Opinion Rss news feed for Morning Advertiser

Fresh news from the real world of rents

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:10:00 GMT

In the real world of commercial properties, tenants are pushing for ever better deals, writes Paul Charity.

No simple end to the satellite affair

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:50:00 GMT

It would be wrong to assume that the EC decision will ‘open the floodgates’ for non-Sky cheaper deals to be legalised, writes Peter Coulson.

Britain’s small revolution

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:44:00 GMT

Beer expert Roger Protz paid a visit to Peter Lambert, one of a growing band of licensees running a unique brew-pub.

Councils holding licences

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:12:00 GMT

The town hall has been part of the licensed trade for a very long time, contrary to what everyone assumes, writes Peter Coulson.

What a world: what a way to run a country

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:49:00 GMT

Paul Wigham, chief executive of All Our Bars, believes multiple operators are becoming easy targets for police licensing officers.

Heat on the dancefloor

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:59:00 GMT

Dominique Czopor, licensee at the Boileroom in Guildford, tells Jessica Harvey about how she established her pub as a blistering live-music venue.

Cold-call salesmen need to think again

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:51:00 GMT

There is nothing more important in the hospitality industry than knowing your customer, writes Matt Slocombe.

Still getting his kicks (from pubs)

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:31:00 GMT

Feargal Sharkey, CEO of UK Music, gives Jessica Harvey his views on the pub industry’s role in the live-music scene.

Jim Walsh: his restless energy will be missed

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:42:00 GMT

Pub entrepreneur Jim Walsh, who has died aged 69, was the kind of character that leaves a strong impression on all those who were lucky enough to have known him, says Paul Charity.

Customers can’t speak with their mouths full

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:31:00 GMT

In his latest blog, Mark Daniels suggests that there is such a thing as 'too much customer service'.

Taking a responsible stand

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:47:00 GMT

Stakeholders must work together to help reduce alcohol misuse, argues the boss of Heineken UK.

Simon Collinson: the turn-around expert

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:41:00 GMT

Over two decades Oak Taverns has evolved a complex business model, managing, leasing and brewing.

It’s time to sell GBBF to the wider world

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:43:00 GMT

The Great British Beer Festival is becoming a venerable British institution but could benefit from a bit of a rethink, says Tony Jennings.

Take advice on your lease

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:30:00 GMT

Professional advice is an essential requirement when looking to take on a pub lease, says Peter Coulson.

Is it only football that’s commercial?

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

In his latest blog, Mark Daniels ponders whether the FIA will go out of their way to prosecute a pub showing Formula 1, and who is to blame for the riots...

Correction: there’s been a few mistakes

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:34:00 GMT

Our major suppliers should recognise that the pub sector is still a robust one, broadly in rude health, with a very healthy long-term future, writes Paul Charity.

Pints, camera, action!

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMT

CAMRA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to emphasise the point a film has been launched that traces the history of the movement and its success in saving cask beer, reports Roger Protz.

Food throws lifeline to wet-led pubs

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Traditional wet-led pub operations are already feeling the strain, so a more diverse offering may be their only way forward, writes Simon Chaplin.

Pub sales: the right to restrict

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:04:00 GMT

It is no surprise to me that certain breweries and other owners are continuing to reserve their right to impose a restrictive covenant when pubs are sold, writes Peter Coulson.

Managed houses fit for future success

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:45:00 GMT

It seems that a lot of managed houses are running a lot stronger than they were 10 to 15 years ago, including a few wet-led town centre pubs, writes Dave Daly.

5,000 freeholds for sale as pubcos shrink

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:55:00 GMT

The formal demerger of Punch Taverns into managed and leased companies at the start of this month was a symbolic moment, writes Paul Charity.

Family brewers share the pain as well as the gain

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:28:00 GMT

In the end most of us won’t be millionaires, but that doesn’t mean the entire industry needs to change, writes Bob Feal-Martinez.

A glossy celebration of real ale? Blog off...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Pete Brown: "How our video blogs were shunned not just by the national media, but pubs too".

Be in it to win it — and improve your offer

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:48:00 GMT

The Publican's Morning Advertiser's Great British Pub Awards offer licensees a great opportunity to analyse and improve their offer, says Graham Rowson.

Coulson: The problem with councils

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:57:00 GMT

The new licensing changes could be as bad for councils as they are for the licensed trade, argues Peter Coulson.

