General news - Politics Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Pubs face mandatory code on promotions

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:01:00 GMT

Pubs face a raft of new red tape after the Government proposed a crackdown on drinks promotions, combined with bizarre new operating burdens for pubs.

Interest rates cut by 0.5%

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:23:00 GMT

The Bank of England has cut interest rates by 0.5% to 4.5% in a co-ordinated approach with the rest of the world.

SBPA welcomes alcohol proposals defeat

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:01:00 GMT

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has welcomed last week's defeat of proposals to raise the off-trade purchase age to 21.

FSB calls for small business banking support

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:20:00 GMT

The Federation of Small Businesses has called on the Government to put small businesses at the forefront of the bank restructuring programme.

FSB: cut interest rates to help small businesses

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:12:00 GMT

The Federation of Small Businesses has called for interest rates to be cut this Thursday to help small businesses fight the credit crunch.

All you can drink deals face ban

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:59:00 GMT

A new code of conduct on promotions banning all you can drink offers is to be drawn up, according to one paper.

Scottish alcohol awareness week underway

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:50:00 GMT

An Alcohol Awareness Week is underway in Scotland and will focus on individual responsibility for alcohol consumption.

Scottish alcohol age plans defeated

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:41:00 GMT

Plans to raise the off-trade purchase age to 21 in Scotland have suffered a hefty defeat in Parliament.

Irish licensees want tax freeze on beer

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:35:00 GMT

Licensees in Ireland have pleaded for a tax freeze on alcohol in the up coming Budget, claiming that 1,500 pubs have closed since 2001.

Scots alcohol plans set for a rough ride

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:39:00 GMT

Scottish Nationalist Party plans to raise the off-trade purchase age to 21 are set for a rough ride in Parliament today.

Minimum pricing meeting blasted

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:23:00 GMT

One attendee has blasted the meeting at 10 Downing Street on minimum pricing as “nothing more than a tea party” — the meeting was called to discuss a new Alcohol Sales Bill, which proposes minimum pricing.

Minimum price bill unveiled today

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:27:00 GMT

A new private members' bill proposing a minimum price on alcohol is to be unveiled to trade leaders at 10 Downing Street today, the Morning Advertiser can reveal.

Minimum wage hike and EPCs in force from today

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:48:00 GMT

Around 20 new pieces of legislation come into effect today including minimum wage hike and the requirement for EPCs.

New energy system ‘better for pubs’

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:22:00 GMT

Government insists new regime for handling complaints, in place of the now defunct energywatch, will offer a better system but concerns still exist that the new Consumer Direct only offers a limited service to businesses.

No roadside ban on pub signs

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:50:00 GMT

The Highways Agency has dismissed reports that it wants to ban roadside ads for pubs to halt drink-driving.

Licence revoked at Gloucester pub

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:35:00 GMT

Police have secured a licence revocation for a pub in Gloucester after a "massive failure" to prevent crime and disorder.

Lib Dem leader wants minimum pricing

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:59:00 GMT

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has backed calls for a minimum price on alcohol to be introduced.

MP 'sick' of pubco power abuses

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:37:00 GMT

Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland claims he is "sick" of hearing about abuses of pubco power and believes it is high time the business model faced serious investigation — the call came as he urged licensees to submit evidence to the parliamentary inquiry.

BII's McNamara to defend industry at alcohol conference

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:45:00 GMT

BII chief executive John McNamara will go into bat for the industry at the Alcohol Harm Reduction Conference.

Pubco review evidence must be in by Monday

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:05:00 GMT

Evidence to the Business and Enterprise Committee inquiry into pubco power must be in by Monday 29 September.

Trade leader attacks anti-alcohol stance

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:21:00 GMT

Noctis chairman Jon Collins hits back at comments made by a senior medical professional that pubs must pay more tax for the harm they cause.

Police to arrest fake ID users

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:46:00 GMT

Police in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire have warned they will arrest teenagers using fake or false ID to gain access to pubs and clubs.

St Albans licensee defeats glass ban

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:49:00 GMT

Ferdinand Konig, licensee at 24/7 in St Albans, has overturned police attempts to introduce a blanket ban on glass at his bar in what represents a significant victory for the trade.

BBPA to launch beer tax campaign

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:17:00 GMT

The British Beer and Pub Association is to launch a campaign aimed at axeing Government plans to increase beer tax for the next four years.

