Asda makes commitment to end cut-price alcohol deals » Housing » 24dash.com
Asda has become the first supermarket chain to end below-cost alcohol deals, it said today.
The supermarket has introduced a policy not to sell alcohol below the cost of duty plus VAT in all its stores.
Chief executive Andy Clarke outlined the move in a letter to Home Secretary Theresa May, saying it was a "first step" towards a new way of selling alcohol in the UK.
The policy took effect on Tuesday and ensures a one-litre bottle of Smirnoff vodka will never cost less than £10.49 and a pack of 20 Carling lagers will not be priced below £7.17.
Mr Clarke said in his letter: "We accept that the way in which alcohol is sold to the public needs to change and I welcome the high priority given by the new coalition Government to tackling alcohol misuse by working with business.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Good Weather Boosts Pubco Sales
British pubs operator and brewer Fuller Smith & Turner (FSTA.L) posted a 4.1 percent rise in like-for-like sales at its pubs and hotels division for the 16 weeks to July 17, helped mainly by good summer weather, reports Reuters
"After some glorious summer weather there are economic clouds on the horizon, but I am confident that our strategy ensures the company is well placed to deliver for its shareholders even in these continuing uncertain times," Chairman Michael Turner said in a statement.
The 165-year old company, which has 366 pubs in the south of England, also named Simon Emeny as the group managing director.
Net debt stood at 102.0 million pounds ($155.7 million) on June 26, down from 107.7 million pounds on March 27, Fuller said.
"After some glorious summer weather there are economic clouds on the horizon, but I am confident that our strategy ensures the company is well placed to deliver for its shareholders even in these continuing uncertain times," Chairman Michael Turner said in a statement.
The 165-year old company, which has 366 pubs in the south of England, also named Simon Emeny as the group managing director.
Net debt stood at 102.0 million pounds ($155.7 million) on June 26, down from 107.7 million pounds on March 27, Fuller said.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Dirty Boots, Dogs And All Other Creatures Welcome!
The Five Alls pub near Lechlade in Gloucestershire Pub has launched a menu for dogs.
Dogs can now enjoy a gastropub lunch alongside their owner, thanks to the new 'doggy menus' launched by Butcher's Pet Care.The meals offered on the new menus include 'Liver & Garden Veg' chunks in gravy and 'Chicken & Beef' chunks in jelly, all served in specially-made Butcher's branded bowls.
Dogs can now enjoy a gastropub lunch alongside their owner, thanks to the new 'doggy menus' launched by Butcher's Pet Care.The meals offered on the new menus include 'Liver & Garden Veg' chunks in gravy and 'Chicken & Beef' chunks in jelly, all served in specially-made Butcher's branded bowls.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
New Help for Communities to Run Pubs
David Cameron has announced new resources to help local people take over “community assets” such as pubs, reports the Morning Advertiser
Government officials will be made available to help community groups that want to run pubs. Communities will also get help to identify and fund a “community organiser” for such schemes.
Cameron has announced the move for four parts of the country — Eden Valley in Cumbria, Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, the London Borough of Sutton and Liverpool — but has asked communities elsewhere to come forward too.
It will be funded by money from dormant bank accounts, alongside private sector money, which will add up to “hundreds of millions of pounds” over time.At a speech in Liverpool today, Cameron said the four communities mentioned would be the “great training grounds” of his Big Society project.
Government officials will be made available to help community groups that want to run pubs. Communities will also get help to identify and fund a “community organiser” for such schemes.
Cameron has announced the move for four parts of the country — Eden Valley in Cumbria, Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, the London Borough of Sutton and Liverpool — but has asked communities elsewhere to come forward too.
It will be funded by money from dormant bank accounts, alongside private sector money, which will add up to “hundreds of millions of pounds” over time.At a speech in Liverpool today, Cameron said the four communities mentioned would be the “great training grounds” of his Big Society project.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Pub Aims to Pull in Regulars with Darts Competitions
Landlord Andy Smith is looking to create the perfect venue for pub darts – and capitalise on the city's reputation as the "world capital" of the sport.The 42-year-old has been busy kitting out the Bird In Hand after taking over the Trent Vale business last month.And he is planning on holding regular tournaments after attracting dozens of players to the pub.
