General news - Politics Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

BII: time to do deal with Government

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:01:00 GMT

BII boss Neil Robertson believes the industry “can do a deal” with the Government to lay off it in return for providing employment opportunities.

Scarbrough LVA backs earlier pub closing times

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Scarborough’s Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA) is supporting a campaign to revise licensing hours.

TV chef launches e-petition to amend smoking ban

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

TV chef and publican Antony Worrall Thompson has launched an e-petition calling on the government to review the smoking ban.

Gov’t creates new enterprise zones

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:37:00 GMT

New pubs and bars in parts of Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, Essex and Kent are set to have lower business rates.

Parliamentary groups back Brewing Centre bid

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:58:00 GMT

The chairmen of two influential pub and beer groups for MPs have lent their support to the National Brewing Centre's bid to set up as a trust company.

Cut VAT to 5%: sign the official petition

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:57:00 GMT

The PMA's official petition calling for a reduction in VAT to 5% for the hospitality industry has gained huge momentum.

Drinks firms asked for labelling updates

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:57:00 GMT

Drinks companies will be asked to give annual updates on how they have complied with alcohol labelling commitments made with the Government.

Tuppen in plea to pubcos

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:05:00 GMT

Enterprise chief Ted Tuppen has promised to “push even harder” to encourage other pubcos to insist that anyone signing a lease or tenancy has taken formal advice.

ALMR backs action on copyright collection bodies

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:16:00 GMT

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed Government plans to tighten up the conduct of copyright collection firms.

Pubs ‘not ready’ for Olympic challenge

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:52:00 GMT

Pubs and bars near Olympic sites are not prepared for the transport challenges presented by the 2012 games, says TfL.

MP and CAMRA hail pub plans change

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

MP Greg Mulholland and CAMRA have welcomed the Government’s inclusion of pubs in a new reduced-size planning document.

Welsh AM: pubcos must give a bit back

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A newly-elected Welsh AM has called on pubcos to give “a little bit back” and consider offers from communities for pubs.

FPB: pubcos holding tenants to ransom

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:39:00 GMT

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has called for stronger regulation of the pub trade claiming pubcos are holding tenants to ransom.

Campaign to ban glass bottles after 9pm

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:09:00 GMT

A campaign in Cornwall to get glass bottles banned in pubs after 9pm has been supported by local MPs.

Rates scheme runs ‘damp squib’ risk

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Plans to let councils retain business rates and borrow against future rate income should provide an incentive for growth.

Business red tape burden 'not reduced'

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:30:00 GMT

Red tape for small businesses has not reduced despite attempts by the Coalition Government.

Daily drinking limits to be reviewed by MPs

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:20:00 GMT

Recommended daily limits on alcohol intake will be scrutinised by MPs on the Commons science and technology committee, it was announced last week.

DoH starts talking strategy

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The Department of Health (DoH) is conducting meetings with the industry to discuss the development of a new Alcohol Strategy.

Anger at PPL royalty fee hike

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:31:00 GMT

Senior industry figures have called plans to increase music royalty fees by up to 4,000% as “devastating” and “unsustainable”.

Protest over Stony Stratford smoking ban extension

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:38:00 GMT

A proposal to ban smoking on the streets of a Buckinghamshire town has been met with a 200-strong protest.

FSB backs VAT cut for pubs

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:31:00 GMT

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has thrown its support behind the Publican’s Morning Advertiser’s ‘Thrive on Five’ campaign.

Lords reject top-up licence fee charges

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Lords have rejected a plan that could make it easier for local authorities to add further top-up charges to licence fees.

Greg & Ted clash over RICS...again

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:50:00 GMT

Pub campaigner Greg Mulholland MP and Enterprise chief executive Ted Tuppen have clashed for a second time over RICS compliance.

Johnson calls for VAT-cut campaign

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:08:00 GMT

Luke Johnson, the serial restaurant investor, has called on the whole hospitality industry to come together to campaign for a VAT cut.

Tuppen: we have not misled tenants

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Enterprise Inns chief executive Ted Tuppen refuted claims that his company had misled tenants.