A summery summary of the coalition’s work

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:25:00 GMT

It is time for ministers to turn warm words into action. The Save the Pub Group will hold them to account if they don’t, writes Greg Mulholland.

Back Thrive on 5 and preserve our pubs

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:50:00 GMT

Get behind Thrive on 5, get behind British Pub Week and get behind securing the future of a national institution, says Ewan Turney.

Unite to maximise the benefits of 2012

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:13:00 GMT

If there is a genuine spillover benefit for the whole UK in 2012, let’s ensure all areas outside London are ready to capitalise, writes Stephen Crawley.

Coulson: Dancing to a complex tune

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:28:00 GMT

The nature of the Lords’ discussion on the Live Music Bill shows how complicated this area of the law has become, writes Peter Coulson.

Hands up all those who love the beer tie?

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:21:00 GMT

A FOT option with open market rent review is now the only way forward, writes Robert Sayles in his latest blog.

Bringing beer back to Burton

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:38:00 GMT

Roger Protz believes that Burton Ale deserves greater recognition after delving into the archives of the historic brewing town.

Turn back the boozing clock

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:23:00 GMT

The drinking experience of yesteryear is becoming increasingly popular in the capital’s bars. Ben McFarland looks at the reasons for this retailing rewind, and adds some ideas of his own.

Coulson: Unharmonious PPL proposal

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 08:58:00 GMT

The PPL proposal for a massive hike in featured music fees is extraordinary and has understandably elicited howls of protest, writes Peter Coulson.

A masterclass in how to be a better boss

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

There is a component of success in the pub trade that’s really powerful if it can be harnessed — the relationship between you and your staff, writes Paul Charity.

Coulson: Test purchasing back in spotlight

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:39:00 GMT

A standardised approach to test purchasing would be welcomed if it benefits licensees and trainers, writes Peter Coulson.

This craft-beer debate saps the fun out of ale

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:16:00 GMT

Serious beer bores are in danger of turning the wider public off great ale, writes Pete Brown.

Keep heroes in mind when raising funds

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:57:00 GMT

Chairman of Quercus Pub Co, David Elliott, is urging licensees who have not yet adopted a charity for their business to consider supporting Help For Heroes.

The euro: a recipe for mayhem

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

History has shown that adopting the euro would have been a disaster, argues JD Wetherspoon’s chairman, Tim Martin.

Coulson: Someone has a screw loose

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

In contrast to my recent article about ambulance-chasing lawyers and trumped-up claims, this week sees the other side of the legal coin, writes Peter Coulson.

VAT cut to 5%: the view from the top

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:50:00 GMT

The Publican’s Morning Advertiser asked five companies who run managed pubs — and employ a combined 100,000 people — for their views on our campaign to reduce VAT to 5% within the hospitality sector. Here’s what they said...

Remember, marketing is key to pubs’ success

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMT

The mindset that rolling up your sleeves and ‘running the pub’ will lead to success is often the fatal flaw behind many under-performing or failed independent operations, argues Philip Davison.

Battling Aunty’s anti-beer bias

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:39:00 GMT

HardKnott Brewery’s Dave Bailey is fed up with the BBC ignoring beer in favour of wine, writes beer expert Roger Protz.

An uphill struggle?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:24:00 GMT

Mark Daniels explains why he would rather spend an entire Sunday in the company of people who probably don’t like him very much, instead of taking part in a recreational activity he usually enjoys.

Have you been bullied? Part II

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMT

'Experience tells me that there’s invariably a huge discrepancy between claims made in glossy brochures and the day to day realities of life in the field', writes Robert Sayles.

Strong-arm tactics hit trade

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:30:00 GMT

Over the past year there has been increasing concern about the advice given to police forces from the Home Office in relation to licensed premises.

The 4% solution: drinkers demand less bang for their buck

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

'Like other capitalists, drinks companies want to maximise their profits. And that’s not the same as selling more booze', write Phil Mellows.

Pubco inquiry: my view from the ringside

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:42:00 GMT

Last week, tenanted pubco chiefs went before MPs on the Business, Innovation & Skills Committee (BISC). The Publican’s Morning Advertiser’s digital editor Ewan Turney gives his personal take on proceedings.

The boom: a field day for spivs and sharks

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:34:00 GMT

It’s good to see justice arrive on Shaun Kiely’s doorstep, writes Publican's Morning Advertiser editor, Paul Charity.

There’s A Reason We Have Ashtrays...

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:04:00 GMT

Licensee Mark Daniels would vote for a repeal of the smoking ban so he can spend more time playing on his PlayStation and less time picking fag ends out of his pansies.