Andy has created three teams and says the enthusiasm from regulars could yet see more being added.Andy has converted a stage previously used by bands into a tailor-made oche.The board itself, complete with spotlights, has also been mounted on a purpose-built plinth.
About 40 people last week took part in the first tournament at the London Road pub since Andy's arrival.And the landlord, from Stone, who is leasing the pub from Enterprise Inns, said: "The room where we hosted the tournament can hold between 50 and 80 people.
Andy has created three teams and says the enthusiasm from regulars could yet see more being added.Andy has converted a stage previously used by bands into a tailor-made oche.The board itself, complete with spotlights, has also been mounted on a purpose-built plinth.
About 40 people last week took part in the first tournament at the London Road pub since Andy's arrival.And the landlord, from Stone, who is leasing the pub from Enterprise Inns, said: "The room where we hosted the tournament can hold between 50 and 80 people.
Friday, 16 July 2010
CAMRA National Pub Design Awards
Applicants have until Thursday September 30th to enter!
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today re-opened its prestigious Pub Design Awards competition for 2010 in a bid to commend the pioneering design work of the pub industry. The work must have been completed during the year 2009 to be eligible for the 2010 award.
The Pub Design Awards are held in association with English Heritage and the Victorian Society.
The aim of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards scheme is to encourage high standards of architectural design in the refurbishment and conservation of existing public houses and in the construction of the new. With particular relevance to the present day, the aim of the Pub Design Awards is to stimulate interest and aware in the many diverse factors that contribute to the unique character of the British pub as an institution.
The 2010 Awards will be judged by the regular panel of architects, authors, historians and heritage experts. The Awards welcome entrants from anywhere in the British Isles, with the competition consisting of the following four categories:
1) New Build Pub
2) Conversion to Pub Use
3) Refurbished pub
4) CAMRA / English Heritage Conservation award
If you own, design, work, live, or merely like the look of your local pub, please do not hesitate to offer recommendations for the 2010 Awards. Application forms can be downloaded from the CAMRA website
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today re-opened its prestigious Pub Design Awards competition for 2010 in a bid to commend the pioneering design work of the pub industry. The work must have been completed during the year 2009 to be eligible for the 2010 award.
The Pub Design Awards are held in association with English Heritage and the Victorian Society.
The aim of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards scheme is to encourage high standards of architectural design in the refurbishment and conservation of existing public houses and in the construction of the new. With particular relevance to the present day, the aim of the Pub Design Awards is to stimulate interest and aware in the many diverse factors that contribute to the unique character of the British pub as an institution.
The 2010 Awards will be judged by the regular panel of architects, authors, historians and heritage experts. The Awards welcome entrants from anywhere in the British Isles, with the competition consisting of the following four categories:
1) New Build Pub
2) Conversion to Pub Use
3) Refurbished pub
4) CAMRA / English Heritage Conservation award
If you own, design, work, live, or merely like the look of your local pub, please do not hesitate to offer recommendations for the 2010 Awards. Application forms can be downloaded from the CAMRA website
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Thirteen MPs back British Pub Week
Thirteen MPs have pledged their support to British Pub Week 2010, taking place from 30 October until 6 November, reports The Morning Advertiser
An Early Day Motion (EDM) from pro-pub MP Greg Mulholland praised Justice for Licensees, British Institute of Innkeeping, Marstons, Punch Taverns and the Morning Advertiser for organising the event.He said British Pub Week “celebrates the vital role that pubs play in local communities” and “welcomes the opportunity for British pubs to boost trade and increase their footfall”.The Liberal Democrat MP also urged his fellow MPs to support their local during British Pub Week.
