touch!

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:52:00 GMT

Why does the pub trade have so little clout with politicians?

Pring: Rooms for improvement

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring considers the trend to diversify into accommodation

Pring: Pubwatch sets top example

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:52:00 GMT

MA editor says Pubwatch is leading the way

Pring: Pubcos must join debate

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:29:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring says it's high-time the pubcos joined the debate on the hard times ahead for the industry

Pring: Coping with a Colossus

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring considers the proposed merger between Punch and Mitchells & Butlers

Pring: S&N deal is good for pubs

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring says S&N deal will benefit pubs

Pring: Pubs must get help now

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring considers the impact of the latest price rises

Pring: Keeping neighbours sweet

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

It can take just one noise complaint to spark a licence review, warns MA editor

Be smart and get planning

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:51:00 GMT

That appalling summer. The horrendous floods. Plummeting beer sales – the lowest since the Great Depression.

Drink-drive lobby is wrong

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:40:00 GMT

It had to happen, didn’t it? But we were so busy fending off the fanatical smoking and bingeing lobbyists that no one noticed the drink-driving brigade was queuing up to have its own prejudiced pop at the pub trade

Fighting the anti-alcohol lobby

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 02:13:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring urges trade to fight the anti-alcohol lobby group

Pring: Stop below-cost sales now

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor and industry guru Andrew Pring urges the Government to act to stop loss leading on booze in supermarkets

Pring: Let's hear it for licensees

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

2008 will be the year of the licensee, says MA editor Andrew Pring

Smoking out what's going on, by Andrew Pring

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

So how's it been for you since The Ban? Up? Down? Or simply, What's the Big Deal?

Andrew Pring's video blog

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:57:00 GMT

In Andrew Pring's video blog this week Deputy News Editor John Harrington steps into the breach to talk you through the highlights of the magazine.

Sky - adding insult to injury, says Andrew Pring

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Andrew Pring talks about Sky's latest price rise

Andrew Pring's video blog 10-07

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 02:17:00 GMT

Listen to MA Editor Andrew Pring talk you through some of the big stories you'll find in tomorrow's issue.

Andrew Pring looks at the drive to improve quality

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Quality is the new watch-word for the trade today

Andrew Pring's Video blog

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:24:00 GMT

In Andrew's video blog this week Andrew talks you through the highlights of the magazine.

Andrew Pring's Video blog 13/06/2007

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:35:00 GMT

A new feature we're starting up this week is Andrew's video blog.

The price just isn't right - says Andrew pring

Thu, 31 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Funny old issue, pricing. Every expert tells you people don't mind paying a bit more for their drink, just as long as they like the atmosphere, the crowd, the licensee, the loos or whatever.

Andrew Pring asks for a penny for your thoughts

Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

In a week when the Government announces its new alcohol strategy, it seems strangely perverse to write about public access to pub toilets.

Food is not the only answer - says Andrew Pring

Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Futurologists - people who make their living sticking a wet finger in the air - don't have a great track record.

Get behind ALMR awards, says Andrew Pring

Thu, 17 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

It's 10 years since the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) began running its Operations Manager of the Year awards, now one of the key industry standards-raising initiatives.

Police need trade as an ally, says Andrew Pring

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

When the chairman of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) goes public with an attack on the police, then you know something has gone badly wrong in relations between the trade and the forces of law and order.

Andrew Pring asks 'What price Blair's legacy?'

Thu, 03 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

It will not be Iraq or spin, or squandered public finances that most people in our trade will remember Tony Blair for.

Punch surprises us all again, says Andrew Pring

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Punch's latest move away from life as a pure pubco has got more than a few heads scratching in the trade.

Pring: Kids! Leave those pubs alone

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:00:00 GMT

MA editor Andrew Pring says kids trying to buy booze should not be let off scot free