All articles tagged with #pubs
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing plan to curb “vertical drinking” by encouraging table service has drawn sharp criticism from national politicians and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who argue it could hurt the capital’s nightlife and hospitality recovery, while the council says the aim is to reduce noise and disorder and improve safety, not ban standing at bars.
The Home Office has blanket-extended licensing hours in England and Wales so venues can stay open long enough to broadcast the entire England-Norway World Cup quarter-final, even if kickoff is delayed by heat, and to keep serving for 30 minutes after the final whistle; no venue-by-venue approval is needed.
FIFA reversed an earlier plan to move England's World Cup match against Mexico, so the 01:00 BST kickoff remains, prompting pubs to stay open late and authorities to adjust plans for traffic, schools and workplaces ahead of Monday morning.
Pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5 a.m. for England’s World Cup match against Mexico after an emergency licensing measure, overturning the usual 11 p.m. limit. The move, praised by hospitality groups but criticized by police for potential violence and policing challenges, aims to keep fans together and support venues, with questions about sleep, school on Monday, and worker attendance lingering.
Pubs in England and Wales can stay open until 05:00 BST to broadcast England’s 1am World Cup last-16 match with Mexico, while schools are urged to be flexible for late-night viewing. Police will deploy extra officers and conduct more breath-testing to deter disorder and drink-driving, with a no-spoiler BBC rerun planned and officials advising parents to balance celebrations with Monday morning schooling as FIFA weighs scheduling changes for the game.
Police criticised the government's late decision to extend pub opening to 05:00 BST for England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico, saying it will strain resources and require longer hours. The government says it acted quickly after England's progression and consulted policing partners. With a 01:00 kickoff, crowds could spill into the early hours and raise concerns about alcohol-related violence, even as many venues plan to stay open and hospitality groups welcomed the move.
Scottish supporters in Boston kept local pubs buzzing and short on beer after World Cup games, prompting emergency beer deliveries and even special truck shipments from a Sam Adams brewery as the Tartan Army’s energy drew praise from city leaders; with more matches ahead, the city is embracing the spirited influx.
Britain’s beer scene is shrinking after a boom, with 320 closures and 170 openings last year, leaving about 2,320 brewing companies (down from 2,594 in 2022). Big-brand dominance of pub draught lines, price undercutting, and changing consumer habits are squeezing smaller brewers, though some are diversifying via taprooms and visitor centres. The government is reviewing barriers and offering tax relief, but the overall trend remains a contraction, even as pockets of independence, like in Sheffield and Bristol, persist.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveils a five-point plan to “save Britain’s pubs,” including cutting VAT to 10%, scrapping the hospitality NIC rise, reducing beer duty by 10%, and phasing out pub business rates, funded by social-security changes such as reinstating a two‑child cap on universal credit, aiming to capitalize on pub distress and Labour’s policy gaps.
The UK government has implemented changes to the alcohol tax, resulting in cheaper beer prices in pubs. Alcoholic beverages will now be taxed based on their strength, with lower alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks being taxed at a lower rate. Additionally, the government has expanded the "Draught Relief" scheme, reducing the duty pubs pay on each draft pint compared to supermarkets. This move aims to support struggling pubs and boost the industry, which has seen numerous closures. However, critics argue that the changes will lead to higher prices for stronger wines and spirits.