Coulson: Peers playing it long in Bill talks

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:20:00 GMT

There are still major issues to be debated on licensing, but I do not get the impression that many peers are up for the fight, writes Peter Coulson.

CAMRA’s critics should aim at the real enemies

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:39:00 GMT

Tony Jennings, CEO of Budweiser Budvar UK, is unimpressed by individuals and companies criticising CAMRA to boost their own publicity.

Come on, get in theme mode

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:14:00 GMT

British hosts could learn a thing or two from Tallinn’s Depeche Mode bar, writes beer expert Pete Brown.

Ramping up the problems

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:39:00 GMT

Licensees should always monitor compliance with safety requirements and insist on reports of any incident in their pub, however trivial, warns Peter Coulson.

‘Good bad’ move by A-B InBev

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:22:00 GMT

The decision to relaunch Budweiser draught at 4.3% seems to make sense for the brand, but little for the brewer, writes Robyn Black.

Smile, I’m a customer!

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:11:00 GMT

Things are tough at the moment but we have to remember that we are on stage and the theatre goers want a performance, says Gerry Price.

Singing the virtues of beer

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:31:00 GMT

The Mikron Theatre Company’s historical play, Beer Street, covers every aspect of beer and pubs, writes Roger Protz.

Sanctions to improve timing

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:15:00 GMT

At last, it would appear, someone is fighting back about the dilatory nature of local council response, writes Peter Coulson.

Oldies’ drink warnings are based on myths

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 09:18:00 GMT

Paul Chase is concerned by the "one-size-fits-all" recommendations of the Royal College of Psychiatrists on alcohol problems among the elderly.

Bringing quality to the community

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:59:00 GMT

Phil Mellows finds out how Admiral Taverns managing director Kevin Georgel is championing community wet-led pubs, or, as he calls them, ‘proper pubs’.

Bold investors can still do well on the high street

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMT

The Stonegate-Town & City merger displays that the high street can still bring rewards with big investment, writes Paul Charity.

‘When I retire I’m going to buy a pub...’

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:34:00 GMT

Make time for your life, your loved ones, your friends and your interests — after all, this is a tough job, writes licensee Mitch Adams.

It’s all about trust, honour, integrity and respect, isn’t it?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:14:00 GMT

To fully understand the pubco/tenant relationship fully we need to look at two key concepts; power and partnership, writes Robert Sayles.

One objector can cause havoc

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:51:00 GMT

In some cases a licensing committee will use a single objection as a green light for raising issues about your pub themselves, writes Peter Coulson.

No opposition to re-balancing

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:58:00 GMT

Successive governments have failed to find a competent solution to alcohol consumption at home and on the streets, writes Peter Coulson.

Facing up to lessee-tenant profitability

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Who’s the nearest person in our industry to Richard Branson? I sense that there would be only be two candidates, argues Phil Dixon.

Why not take Tetley’s from macro to micro?

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:32:00 GMT

The future is bright for small, innovative brewers if they don't go the same way as Tetley's and "get too big", says Greg Mulholland.

The truth on pubs is too complex for the Mail

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:25:00 GMT

Consumers have become more value-conscious and discerning, but still like to treat themselves, writes Paul Charity.

A potential own goal for M&B

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:41:00 GMT

Mitchells & Butlers' plan to turn the popular Engineer pub into a managed outlet could be disastrous for all, writes Pete Brown.

Got a problem with your pubco? Call the doctor!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:17:00 GMT

In his latest blog, Robert Sayles urges publicans to give the doctor a call to discuss their pubco ills, and hopefully find a cure.

Tell authorities of plan changes

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:15:00 GMT

Licensees could face prosecution or a licence review if they fail to inform the relevant authorities of plan changes, warns Peter Coulson.

Franchises: new deal for tenants

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:08:00 GMT

Tenanted pub companies are trialling franchise agreements. Paul Charity takes a look at progress so far.

The trouble with tips

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:52:00 GMT

Pub operators still haven’t got it right with tips, argues former All Bar One boss and current pub operator Alastair Scott.

Time for an on-off separation

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:21:00 GMT

A separation between the on and off-trades should be re-established as the 'one-size-fits-all' Licensing Act has failed, writes Peter Coulson.

CAMRA marks end of an era

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMT

It is with great sadness that Tetley’s production will today (June 17) switch from Leeds to Wolverhampton, writes beer expert Roger Protz.

