13/07/2021
Mask wearing to still continue for some post 19th July
Heathrow, the Guacho restaurant chain and the City Pub Group are set to continue with mask-wearing rules despite the government's plans to get rid of them come 19th July report The Guardian. While many major retailers and hospitality businesses said they were awaiting the detailed guidance from the government, some said they would persist with face coverings irrespective of the official rules.
Young's sell 56 tenanted pubs to Punch for £53m
The Caterer have reported that Young's have announced the sale of 56 tenanted pubs to Punch for £53m in a cash deal. The deal, which is expected to complete on August 9th, is part of Young's strategy to invest in existing pubs and capitalise on new acquisition opportunities. During lockdown, Young's invested a total of £17m in improving the pubs in their managed estate and the purchase of two new pubs: Enderby House in Greenwich and Alban's Well in St Albans.
National Hospitality Day to be celebrate in September
Hospitality Action is partnering with the hospitality industry's main trade associations, professional bodies and charities to create National Hospitality Day advises Big Hospitality. Falling on 18th September, National Hospitality Day will be a nationwide celebration of UK's restaurants, pubs, hotels, bars and foodservice outlets. The day will mark an opportunity for the country to say 'welcome back, we've missed you' by supporting their favourite places.
Travelodge to recruit 680 staff for 'staycation season'
Hotel chain Travelodge is looking to fill hundreds of jobs across the country in readiness for this summer's 'staycation' season report the Evening Standard. The news come as their chief executive, Craig Bonnar, said that they are expecting a busy summer and are looking to fill the permanent positions immediately.
Wetherspoons set to increase food prices when VAT reduction comes to an end
The pub chain is due to increase meal prices by 40 pence in September when the temporary VAT reduction for food and non-alcoholic drinks sold in pubs and restaurants comes to an end. News Shopper have advised that the company complained about the "unfairness" of the VAT increase. "The VAT rise will make the entire hospitality industry less competitive vis a vis powerful supermarkets," the company said on the matter.
Vaccine passports on the cards for autumn
The Times have advised that Covid-19 certificates will be required for customers to enter bars, restaurants and nightclubs under plans to tackle a fourth wave of the virus in a move that experts hope will boost jab rates among the young. Entertainment venues in England would be forced to make customers use so-called vaccination passports from autumn, to prove that they have had either both doses or a negative test the day before.
And Finally...
It has been estimated that a whopping 7 million pints were sold during the Euro 2020 finals on Sunday. Talk Sport have reported that it could have been over 9.5 million if not for the current restrictions