Plastic glasses trialled in Sunderland

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:38:00 GMT

Further concerns have been raised over police pressure for pubs and clubs to switch to using polycarbonate glasses after a pilot scheme was unveiled in Sunderland.

FSB urges PM to help small firms

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:58:00 GMT

A trade leader has urged Gordon Brown to throw struggling small businesses a lifeline on business rates.

SBPA hits out at alcohol proposals

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:54:00 GMT

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has hit out at attempts to introduce minimum pricing and introduce a responsibility fee for licensees.

Fleurets' Whelan leaving to start EPC firm

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Fleurets divisional director Andrew Whelan will leave the company at the end of the month to start his own firm specialising in providing Energy Performance Certificates.

'Give pubs a break'

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:15:00 GMT

Industry urges Government to act to save the pub industry — and the first step is to join the Morning Advertiser's campaign to Fight the Hikes and get the Chancellor to drop his plans for a duty escalator on alcohol.

Pub is place to celebrate Britishness

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:58:00 GMT

Going down the pub for a few pints is one of the ideas put forward for a new bank holiday to celebrate Britishness — the date of which is likely to be the second bank holiday in May.

Pubs in wake-up call to Westminster

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:50:00 GMT

Pubs are being urged to ring their bells at 1pm today as a wake-up call to Westminster to take action to prevent the closure of thousands of pubs.

Home Office praises Norfolk alcohol project

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:48:00 GMT

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker has praised an alcohol crime reduction initiative in Norfolk after it won a Home Office award.

Camra: We need minimum pricing

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:33:00 GMT

The Government must introduce a minimum price on alcohol to stop from the relentless supermarket onslaught of cut price booze from killing pubs — that’s the view of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Portman: Scots plans will demonise alcohol

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:26:00 GMT

Scottish plans to introduce a minimum price and raise the off-trade purchase age to 21 will do nothing to solve the nation's problems.

Duty escalator is 'ticking timebomb'

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:14:00 GMT

BII supremo John McNamara will write to the Chancellor once again urging him to reconsider the alcohol duty escalator, which could see the rate of five pubs closing a day increase even further.

Under-21 off-trade ban sees drop in crime

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:36:00 GMT

A pilot scheme in Scotland banning under-21s from purchasing alcohol in shops hailed a success but thousands sign petition against move.

Kronenbourg 'knives and bubbles' ad is cleared

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:05:00 GMT

The Advertising Standards Authority dismissed claims that the ad is linked with violence and aggressive behaviour.

Return of "fit and proper" licence test in Scotland

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:26:00 GMT

Police will have more say over who can become a licensee under Scotland's new Licensing Act.

Warning on underage drinking at private functions

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:01:00 GMT

Police write to every pub in the Rhondda area of south Wales warning to be aware when hosting private parties

Home Office man to address BBN Conference

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:08:00 GMT

Top people from the trade, police and councils are to speak at the must-see Best Bar None Conference

Hope for VAT cut on pub food bills

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:19:00 GMT

Proposal from Europe could give the green light for VAT to fall as low as 5% - but only if the UK Government agrees

London Assembly launches underage drinking probe

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:46:00 GMT

The London Assembly has launched a major new investigation into the extent of underage drinking and alcohol misuse in the Capital.

Time to train plan could hit pubs

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:49:00 GMT

Pubs could be forced to undertake formal meetings with employees when they request time off to train.

BBPA: Drinkers won't pay more tax

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:49:00 GMT

The majority of responsible drinkers are not willing to pay more tax to help deal with the irresponsible behaviour of the minority.

Pubwatch ban man lodges further appeal

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:24:00 GMT

A man who failed to get a judicial review of his pubwatch ban is going to the Court of Appeal.

BBC reveals hygiene breaches at Yates's

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:09:00 GMT

A BBC documentary revealed serious hygiene breaches at Yates's in Reading last night.

Pub sales to be hit by energy chaos

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:22:00 GMT

Thousands of pub sales could be delayed by months from 1 October as the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) farce slips into chaos with just 41 accredited inspectors and no official transition period in place.

Call for anti-thug laws for trade

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:15:00 GMT

A senior Scottish politician has called for pub staff to get the same legal protection if attacked as emergency service workers.

Welsh alcohol U-21 ban spreads

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:34:00 GMT

Bans on under-21s buying alcohol in shops have spread to south Wales following similar schemes in Scotland and London.

Liverpool Pubwatch denies price cartel

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:15:00 GMT

The co-ordinator of Liverpool Pubwatch has denied the “gentleman’s agreement” by licensees not to sell drinks below set prices is a cartel.