Lure punters with the best of British produce

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:48:00 GMT

Managing director of Caledonian Brewing Co, Stephen Crawley, is urging pubs to celebrate the best of British produce to attract customers.

Meeting the bank manager

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:58:00 GMT

Blogger Robert Sayles tells readers of his recent meeting with a bank manager to discuss buying a leased pub.

Punch tenants first up in hunt for bargains

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:42:00 GMT

The obvious and rather high hurdle for tenants remains the need to raise a lot of equity to obtain the necessary bank lending, says Paul Charity.

Involve punters in new brands

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:48:00 GMT

Stocking something new isn’t such a bold move if you remember to talk to your customers about it at appropriate opportunities, says Jess Harvey.

French sojourn left me proud of our pubs

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:30:00 GMT

During a recent trip to Nice, I was reminded of good old ‘Angleterre’ before the days of licensing reform, says Richard Slade.

Fat Cat: Creating a heritage brand

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:22:00 GMT

Fat Cat founder Matt Saunders talks to Phil Mellows about how the brand has survived and the group’s gastropub ventures.

The danger of digital gaming

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:03:00 GMT

The advent of ‘digital’ AWP machines could decrease the profit from pub gaming machines, warns John Appleton.

Diageo: Irresponsible for being responsible?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:49:00 GMT

It’s as if the health groups refuse to believe that the drinks industry might actually have good intentions at heart, says Mark Daniels.

Going beyond the law’s intentions?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:16:00 GMT

Far be it from me to jump to conclusions, but it may be that sometimes the police use the provisions of the Licensing Act in a slightly dubious way.

Flying the flag for standards

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:09:00 GMT

Quality is the key to pub evolution — as sticky carpets and smelly toilets become harder to justify, says Pete Brown.

Steady-as-you-go is no longer adequate

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Franchising is a development long overdue in the tenanted pub world, says PMA editor Paul Charity.

BISC calls preliminary meeting

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Blogger Robert Sayles takes a light-hearted look at a preliminary hearing held by the Businness, Innovation and Skills Committee.

Trade must fight instant pub closures

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:05:00 GMT

Two more glaring examples of police misuse of their closure powers have come to light recently, involving two different parts of the law.

Is live music off the hook?

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:19:00 GMT

Publican's Morning Advertiser legal expert Peter Coulson believes things are definitely moving in the right direction in regard to live music.

Brulines: One year on and still satisfied

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMT

The Brulines iDraught system installed in his Greene King tenancy a year ago is proving invaluable, argues licensee Mark Daniels.

Lost Property...?

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:30:00 GMT

Mark Daniels considers what to do with his stash of lost property and how to return an item to an owner.

The ups and downs of alcohol stats

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:10:00 GMT

Phil Mellows considers the release of yet another set of stats on alcohol abuse and hospital admissions last week.

Moorhouse's: bright future in the pipeline

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:08:00 GMT

Moorhouse’s almost closed in the mid-80s but a new brewery is helping it to thrive, writes Roger Protz.

The art of re-invention key to staying ahead

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:59:00 GMT

There comes a time, no matter how successful you’ve been, when your offer needs refreshing, says Paul Charity.

Pubs’ duty of care to punters

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:09:00 GMT

A trial of two barmen who were accused of the manslaughter of a young English drinker has raised the whole issue of duty of care.

The Premier League’s lessons for the pubcos

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Multiple award winning lessee Steve Haslam compares Premier League football clubs with the pubcos.

Blogging helps beer trade thrive

Tue, 31 May 2011 10:45:00 GMT

Social media scares some, and irks others, but it is increasingly influential and boosts pubs and brands, says Pete Brown.

Black on booze: bubbly over ice? Not at that price

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:32:00 GMT

Is pouring a drink over ice — be it cider or champagne — all you need to boost sales these days, asks drinks expert Robyn Black.

Can the BII ever be an impartial policeman?

Fri, 27 May 2011 09:32:00 GMT

Robert Sayles questions whether the BII is the right body to police the industry in his latest Publican's Morning Advertiser blog.

Nightclub king signals big market change

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:40:00 GMT

The traditional nightclub has been well and truly side-swiped by a half dozen different crunching factors, says Paul Charity.

Stephen Goodyear: overseer of change

Thu, 26 May 2011 09:09:00 GMT

Five years ago Young’s closed its brewery in Wandsworth and embarked on a new era. Phil Mellows catches up with Stephen Goodyear.