An Early Day Motion (EDM) from pro-pub MP Greg Mulholland praised Justice for Licensees, British Institute of Innkeeping, Marstons, Punch Taverns and the Morning Advertiser for organising the event.He said British Pub Week “celebrates the vital role that pubs play in local communities” and “welcomes the opportunity for British pubs to boost trade and increase their footfall”.The Liberal Democrat MP also urged his fellow MPs to support their local during British Pub Week.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Sky Sports Out Price UK Pubs
The future of televised football in many pubs could be in doubt after landlords were told they face massive hikes in their Sky TV subscription rates.
The increased charges are directly related to the huge rises in many business’s rateable values announced earlier this year, which left many publicans reeling.
A Sky spokeswoman said pubs and clubs made a commercial decision to invest in live sport because it brought in customers and generated revenue. “With more and more people coming to their locals to watch sport, many thousands of commercial customers choose to subscribe to Sky because it’s good for their business,” she said.
She said Sky invested more than £1 billion a year to broadcast more than 40,000 hours of sport which next season will include 138 live Premier League matches and up to 15 matches every week during the UEFA Champions League. She said Sky had held its prices for the past two years, but in the light of increased investment on screen, prices were changing to reflect increased production and rights costs.
The increased charges are directly related to the huge rises in many business’s rateable values announced earlier this year, which left many publicans reeling.
A Sky spokeswoman said pubs and clubs made a commercial decision to invest in live sport because it brought in customers and generated revenue. “With more and more people coming to their locals to watch sport, many thousands of commercial customers choose to subscribe to Sky because it’s good for their business,” she said.
She said Sky invested more than £1 billion a year to broadcast more than 40,000 hours of sport which next season will include 138 live Premier League matches and up to 15 matches every week during the UEFA Champions League. She said Sky had held its prices for the past two years, but in the light of increased investment on screen, prices were changing to reflect increased production and rights costs.
JD Wetherspoon See Encouraging Start to Breakfast Openings
JD Wetherspoon returned to sales growth in the fourth quarter as its pubs opened two hours earlier for breakfast, and as the warm summer weather lured more drinkers.
The company, which has 783 pubs across Britain, posted a 1 percent increase in fourth-quarter sales at pubs open for more than a year, compared with a 0.2 percent decline in the nine months to April 25.
Wetherspoon opened for breakfast on April 28, offering fried breakfast for 2.79 pounds and cups of coffee for 49 pence to compete against McDonalds and coffee shop chain Starbucks. Customers cannot order alcohol until 9am.
"Broadly, the extra costs have been covered by sales but it will take a little time before it becomes really profit enhancing. It will take a year or two to build up a solid customer base," Finance Director Keith Down told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.
The company, which has 783 pubs across Britain, posted a 1 percent increase in fourth-quarter sales at pubs open for more than a year, compared with a 0.2 percent decline in the nine months to April 25.
Wetherspoon opened for breakfast on April 28, offering fried breakfast for 2.79 pounds and cups of coffee for 49 pence to compete against McDonalds and coffee shop chain Starbucks. Customers cannot order alcohol until 9am.
"Broadly, the extra costs have been covered by sales but it will take a little time before it becomes really profit enhancing. It will take a year or two to build up a solid customer base," Finance Director Keith Down told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Welsh Assembly Backs Welsh Brewers and Pubs
This morning the Rural Development Sub-Committee in the Welsh Assembly issued its Report into the Wine, Beer, Cider and Spirits Industries. The Report highlights the importance that small breweries, cider makers and community pubs to the Welsh economy and community.
CAMRA provided both written and oral evidence to the committee, and is delighted that they have taken on board so many of CAMRA's recommendations.
Among the Committee's recommendations to the Welsh Government are:
That authentic Welsh produce should be promoted by encouraging the cultivation of Welsh ingredients for beer and cider, and the Welsh Government should design a marketing campaign highlighting Welsh beer as a quality natural product.
