06/07/2021
Plans revealed ahead of Freedom Day
The prime minister revealed plans yesterday to ditch many of the Covid-19 rules currently in place. From July 19, masks will become voluntary in all settings, including shops, hospitality and public transport. Scanning of QR codes when entering any establishment will also be dropped reports the BBC.
PrettyLittleThings to open new hotel this summer
UK fashion retailer PrettyLittleThings (PLT) have announced that they will be opening a new hotel advises Boutique Hotel News. The hotel, due to open this summer, is set in a multimillion house in Devon and is PLT's first venture into the hospitality industry. The launch comes as a result of the boom in the staycation trend.
Business rate holiday come to an end
The business rate holiday came to an end on 1st July. Thousands of businesses across the UK restarted their property tax payments following paused business rates since last April. Though ended, business rates have not returned to their full value, and a discount of 66% is in place for companies with a £2 million cap on the support they can receive, the Independent have reported. The rates are due to continue with this reduced package until April 2022.
Leon reveals plans for "first of many" drive thru sites
Following purchasing Leon in April, EG Group have now announced that they will be opening a drive thru in West Yorkshire reports the Evening Standard. Due to open in autumn, it will also offer space for 50 dinners to eat in. More sites are planned for later this year, but exact locations and dates are yet to be announced.
Greene King to offer 1,000 jobs to young people
As part of the Government's Kickstart scheme, Greene King is providing the opportunity for youngsters to work front of house, kitchen and where possible, reception and housekeeping advises Hospitality & Catering News. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. Those who gain permanent employment at Greene King will have the opportunity to take part in its award-winning apprenticeship programme.
City Pub Group add another purchase to their portfolio
City Pub Group, the owner and operator of 48 pubs across Southern England and Wales, has announced the purchase of another pub. The group bought the freehold of Roundhouse in Wandsworth Common, which had four years on the lease, for a total consideration of £1.1.m. Clive Watson, executive chairman of the group said: "we have been very encouraged by how we have traded since reopening despite the continuing restrictions" reports Catering Today.
Hospitality industry hopes for change in isolation rules
The hospitality industry is warning of a looming crisis sparked by the surge in Covid infections reports the Guardian. A number of businesses have been forced to close entire establishments due to teams having to isolate following notifications for the NHS track and trace app. The industry is now calling on the government to urgently approve the test to release scheme - under which there would be no required 10 day isolation period for individuals presenting a negative result after testing daily.
And Finally...
Pubgoers across South England can enjoy a bit of Shakespeare along with their beers this summer reports the Daily Echo. Outdoor performances of Love's Labour's Lost and As You Like It will be performed at selected Fuller's pubs in July, August and September.