Alistair Von Lion’s Post

Have you tried to get a drink after 11pm in central London recently? If you’ve been finding it increasingly difficult, you’re not alone. Perhaps that the pub you thought you could sit at for a few hours longer now rings its ‘last orders’ bell at 10:30, or your favourite old haunt has closed down altogether. Whatever the anecdotal annoyance, it is clear that the hospitality sector is an industry on the rocks. According to the Night-Time Industries Association, over 3,000 pubs, bars and restaurants have closed their doors altogether since the start of the pandemic in London alone. This is partly a consequence of the rising costs imposed on our night-time businesses – from rising commercial rents, utilities and business rates, to taxes such as beer duty. The average pub in the UK is now operating with a 3% net margin, down from 8.5% in 2019, meaning that any small change in circumstances could force them to reduce staff, operating hours, and even pack up for good. CapX readers won’t be surprised to hear that overzealous local councils in London in particular are making the problem even worse. Some, including Tower Hamlets, are imposing local alcohol duties on venues which are serving alcohol after midnight, on top of the taxes they already pay, further deterring them from staying open later in the evening. ✍️Mimi Yates https://lnkd.in/esKgPmK8

There have been mixed reactions from the hospitality industry following the Autumn Statement announcement. For so long, many of our customers have faced difficulties, brought on as a result of a pandemic hangover, soaring inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis.   The extension of the 75% discount on business rates bills for pubs across England for another year beyond next April, along with a freeze on alcohol duty until next August, will surely bring some relief.   Last year, more than 32 pubs across England and Wales closed each month, as a result of rocketing energy and food prices and a demise in consumer demand as a consequence of ongoing financial hardship.   The pledges within the Chancellor’s statement will provide relief, however, we join with other industry organisations in the call for more long-term measures to sustain and support hospitality businesses. #hospitalityindustry #pubs #hotels Read more here Trade bodies and pub companies react to Autumn Statement (morningadvertiser.co.uk)

USE IT OR LOSE IT The Great British Pub condundrum. Why are pubs closing everywhere when everyone wants a GREAT Local pub they can call THEIR PUB? WHY, when there's evidence ALL over the UK that communities WANT to have a GREAT Local Pub they can call THEIR Local does the pub sector 'market' not respond to the ever burgeoning demand there is for great pubs? WHY does the trope 'if you wanted it you should have used it' hold space in so many people's mind? https://lnkd.in/eqAXfsAp

SLTA Responds To Introduction Of Tied Pubs (Scotland) Act The (SLTA) Scottish Licensed Trade Association welcomes the introduction of the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Act, announced this morning by the Scottish Government. Gavin Stevenson, the SLTA’s tied pubs policy adviser, an Inverness-based publican, said: “This act will regulate the tied pubs sector and provide some of the same protections that tenants in England have long enjoyed. “However, we are extremely disappointed in the delays to implementation, first as a result of Scottish Government insisting on an extended two-year period for the Act to take effect, then by the obstructive behaviour of some of the tied pub companies in pursuing protracted, but futile, legal challenges, and now by the Scottish Government announcing that the Act will not take full effect until much later this year. “Scottish tied pub tenants cannot afford any further delay, and we urge the Scottish Government to accelerate implementation.” The SLTA, which represents independent licensees, has long been a supporter of both the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill and a Scottish Pubs Code, claiming that many Scottish tied pub tenants have lost their livelihoods and savings as a result of “rapacious pubco behaviour”. It previously said that measures in the Bill would strengthen the position of tenants in their relationship with landlords, and put Scottish tenants on an equal footing with their counterparts in England. A statutory code of conduct has been in place in England for several years. The Bill, put forward by Labour MSP Neil Bibby, was backed by a broad coalition including the SLTA, the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), GMB Scotland, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Pubs Advisory Service, and many small brewers. Read More:

Following today's Autumn Statement, our CEO, Andy Wood OBE DL has been reflecting on the announcements made in the House of Commons. In particular, he reacts to the decision by the Chancellor to freeze all duty on alcohol until next August, and confirmation by Jeremy Hunt that there will be an extension to business rate relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. He said: “I very much welcome the news that alcohol duties are to be frozen until next August. “The hospitality industry continues to fight hard to survive and thrive in the wake of the Pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but the potential for beer and spirit duties to rise in today’s Statement was deeply concerning. “In a region such as ours, we know how incredibly valuable pubs are as hubs at the centre of our community. We have been living in constant fear of actions which might only serve to force more pub closures, in the event of increasing costs for our venues, and at the same time, pressure on the purses of our customers.” Meanwhile, The Chancellor also announced that he would extend the 75% business rate discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – again for a further year. This, he said, would save the average indpendent pub over £12,800 next year. Mr Hunt said the step ‘recognises the role of pubs and high streets in our communities’. Commenting on this move, Andy Wood said: “It is of course a welcome move that the 75% rate is being extended, particularly given the pressures that the sector is facing due to inflation. “The impact is being felt by those running venues, but equally by those who might otherwise want to access our hospitality services. “Sadly, these are still deeply worrying times for many, and as a business, we are working every single day on being in contact with our managers and tenants, understanding their circumstances, and seeing how else we can assist and support.” He added: “What we can be sure of, is that across the Adnams group, we have so many staff who are passionately committed to their role in the hospitality industry, and to providing a facility which serves the people of their community. “We’re a business of more than 150 years’ heritage, and you can be sure we’re fixated with always considering what more we can do for our customers and our staff over the next 150 years.” #autumnstatement #hospitality #business #pubtrade

