Government minister: 'smoking ban has not closed pubs'
The smoking ban has not caused pubs to close, according to public health minister Gillian Merron MP. Despite figures showing around 40 pubs a week...
Archives for February 25, 2010
Sky to freeze prices until further notice
Sky charges for pubs will be held "until further notice" and won't change with the introduction of new business rate levels on 1 April. The news will be welcomed by licensees expecting a big hike in business rates.
Ford to step down at Tattershall Castle Group
David Ford is to step down from his role as chief executive of Tattershall Castle Group, the pub and bar group backed by Alchemy Partners.
Pete Brown: What I love about pubs
"So, Pete, is this the death of the pub?" The radio presenter leans forward and knits his brow, simultaneously making a winding up gesture. I have to...
Sky freezes fee levels "until further notice
Pubs with Sky whose rateable value has dropped will have to wait to and see whether the satellite broadcaster reduces their subscription fee. Sky...
Cider Focus: It takes all types
Sitting in the beer garden, catching the first warm rays of the year are the Old Summer Dabblers. Meanwhile, the Enthusiastic Explorers are looking...
Britvic bag-in-box grows
Britvic is increasing the size of its bag-in-box format, used for post-mix draught carbonate serves. The bags in boxes for the entire Britvic...
Pubs Minister meets Licensees Unite
Pubs minister John Healey met with the president of Licensees Unite today at his pub in Manchester, as part of his fact-finding tour of pubs. Paul...
Mercury collapse links to pub losses
The collapse of highly-rated Mercury Inns last November has been linked to large losses at two leasehold pubs — one tied and one free-of-tie — by...
Alistair Darby replies to readers' questions
Alistair Darby came to the Crawley offices of the MA this week to work as our guest editor. Here, he answers readers' questions.
Barracuda reveals level of net debt
Latest accounts for Barracuda Group indicate that it is still carrying net debt equivalent to at least eight times annual EBITDA.
Mark Daniels: Gillian Merron - You're a bit wrong
I love it when Government ministers make sweeping statements that have no basis in fact at all. Today, public health minister Gillian Merron MP made...
Minister "pleased" OFT has re-opened beer tie inquiry
A government minister has admitted he is "pleased" the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is re-examining the beer tie, arguing there is a lack of a...
Hosts removed in soccer crackdown
Council chiefs have removed the designated premises supervisors of 11 Humberside pubs suspected of screening football via the internet.
Video cast: Licensing Minister answers your questions
Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe says the beer tie is an issue that "needs to be addressed" in a wide-ranging interview with the MA.
Michelin chef leaves pub
Claude Bosi, chef/owner of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hibiscus has left the Bell at Yarpole, Herefordshire. The Enterprise Inns tenancy had...
Pubco cast-offs creating surge in interest, say property agents
Research suggests more wannabe licensees - as well as experienced operators - are showing an interest in buying pubs, thanks in part to the current...
Marston's offers tenants wholesale beer prices
Marston's has unveiled details of its latest tenancy agreement which will give licensees the chance to buy beer at freetrade prices. After...
Sutcliffe: We've tried to be 'supportive' of pubs
Pubs are still closing at a record rate. What do you think are the reasons for this? I think they are many and varied. And from our perspective as a...
Marston's price deal offers growth
Marston's Pub Company has unveiled two initiatives aimed at providing its 1,600 tenants with a chance to grow their businesses. Division boss...
Darby: time to take a more positive stance
As we move from economic winter into spring, the trade should concentrate on growth, says Marston's Pub Company boss Alastair Darby.
Booker launches 'Spring Clean' sale
Food and drink wholesaler Booker has launched a "Spring Clean" promotion covering everything from vacuums to washing powders until 16 March. There...