Pubs face ban on late-night DJ gigs

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:31:00 GMT

Council bosses want to ban new late-night DJ events in the City of London and have tabled plans where no new promoted events would be allowed between 11pm and 7am without the “express written consent” of the local police commissioner.

Shops fail underage sales test in Leicester

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:37:00 GMT

A quarter of small community-based shops in Leicester sold alcohol to under-18s in the latest round of test purchase operations.

Licensing offences up 40% in Scotland

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:29:00 GMT

The total number of licensing offences in Scotland rose by 40% over the last year as authorities cracked down on underage sales but Government is happy action is being taken against rogue retailers.

Wells urges halt to punitive hikes

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:18:00 GMT

The Government has to put a stop to the relentless burden of taxation and regulation on pubs, according to Charles Wells chief executive Paul Wells.

Government to cut red tape

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:11:00 GMT

The Government has released new plans to cut red tape in health and safety regulations. A new report recommends fewer inspections of “low-risk” premises, such as pubs.

Pubs forgotten in stamp-duty plan

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:57:00 GMT

The licensed property trade is being cold-shouldered by the Chancellor after he hinted at plans to suspend stamp-duty charges in the residential sector.

'No rise in disorder from Licensing Act'

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:04:00 GMT

The industry has once again rubbished reports that relaxed licensing hours has led to a wave of disorder and says the rise in fixed penalty notices simply means police are doing their job more effectively.

Lib Dem plans make pubs the scapegoat

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:25:00 GMT

Pubs and bars would again be made the scapegoat for antisocial behaviour under new plans from the Liberal Democrats – which would give councils the power to hit pubs with extra taxes.

Pubs now face tree inspection costs

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Licensees are urged to undertake costly and time-consuming inspections on their trees under new draft health and safety guidelines.

Litre of beer battle begins

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:10:00 GMT

The licensee of a Polish bar has vowed to take his battle to serve beer in litres all the way to the House of Lords after being threatened with a £2,000 fine and given 28 days to switch glassware over to pints.

Pubs miss out on flood funding

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:14:00 GMT

The Government has confirmed it does not plan to offer funding for flood prevention at pubs — even if the licensee lives there.

'Darling, you are killing pubs'

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:57:00 GMT

The Chancellor will go down in history as the man who launched the £5 pint for the London Olympics and closed thousands of community pubs.

Government crackdown on rogue employers

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:31:00 GMT

The Government has launched a new crackdown on rogue employers who ignore the minimum wage and health and safety regulations.

Pub licence variations 'will be cheaper and easier'

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:07:00 GMT

A new streamlined system for varying licences could save hosts up to £250 per application, the Government has said.

Scots: Minimum pricing unfair

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Most Scots think it would be unfair to be forced to pay more for alcohol than in England, according to new research from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Minimum price warning

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:23:00 GMT

Ministers and officials have been warned against pushing for minimum pricing of alcohol — by the Government department responsible for business.

MP leading new probe slates Licensing Act

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:21:00 GMT

The Licensing Act has failed in its aim of cutting costs and red tape for licensees — that’s the initial view of the MP heading a new probe into the reform.

Trade calls for minimum wage restraint

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:05:00 GMT

Further rises in the national minimum wage could lead to job losses and pub closures, a trade body has warned.

Is minimum pricing back?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Current pressures on the Government suggest it is seriously considering minimum pricing again.

BII: KPMG report no more than tittle-tattle

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:02:00 GMT

The BII has blasted a Government commissioned report on social responsibility as nothing more than “tittle-tattle”.

Government to close tips loophole

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Tips will no longer be able to count towards minimum wage payments — and employers are “encouraged” to make it clear to customers where their tips go in a fundamental shake-up of laws.

Minimum wage for 21-year-olds

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Labour Party plans to extend the full adult minimum wage to 21-year-olds will hit pubs hard, trade experts warn.

'Introduce kids to alcohol at home'

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:56:00 GMT

Tory leader David Cameron believes children should be introduced to alcohol at home and that drinking can be social and is part of life.

Pubs selling 144m fewer pints since Budget

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:32:00 GMT

Chancellor's alcohol duty increase has had a dramatic effect on on-trade beer sales but off-trade sales have risen once again.

'Government wrong on drinks labelling'

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:05:00 GMT

Trade leaders have demanded a public correction from health minister Dawn Primarolo over claims the industry has reneged on its pledge to add unit information to drinks.

Student group hits back at under-21 off-trade ban

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:24:00 GMT

A newly formed student led coalition has slammed the Scottish Government's plans to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in the off-trade.

Berwick begins issuing premises licences

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:32:00 GMT

Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council in Northumberland has only just begun issuing premises licences — nearly three years late.

Under-21 booze ban success

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:57:00 GMT

A ban on the off-trade selling alcohol to under-21s on Friday and Saturday evenings in Fife has led to a 60% drop in calls to police and a 45% drop in actual offences.

Empty property tax relief support

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:43:00 GMT

MPs and trade leaders have added their support to the British Property Federation’s (BPF) campaign for reversal of empty property tax.

Pubs face alcohol legislation overkill

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:50:00 GMT

Pubs face tougher regulation on the way they sell alcohol after the release of new reports claiming they act irresponsibly.

Opposition parties slam Labour's record on alcohol

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:32:00 GMT

Opposition parties have attacked Labour for failing to tackle problem drinking and the industry for ignoring voluntary codes.

Portman: Labelling report "shockingly flawed"

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:07:00 GMT

Industry watchdog Portman Group has hit back at claims the industry is not adding adding unit information to cans and bottles.

Fair Pint gets FSB backing

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:55:00 GMT

The Federation of Small Business (FSB) has given its backing to the anti-pubco Fair Pint campaign.

WSTA: Use existing powers to stop underage drinking

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:15:00 GMT

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has published an action plan to help communities tackle underage drinking based on enforcing existing powers and a partnership approach.

BBPA: KPMG report calls for unlawful action

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:10:00 GMT

The KPMG report totally ignores the Government's own evidence gathered during sting operations and calls on the industry to act above the law in making voluntary codes mandatory.

Pubs to be forced to offer wine in small glasses

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:55:00 GMT

Pubs that serve wine and spirits would be legally bound to offer smaller serves under new plans expected to be announced this Autumn.

On-trade 'guilty of irresponsible practices'

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:55:00 GMT

Pubs, bars and clubs have been slammed for "irresponsible and harmful practices” in a damning report by auditors KPMG – even supermarkets are said to be more responsible.

MPs to probe Licensing Act

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:47:00 GMT

Impact on red tape and costs for hosts - and the effect on late-night disorder - will be examined by the DCMS committee

Worrall Thompson calls for rate relief

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:53:00 GMT

Chef and pub owner Antony Worrall Thompson believes more should be done to save community pubs from closure.

Licence reviews soar say lawyers

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:25:00 GMT

There's been a 1,000% rise in enforcement action - and even good operators struggle, says barrister.

Westminster bans street drinking

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:22:00 GMT

The Council has won its attempt to ban drinking – or smoking – on the streets outside a pub after 6pm.

Rates bill prompts pub demolition

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:22:00 GMT

A pub was knocked down by its enraged owner after he was sent a bill for £8,000 in unpaid business rates and council tax for the months it stood empty.

MA energy victory

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Government changes stance on protection

Under-20 zero alcohol limit call

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

England's chief medical officer says the legal blood- alcohol limit should be cut to zero for 17 to 20-year-olds. The call comes in Sir Liam Donaldson's annual report, which cites data showing 15 to 24-year-olds are twice as likely as other age groups to die in a transport accident. Donaldson..

Host urges Brown to lend

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

A licensee has written to Gordon Brown urging the Government to become a mortgage lender to rebuild confidence in the economy and ultimately help pubs. Ben Walters also asked for minimum pricing to be introduced to curb deep- discounting of alcohol by supermarkets. Walters, of the White..

Tories plan pricing clampdown

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The Tories have promised a clampdown on cut-price supermarket booze if they win the next election. However, they have declined to outline how this would be achieved. Tory shadow culture secretary Tobias Ellwood, who this week met the Save the Great British Pub campaign headed by Inez Ward, of..

Gerry: oppose duty with united voice

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Pub closures caused by change in habits

Licence reviews soar say lawyers

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Even good operators struggle, says barrister

TENs unaffected by council strike

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:58:00 GMT

Licensing solicitors Popplesten Allen have advised licensees to submit their Temporary Events Notices (TEN) in the normal fashion despite the two day council workers strike in Wales and some parts of England.

Tories will ban cheap booze

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:09:00 GMT

The Tories have promised a clampdown on cut-price supermarket booze if they win the next election.