Something & Nothing | B Corp™’s Post

Not the best report to be reading showing such an increase in closures in 2023 in comparison to the previous 2 years. My question is have we been able to keep the people who have lost their jobs in the industry or have they left due to uncertainties?

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

Great to see the huge enthusiasm for the future of our 𝐩𝐮𝐛 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 at the recent Propel Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference 2024 and that ongoing diversity will be at the heart of it ❤️ This includes the diversity of the continually evolving customer base: 💬 "I think pubs will be thriving as they’ll have a far more diverse set of customers in the pubs ... I’m excited about that and think it’s great for the sector." 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧-𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐫 from 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 💬 "The future is positive ... There will be more ageless and classless pubs, that’s where I see the big change being, and I think we’re seeing that already.” 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐨𝐧 from 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩. Plus the ongoing diversity of pub operators, offers and experiences: 💬 "I hope there isn’t too much more consolidation as part of the joy of the British pub industry is it is still relatively fragmented and there are an awful lot of good independent pubs and smaller medium sized businesses that manage to thrive. Although the pub will have to continue modernising, the traditional aspects where there’s great company and great refreshment must stay at the heart forever." 𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 At Keane we LOVE working in the pub sector creating concepts, brands and experiences (including for Greene King and City Pub Group) that we hope have played a small part in some of this evolution in recent years. And long may it continue... power to the pub! 🍺✊ #pubs #hospitality #diversity #trends #greatbritishpub

CAMRA Hits Out at Whitebread “Mass Pub Closures” The Campaign for Real Ale has expressed ‘utter dismay’ over plans to close sites next to Premier Inns The Campaign for Real Ale has challenged Whitbread to reconsider their decision to close and convert over 100 pubs next to Premier Inns. The pubs are now scheduled to be converted to restaurants for hotel residents or turned into additional hotel rooms. Tom Stainer, CAMRA Chief Executive, has written to Whitbread asking the Board to reconsider their decision, highlighting inconsistencies between the company’s stated values and the actions that have been taken. The letter outlines the Campaign’s ‘utter dismay’ upon hearing the news and highlights online statements that Whitbread has made about their ‘trusted brand’, ‘culture and values’ and commitment to ‘make a positive contribution to the communities’ that the brand’s outlets serve. In the letter, Stainer says: “I would ask that you carefully reflect on whether the actions that you have put in train align with your previous commitments, and your outlined values. I would argue that they do not. “Closing a pub – which is a community amenity facility and gathering space – to the local community that it serves is not only contrary to the aims of your Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, it will also impact upon your ability to maintain that you are a ‘trusted brand’.” CAMRA’s expert pub-saving campaigners are also concerned about how the conversions have taken place. Whitbread have been able to use a grey area in the current planning system in England that makes it easier to claim that pubs are in fact restaurants, which makes change of use more likely to be granted. CAMRA’s National Planning Policy Adviser, Paul Ainsworth, said: “Concerningly, it appears that most of these pubs have been closed to the public, under the argument that they are restaurants, and worryingly most local authorities have accepted that. “We are now campaigning for a legal definition of a pub for planning purposes so that if you can buy a drink at the bar without purchasing a meal, the venue would be considered a pub. “In the wake of scandals such as the scandalous Crooked House demolition, unacceptably high levels of unlawful conversions and demolitions, and now this, we need the new Government to act now to strengthen planning protections and enforcement options for local councils.” Read More:

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

The pub has died a lot of deaths. The Beerhouse Act got rid of beer tax … In an effort to wean Britain off the strong gin it had become hooked on over the previous century, the Beerhouse Act got rid of beer tax, let taverns, alehouses and pubs open longer and made it easier to get a brewing licence. If you see a pub named after William IV, who was on the throne at the time, that’s why. In this piece describing the history of pubs, again, the pub has died a lot of deaths … “The best pub feels like a pub. As it should.” — Stephen Carter King Slàinte☘️! #Pub #GastroPub #BritishPub #IrishPub #Ale #Cider #Beer #Pint #Alehouse #Microbreweries #Taprooms #Brewpubs Source: Esquire ✦✦✦ Stephen Carter King Chief of Growth and Marketing and Beerconomist + CEO of Beerconomy & Co., using beer market trends, insights, and analyses via Beerconomy Digital and The Beerconomist ✦ Beer Market Analyst • Consultant • Speaker ✦

Heatwave Could Pull In More Than £30 Million for UK Pubs, According to BBPA Pubs could be set for a massive multi-million pound boost as the sunny weather rolls in With Britain heading into a predicted to a heatwave, the sector could enjoy an uplift of 7 million pints and a £30 million windfall. The projected boost was based on comparing sales from a week in September 2023, which experienced similarly sunny weather. Over this period pubs sold 7.1m more pints than they did in an average week for the rest of that month. At today’s prices that would generate additional turnover of £34.2m. As pubs across the UK work their way towards the bank holiday, August may be the month the sector has been waiting for. Andrew Tighe, Director of Strategy and Policy of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “Nothing says summer more than a pint in your local beer garden and many Brits will be raising a glass to some much-needed warm weather. “After months of wet weather, this projected windfall could bring a ray of sunshine for pubs everywhere and help raise profits for a sector that plays a unique and important role in our culture and communities up and down the UK. “Pubs are an essential part of the British bank holiday, and the BBPA urges everyone to make the most of the sunny weather by visiting their local pub.” Read More:

THE FALL OF THE BRITISH PUB With news of Stonegate pubs and others in decline, The fall of British pubs is a complex issue with many contributing factors, from changing social habits to economic pressures. Impact of Smoking Ban: The smoking ban in public places, including pubs, implemented between March 2006 and July 2007 across the UK, significantly affected pubs. While it's true that the number of pubs was already in decline, this legislation accelerated the trend. Many argue that the ban pushed more people to drink at home, impacting pubs financially. Changing Drinking Habits: There's been a notable shift in how and where people consume alcohol. More people are drinking at home, buying alcohol from supermarkets due to convenience and lower prices. This trend is reflected in the statistics: in 1970, beer comprised 71% of UK alcohol consumption, dropping to 49% by 2000. The decline in on-trade consumption, especially beer, has been ongoing since before the smoking ban. Economic Pressures: Pubs face several economic challenges, including rising business rates and energy costs. The current relief on business rates for pubs is due to end in March 2024, which could further strain the industry. The British Beer and Pub Association estimated an average increase of £18,400 in annual energy bills for pubs. Post-Pandemic “Recovery”: The pandemic had a significant negative impact on pubs, with lockdowns forcing closures and reducing customer numbers. Pubs are still trying to recover from this period, with many struggling to stay afloat. Consumer Preferences and Expectations: There's an argument that pubs might not be offering what modern consumers want. Changing demographics, the demand for better food options, and the shift in gender balance are factors pubs need to consider. The traditional pub atmosphere might be perceived as less appealing to newer generations seeking different experiences or entertainment. Need for Innovation: To adapt to these changing conditions, pubs may need to innovate. This could include improving the quality and variety of offerings, such as better wine options and more engaging environments. Concepts like competitive socialising venues (e.g., F1® Arcade, Puttshack UK Junkyard Golf Club) are becoming popular, indicating a shift in what consumers seek in leisure and entertainment spaces. In summary, the fall of British pubs is a multifaceted issue, influenced by societal changes, economic challenges, and evolving consumer preferences. The industry may need to innovate and adapt to survive in this changing landscape. That’s an article for next time. David Toubian.

LA is probably the most expensive place to open a bar in the US given the monstrous overhead. Something like a village pub or small neighborhood bar can't generate sufficient income just to meet licensing costs. Harder reality: “The community of people living downtown, it isn’t what it used to be,” he said. “A lot of people moved out and moved on. They went away. It just isn’t happening downtown the way it used to be.” 30 years ago there was a large contingent of grumpy old Jewish men/real estate brokers who predicted this is what would happen if they built a lot of downtown housing. They, of course, were ignored as standing in the way of progress. To make things worse, a lot of the critical mixers to make these exotic cocktails are in short supply and rewriting a bar's cocktail list to accommodate shortages is a costly pain and incentivizes you to abandon that recipe. Many bars cannot currently source Chartreuse; a couple of exotic French mixers which already runs at least double the price per oz. of what the booze is you're pouring. There are not easy and reliable replacements for either. https://lnkd.in/gyqrRcvc

BBPA Launches 2024 Manifesto for Brewers and Pubs in Parliament The British Beer and Pub Association has launched their manifesto for brewers and pubs ahead of the upcoming General Election in the heart of Parliament, with speeches from Minister and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell welcoming the document and the role of brewers and pubs in Britain’s future prosperity. The speakers were joined by representatives of some of the biggest brewers and pub companies in the UK, alongside over 30 other MPs who were able to hear about the problems the sector is facing and the support from Government it needs to thrive first hand. Alongside the BBPA’s pre-existing demands for lower beer duty, long-term business rates, and a 12.5% Hospitality VAT rate, the manifesto also called for providing incentives and tax relief for green investments, an immediate review and holistic business impact assessment of the current packaging waste and collection reforms and more. Esther McVey MP, Minister of State without Portfolio said: “Brewing and pubs are some of the great traditions of our country. Pubs are a vital space for communities, especially rural communities, to come together. This Government has provided support on energy costs, business rates and beer duty, but we recognise conditions are still tough.” Lucy Powell MP, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons said: “I am happy to be able to speak at this event, especially as I won the Parliamentary Beer Champion award at last year’s All Party Parliamentary Beer Group dinner. We are committed to supporting this sector through reforming business rates, supporting apprenticeships, and through town centre regeneration." Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “We have created this manifesto for Britain’s brewers and pubs to make clear to Political Parties of all colours what this vital sector of the UK economy needs to grow and prosper. Intelligent investment from Government in the nation’s pubs and brewers will allow them to keep investing in their people and the economy, while continuing in their role at the heart of our communities. “With the beer and pub sector supporting over 900,000 jobs and providing £26bn of value to the economy, it is clear any future Government must get brewers and pubs thriving if they want to achieve long-term, nationwide economic growth, and that is what the policies in this manifesto will allow.” See the BBPA's Manifesto for Brewers and Pubs here (https://buff.ly/3IcEvaS) Read More: