Barworkers among lowest-paid staff
Barstaff are among the least well-paid workers, according to a new survey from the GMB union. Barstaff were ranked 338 out of 342 groups, getting just £11,094 per year on average, which is less than shelf fillers and kitchen assistants. Waiters get £11,156. CEOs of major firms top the list on £162,028.
Spirit hunts most friendly pub team
Managed pub operator Spirit Group is on the hunt to find the friendliest pub team inthe company. Head office staff visited pubs in the estate on Tuesday as part of the company's Spirit Day event, which is aimed at improving standards of service at its pubs.
Special events for English Wine Week
The fourth annual English Wine Week, the national campaign to promote English wines and vineyards, takes place next week (28 May to5 June). Vineyards across the country will be open to the public, with many holding special events such as tastings and tours.
Fifty people barred in pub clean-up
A Norwich host has barred more than 50 people from his pub in the five months since he took over including an 88-year-old woman. Mark Keenan said he was attempting to clean up the image of the Freemason's Arms. The 88-year-old, who had been drinking in the pub for 56 years, was barred following remarks about the funeral service for the wife of another pub regular.
Shock tactics used at beer festival
Visitors to a beer festival this week were greeted with the horrific sight of a crashed car in a bid to shock motorists into not drinking and driving. Some attending the Cambridge Beer Festival claimed it was not appropriate to have the wreck on display, but Cambridgeshire County Council, whose idea it was, defended the decision.
Licensee nets two bravery awards
A Yorkshire landlady who overcame death threats and criminal damage to turn her pub into a thriving local has won two awards for bravery. Pyramid Pub Company tenant Barbara Forest has banned 161 troublemakers for life from the Lion & Lamb in Seacroft, Leeds, since 2000. She won the reader's award at the Sue Ryder Care Yorkshire Awards, and was named Most Hospitable Landlady at the House Beautiful and British Gas Unsung Heroes Awards.