Theakston slams PBD distortions

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:02:00 GMT

The UK ale market is being distorted by progressive beer duty benefit for microbrewers, Yorkshire brewer Theakston has argued.

MP accuses pubcos of 'misleading'

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:11:00 GMT

Pubcos were accused of misleading tenants by a leading MP sitting on the committee investigating the beer tie.

BISC pubco hearing set for 30 June

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:16:00 GMT

The first hearing for the Business, Innovation & Skills Committee’s (BISC) follow-up inquiry into pubcos is scheduled for next Thursday (30 June).

BHA chief optimistic on talks to cut VAT

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:01:00 GMT

British Hospitality Association (BHA) chief executive Ufi Ibrahim has reported a “positive” meeting with the Treasury over reduced VAT.

Government microbrewer exports drive

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The Government is spearheading a fresh drive to encourage more export sales of beer from smaller British brewers.

Planning law changes ‘won’t save pubs’

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:56:00 GMT

Protecting pubs through changes to planning law is “not deliverable”, community pubs minister Bob Neill has warned campaigners.

Labour calls for VAT cut

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:22:00 GMT

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has urged the Government to make an emergency temporary cut in VAT to help “jump-start” the economy.

BID slams late-night levy

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:15:00 GMT

The BBPA efforts to stop the Government’s introduction of a late-night levy have been supported by the head of Nottingham’s BID.

Beer duty escalator has to go, says Neame

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:51:00 GMT

The duty escalator “must go” Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame told Treasury minister Justine Greening last week.

Pubcos ‘in free-of-tie peril’

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:36:00 GMT

A genuine free-of-tie option would put the pubco business model in “serious jeopardy”, according to Punch boss.

Pub sector calls for hygiene scheme improvements

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:06:00 GMT

The hospitality sector wants to see improvements made to the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

MP meets Enterprise boss over pub future

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 07:51:00 GMT

Senior Enterprise executive Simon Townsend has met with Norwich North MP Chloe Smith to discuss the future a pub in her constituency.

Pubs 'a good option for libraries'

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:31:00 GMT

More pubs could be set to add library services to their roster under radical proposals currently being considered by ministers.

FLVA supports statutory code move

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:54:00 GMT

One of the key signatories to the industry voluntary code of practice framework has said it must be replaced by a statutory code.

Licensees reveal red-tape pet hates

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:01:00 GMT

Abolish annual licence renewals, return licensing control to magistrates and deregulate entertainment, say licensees.

Pubcos grilled on statutory code

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:03:00 GMT

Senior pubco executives were grilled on the need for a statutory code of practice to govern the pubco-tenant relationship.

ALMR to help with gambling inquiry

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:26:00 GMT

A new consultation into gambling from the Culture, Media & Sport Committee is looking at the operation of the Gambling Act 2005.

Vending machine ban in Scotland delayed

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A ban on cigarette sales from vending machines in Scotland has been put back because of ongoing legal challenges, the Scottish Government has announced.

Trade: ‘be tougher on supermarkets’

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:02:00 GMT

Trade leaders and licensees have urged the Government to take more robust action over the failure of supermarkets to curb promos.

BII to hold licensing seminars

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:38:00 GMT

The BII is to hold five seminars this month to help explain the proposed changes to the Licensing Act.

Welsh publican bans Tory AM over pub quiz

Tue, 31 May 2011 07:25:00 GMT

A Monmouthsire licensee is seeking a personal apology from his local Tory AM after taking issue with remarks made in a pub quiz.

Beer Group chair: I’ll give pubs clout

Fri, 27 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The new chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group has promised to increase the trade’s “political muscle” in Parliament.

Pubcos: a good first step but more to do

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:45:00 GMT

A start has been made, but there is still “much more” that needs to be done by the industry to put the relationship between pubcos and tenants on a better footing, according to Independent Pub Confederation (IPC) secretary Kate Nicholls.

ALMR’s leased pubs worry

Fri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Leased pubs should not be penalised under the Government’s Community Right to Buy scheme, says trade body.

Mulholland: tenant survey 'misses the point'

Thu, 19 May 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Save the Pub Group chair, claims the new survey on pubco codes of practice does not deal with the "fundamental issue" of tenant profitability.

Borel: VAT cut for pubs by 2014

Thu, 19 May 2011 07:57:00 GMT

The UK hospitality industry could have a targeted VAT cut by April 2014, according to the influential French lobbyist Jacques Borel.

'Licensees unsure about dispute resolution'

Wed, 18 May 2011 01:56:00 GMT

A high number of licensees are still unsure where to turn when they are in dispute with their pubco, it was revealed.

Tuppen: tie campaigners 'preposterous'

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:36:00 GMT

Enterprise Inns boss Ted Tuppen has hit out at the “preposterous” idea put forward by anti-tie campaigners that contracts can be changed.

'Publicans must tell government about red tape'

Tue, 17 May 2011 07:31:00 GMT

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is urging publicans to tell the Government about its red tape concerns.

MPs to re-open pubco inquiry

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:18:00 GMT

The BISC investigating pubco power is set to meet again on 28 June and 5 July, the PMA has learnt.

Exclusive: Minister will fight for pub trade

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:45:00 GMT

The minister charged with cutting the red-tape burden on businesses has promised to “fight the corner” for the pub trade.

Industry leaders query need for an alcohol minister

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:19:00 GMT

Industry leaders have warned that calls for an alcohol minister could be detrimental to the trade.

Mulholland: pubcos set to fail ‘probation’

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:01:00 GMT

Pubco probation is at an end and they must now face a legally binding code of practice to rebalance the tenant-pubco relationship for good.

Underage alcohol sales come under the spotlight

Tue, 10 May 2011 07:01:00 GMT

Proposals to double the fine for persistently selling alcohol to children to £20,000 are likely to have little impact, says Baroness Coussins.

'Right to Buy may not stop pub closures'

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:46:00 GMT

The Government’s Community Right to Buy scheme will do little to save local services such as pubs from closure, warned the British Property Federation.

Red tape challenge starts today

Fri, 06 May 2011 02:38:00 GMT

The pub industry's opportunity to have its say on which pieces of red tape should be binned gets underway today.

FLVA chews over move to join IPC

Fri, 06 May 2011 09:06:00 GMT

The Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA) could be set to join the Independent Pub Confederation (IPC).

Wetherspoon spends £50k on aborted review

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:54:00 GMT

JD Wetherspoon spent about £50,000 on legal and other fees preparing to defend itself at an aborted licence review.

'Work with us on underage drinking'

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:53:00 GMT

Publican's Morning Advertiser editor Paul Charity says authorities must work with the trade to beat underage sales.

Police in late night levy storm

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:42:00 GMT

Police will be under no obligation to spend money raised from the late-night levy on policing the late-night economy in that area.

Fewer sting ops for pubs that self-test

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:40:00 GMT

Pubs that carry out their own underage test-purchase operations are set to be subjected to fewer sting operations.

Licence consultation by text

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:37:00 GMT

Licensing consultations in Camden are set to change from the end of April, as the council asks residents to sign up for email and text alerts.

No late licence complaints, says court

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:57:00 GMT

Local authorities are not able to accept late complaints from local residents on premises licences.

VAT lessons from the French master

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Paul Charity explains why having French entrepreuneur Jacques Borel on our side for the call to cut VAT gives us a much more powerful case.

BBPA unveils red tape concerns

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:39:00 GMT

The British Beer & Pub Association has unveiled its major concerns for industry over red tape.

Police pub clampdown is ‘abuse’

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Licensees are being threatened with arrest and pubs with closure in a clampdown by police forces across the country.

Serve Legal to address Euro conference on underage drinking

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:07:00 GMT

Test purchasing company Serve Legal is to address a major European conference on tackling underage drinking today.

Scottish MPs clash on minimum pricing

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:47:00 GMT

Scottish politicians have clashed once again about introducing a minimum price on alcohol — on the Politics Show.

Pub leaders warn Chancellor over Budget

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:24:00 GMT

Over 30 leading brewing and pub company executives have signed a letter to the Chancellor George Osborne.

Trade defeats compulsory London hygiene ratings

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:46:00 GMT

An attempt by councils to make hygiene ratings compulsory for food businesses in London has failed.