Many are now coming back from a well-deserved break! Independent pubs join CityStack in wishing you a very happy new year. May this year be full of good news to be celebrated at your favourite pub. As we enter the most dreaded period for the hospitality industry, we'd like to share a rallying call from our group of 50+ independent pubs, to show support by visiting these much-loved establishments, and help them stay afloat. After the festivities, many of you might be thinking of taking a break from drinking, embracing dry January. As a result, the first quarter of the year is often the most testing time for many independent pubs as they face a massive decrease in footfall due to dry January, poor weather and customers reassessing their leisure budget, all the while having to keep their businesses open while paying the same overheads. Sadly, some do not manage to stay afloat with so many obstacles to overcome. This is the exact reason why we, at CityStack, decided to tackle this challenge and encourage Londoners to visit them during this difficult period by offering free food and drink. Our £25 stack of beer mats lets you get £100 worth of food and drink at independent pubs. Each pack includes a special beer mat to show at any ten of our 50+ independent pubs. Have it stamped to get £10 off your bill. Collect 10 stamps, save £100 (more info on citystack.co)! If you’re seeking resolutions ideas for 2024, we couldn’t recommend enough supporting independent businesses by actively visiting them. Starting Dry January? Our pubs offer many choices which don’t involve alcohol. If you can, please try to visit a few pubs during this very quiet period, to help them survive and thrive. 🙏 Thank you very much for your support. #supportindependentpubs #independentpub #london #londonpubs #dryjanuary #supportpubs #discountatpubs #cheappub #visitpubs #supportyourlocal #ldn #happynewyear #notdryjanuary #beermats #giftidea #bestpubs #bestlondonpubs #independentpubs

Hey everyone! As we serve up another week of challenges and triumphs, I'm reminded of just how vibrant and resilient the pub sector can be. Here's a toast to all of you who keep the taps flowing and the spirits high! ✨ Did You Know? The first recorded public house was established in Rome around 500 B.C.! Fast forward a couple of millennia, and here we are, innovating and thriving in ways those ancient Romans never could have imagined. 🚀 We're not just about pints; we're about people, passion, and pubs that feel like home. From sustainable sourcing to tech-driven customer service, our industry is brewing up some incredible transformations. 📊 Fun Fact: Did you know that the average Brit spends about 22 hours a year in pubs? That's nearly a whole day of community building, business deals, and, of course enjoying a pint or two! 🤔 What's the most innovative change you've seen in our industry recently? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your stories! And remember, whether you're a pub owner, supplier, or just a fan of a good night out, there's always room at the table for more ideas and collaborations. Let's connect and keep pushing the boundaries of what our pubs can be! #PubSector #HospitalityInnovation #BusinessNetworking #Pubs

📢 Attention everyone! The rapid disappearance of pubs is a matter of concern! The number of pubs being demolished or converted has surged by a third, indicating a significant trend that's impacting our communities. It's crucial to recognize the importance of these social spaces and take action to preserve them. Let's work together to support our local pubs and advocate for their preservation. #SaveOurPubs #CommunitySpaces #PreserveLocalCulture https://ift.tt/QRJE7uX

The old boozer is back - but did it ever leave? If you, like us, have already given up on the Dry Jan chat and found yourself this weekend catching up with friends over a lovely pint then you might be interested in our latest insights.. With new films like Saltburn glamorising British pub culture, the latest Stella Artois’ X Palace pop-up collaboration and Martine Rose SS24 show taking place in a North London boozer - why is it that we seem to find pubs so charming? Other than sticky tables, pork scratchings and quenching pints, pubs are a quintessential part of British culture, a place of community and unity of all classes, ages and races, the pub is a place of meaning and belonging. From our perspective, pubs are synonymous with storytelling and a backdrop for brands, done authentically to foster connection. A staple of a nation’s culture over the last decade, the boozer has battled with the rise of experiential and trends towards drinking less. But its place has always remained, even if the attention may have waived.    With the UK’s foodie tastemakers (pardon the pun) such as TOPJAW LTD, now also including pubs in their reccos – like where to go for the perfect pint of Guinness, you have old haunts like the Bricklayer’s Arms in Shoreditch firmly back on the map. Plus with the ‘blokecore’ trend still hanging on for dear life, the classic boozer is always going to be the perfect backdrop to show off your boxfresh Wales Bonner Samba’s. And so in summary, pubs are seemingly back on the agenda - though for us they never really left. #culture #pubs #community

🍺 The disappearance of traditional pubs is alarming! According to a recent report, the number of pubs being demolished or converted has surged by a third. As a pub lover, this trend is saddening. It's not just a place to grab a drink - it's a community hub where people gather and socialize. Let's support our local pubs and keep the spirit of community alive. #SaveOurPubs #CommunityHub #SupportLocalBusinesses https://ift.tt/QRJE7uX