That the Welsh Government should ensure that it is fully involved in any discussions at a UK level on the introduction of minimum pricing, in order to highlight the role minimum pricing could play in preventing irresponsible pricing by supermarkets which is threatening the future of community pubs.
That if the UK Government does not ensure reform of the beer tie, the Welsh Government should legislate to give every pub in Wales the right to stock a locally produced guest beer or cider.
That planning protection for pubs should be strengthened by ensuring consistent application of guidelines, by banning restrictive covenants and by closing the planning loophole that allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission
That there should be greater protection for pubs of historical and cultural interest
That progressive beer duty must be retained in order to sustain the growth of small breweries in Wales
CAMRA provided both written and oral evidence to the committee, and is delighted that they have taken on board so many of CAMRA's recommendations.
Among the Committee's recommendations to the Welsh Government are:
That authentic Welsh produce should be promoted by encouraging the cultivation of Welsh ingredients for beer and cider, and the Welsh Government should design a marketing campaign highlighting Welsh beer as a quality natural product.
That the Welsh Government should ensure that it is fully involved in any discussions at a UK level on the introduction of minimum pricing, in order to highlight the role minimum pricing could play in preventing irresponsible pricing by supermarkets which is threatening the future of community pubs.
That if the UK Government does not ensure reform of the beer tie, the Welsh Government should legislate to give every pub in Wales the right to stock a locally produced guest beer or cider.
That planning protection for pubs should be strengthened by ensuring consistent application of guidelines, by banning restrictive covenants and by closing the planning loophole that allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission
That there should be greater protection for pubs of historical and cultural interest
That progressive beer duty must be retained in order to sustain the growth of small breweries in Wales
Monday, 12 July 2010
Pub Company Insolvency Down
Long term health of the pub industry still in doubt and restaurants, although recuperating, remain hooked up to the discounts drip, reports PriceWaterhouseCooper
Pub company insolvencies are down a third from the peak of the recession but fears of further Government spending cuts, potential interest rate rises, and a reduction in discretionary spend could slow recovery – causing a further wave of restructuring and insolvency.
The insolvency rate appears to have peaked in the last quarter of 2009 when 88 pubs businesses failed. (The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP insolvency statistics monitor pub companies as opposed to individual units.) The rate of failure has now (Q2 2010) dropped by 32 per cent. However, the level of collapse is still comparatively high - nearly ten per cent up on just two years ago.
In the first half of 2010 London based companies such as London Town, Capital City Brewing Company Ltd, and Globe pub management became insolvent, as did several large late night venues such as Fabric nightclub and the Budha Bar.
Pub company insolvencies are down a third from the peak of the recession but fears of further Government spending cuts, potential interest rate rises, and a reduction in discretionary spend could slow recovery – causing a further wave of restructuring and insolvency.
The insolvency rate appears to have peaked in the last quarter of 2009 when 88 pubs businesses failed. (The PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP insolvency statistics monitor pub companies as opposed to individual units.) The rate of failure has now (Q2 2010) dropped by 32 per cent. However, the level of collapse is still comparatively high - nearly ten per cent up on just two years ago.
In the first half of 2010 London based companies such as London Town, Capital City Brewing Company Ltd, and Globe pub management became insolvent, as did several large late night venues such as Fabric nightclub and the Budha Bar.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Cheif Constable Support Lowering of Legal Drinking Age
Isle of Man Chief Constable Mike Langdon has raised a question which he believes must be considered by politicians;Would lowering the legal drinking age be good for the Island?
Letting 16 year olds into pubs could mean more drink-related problems - or it might teach them to drink responsibly.
He says the Island’s pub trade is well-regulated and allowing teenagers to experience drink in a controlled environment might be preferable to having them drink illegally on the streets.
Letting 16 year olds into pubs could mean more drink-related problems - or it might teach them to drink responsibly.
He says the Island’s pub trade is well-regulated and allowing teenagers to experience drink in a controlled environment might be preferable to having them drink illegally on the streets.
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