Sykes attacks licensing reform

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Tim Sykes has made a strong attack on proposed Licensing Reform during his outgoing speech as chairman of the ALMR. Novus Leisure chief executive Steve Richards has now taken over the reigns.

Thousands of pubs set for rates boost

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMT

Thousands of pubs will pay no business rates for another year — or will see rate relief double, from October.

Later opening confirmed for royal wedding weekend

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:13:00 GMT

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open later during the royal wedding weekend after peers approved the move.

New independent body to takeover from SIA

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:01:00 GMT

A new independent body for door staff regulation will replace the Security Industry Authority (SIA) by 2013.

Alcohol minimum price plan backed

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:59:00 GMT

Health chiefs in Greater Manchester are to press ahead with plans for a 50p minimum unit price for alcohol.

Portman rubbishes alcohol ad ban plan

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:11:00 GMT

The Portman Group has rubbished a call by the British Medical Association (BMA) and a Tory MP for a ban on alcohol advertising.

Top cop urges tough action on underage sales

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:14:00 GMT

High-profile ex-policeman Brian Paddick has labelled enforcement of underage alcohol sales “laughable”.

CAMRA film calls for beer duty freeze

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:12:00 GMT

CAMRA has launched a new beer tax photofilm ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, which aims to drum up more support for a freeze on beer duty.

Mulholland urges Pubs Minister to safeguard pubs

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:05:00 GMT

Pro-pub MP Greg Mulholland has written to community pubs minister Bob Neill asking him to support six key policies to safeguard the future of pubs.

Cable pledges to cut red tape

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:23:00 GMT

Business secretary Vince Cable is to outline plans today on how the Government will cut red tape for small businesses.

ALMR backs VAT cut

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:01:00 GMT

A powerful trade body has voiced its support for the campaign to cut VAT for the hospitality sector to 5%.

Zero VAT ruling on hot takeaway food

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A legal ruling in Europe could pave the way for pubs and restaurants to pay no VAT on hot takeaway food and drinks.

Pubwatch success on tougher sentencing

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:51:00 GMT

National Pubwatch has secured a crucial success in helping to gain tougher sentencing for thugs who attack licensees or bar staff.

Health chief: Licensing Act to blame for later crime

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:16:00 GMT

A health trade chief has blamed the Licensing Act 2003 for pushing the majority of violent alcohol-related incidents beyond midnight.

Best Bar None is a 'credible alternative' to regulation

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:50:00 GMT

Best Bar None is becoming a "credible alternative" to regulation, according to Best Bar None and BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

CAMRA celebrates 40th birthday

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:32:00 GMT

The Campaign for Real Ale celebrates its 40th anniversary today — the number of breweries has quadrupled since CAMRA’s formation.

Tim Martin: pubs are the whipping boys

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:49:00 GMT

JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin has accused the Government of driving drinkers out of pubs.

Molson Coors commits to unit labeling on glassware

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:32:00 GMT

Carling and Grolsch brewer Molson Coors has pledged to include alcohol unit information on glassware and roll out two-third pint measures.

SNP vows to revive minimum pricing

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 09:16:00 GMT

The Scottish National Party has vowed to revive its failed campaign to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.

Health groups walk away from Responsibility Deal

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Leading health organisations have criticised the Government over its "responsibility deal" on alcohol and refused to sign up as partners.

BBPA: pubs crucial for employment and tax

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:45:00 GMT

The British Beer & Pub Association has outlined the crucial role of the sector in terms of employment and tax revenue for every local area in Britain.

Think Tank to hold future of pub debate

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:31:00 GMT

One of the UK's oldest Think-Tanks is to hold a debate on "The future of The British Pub" in the Houses of Parliament on 22 March.

Heineken to remove 100m alcohol units

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:35:00 GMT

Heineken UK is to reduce the alcoholic level of one of its key brands as part of its commitment to the Government’s Responsibility Deal on alcohol.

Miliband: Labour wrong on 24-hour licensing

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 07:15:00 GMT

Labour leader Ed Miliband has said his party got it wrong on 24-hour licensing — and failed local people.

Interest rates held again

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:33:00 GMT

The Bank of England has decided to hold interest rates at 0.5% again — in a move hailed as good for pubs.