Latest Pub News
Read all the latest Press stories about pubs
We at the Good Pub Guide have been scouring the newspapers and Internet to find the latest view in the media about pubs and the pub industry. In what is a traumatic time for many in the industry we hope to regularly shine a light on what the wider world is saying.
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July 15th
M&B sells hotels and pubs for £91m
The Publican
Fifty-two lodges and eight attached pubs sold as move to grow restaurant and pub brands.
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Pub chain raises a glass as 7am opening boosts sales
Herald Scotland
Opening its outlets at 7am to capture the breakfast trade is supporting sales growth at pub chain JD Wetherspoon.
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July 13th
Summer sun and football a mixed blessing for pubs
The Publican
Winners and losers as half term is offset by World Cup and sunny weather.
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Rosé sales up 21% at pubs
Morning Advertiser
Rosé sales jumped more than 21% in value in the on-trade in the last year, according to new research from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).
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July 7th
Health lobby "getting the message" on beer
The Publican
Push to promote ale and lager as a healthy choice is paying off, says BBPA chief.
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Heineken deal packs punch for trade charity
The Publican
Heineken UK has confirmed that it will be sponsoring the Licensed Trade Charity’s Annual Boxing Fundraiser for the twelfth consecutive year.
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July 5th
Trade groups unite over licensing 'overhaul' threat
The Publican
Major groups making joint submission in response to coalition's alcohol plans.
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Brewer unleashes Mongoose to catch Cobra
The Publican
Brewer Wells & Young’s is attempting to gatecrash the Indian beer party with the launch of a new permanent ale.
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July 2nd
Greene King looks to grow as profits jump
Telegraph.co.uk
Greene King, the Suffolk-based pub owner and brewer, will expand its managed pub estate faster than planned after outperforming rivals to report a near-doubling in first-half profit.
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'Pubs raise alcohol age limit during Henley regatta'
The Publican
The age limit for people allowed to buy alcohol in some town centre pubs in Henley-on-Thames is to be increased to 21 during the town's Royal Regatta.
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June 25th
Pubs asked to help hard of hearing
The Publican
Pubs are being encouraged to reach out to deaf or hard of hearing customers as part of Deaf Awareness Week 2010.
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AB InBev to roll-out Stella Artois Black
The Publican
4.9 per cent golden beer will be in selected pubs from the autumn.
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June 24th
The Capital Pub Company Plc's finals show another strong year
Stockopedia
Aim listed The Capital Pub Company Plc(LON:CPUB); the London focused pub operator, has released their prelims which show that they have had another strong year.
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Now THAT'S a pub crawl! Meet the great eccentric who's taken 26 years to drink 8,500 pints in 17,000 pubs, from Cornwall to the Shetlands...
Mail Online
Stuart Ashby is a walking advert for the magical health-giving properties of the great British boozer.
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June 17th
Slashing drink-drive limit could 'send pubs to the wall'
Mail Online
Radical plans to lower Britain's drink-drive limit to make it illegal to drive after more than one drink could damage rural pubs, campaigners warned last night.
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'Belfast pubs put in administration'
The Publican
The companies behind a popular chain of well known music venues and bars in Belfast have gone into administration.
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June 15th
VAT hike: 7,000 jobs at risk
Morning Advertiser
A VAT hike to 20% would raise the price of a pint by 6p and cause the loss of 7,000 jobs a year, without a compensatory cut in duty.
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Enterprise Inns to sell off 10 more London pubs
The Publican
Enterprise Inns is looking to raise nearly £11m through selling off 10 London pubs at an upcoming auction.
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June 11th
Greene King buys four more pubs from Punch Taverns
Guardian.co.uk
Greene King has bought another four managed pubs from heavily endebted Punch Taverns, as the latter continues to trim away at its borrowings.
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Pubs prepare to serve up a feast of World Cup football
Harrow Observer
THE football World Cup kicks off in South Africa on Friday and football fever has already hit Harrow.
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June 8th
Pubs in UK set to get music royalty refund
techradar.com
UK pubs are about to get a massive pay day, after the Phonographic Performance Ltd lost a lawsuit that entitled pub owners to reclaim overpaid royalties.
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Orchid Group targets 50 new pubs this year
bighospitality.co.uk
Orchid, the managed pub operator and owner of the Living Room brand, plans to add another 50 sites this year taking it to beyond 300.
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June 1st
Pub football screenings crackdown by Isle of Man police
BBC.co.uk
Pubs showing World Cup matches will be visited by teams of police officers during games as part of a crackdown against anti-social behaviour.
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Cougar Leisure looks to sell off 11 sites
The Publican
Cougar Leisure, the bar operator created when Herald Inns & Bars went into administration in 2008, is selling 11 of its properties for a total of £5.7m.
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May 28th
World Cup pub crackdown
Morning Advertiser
The Government has urged police to increase enforcement of pubs before and during the World Cup, the Morning Advertiser can reveal.
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Drop in underage pub drinkers
The Publican
Government figures show rise in number of 11-15 year-olds drinking at home and in outdoor spaces.
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May 26th
Queen's Speech: how it affects pubs
Morning Advertiser
A ban on the sale of below cost-alcohol and giving police and local authorities extra powers to deal with problem premises were two of the key policies affecting the pub trade announced in the Queen’s Speech today.
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Foster's is new Edinburgh Comedy Awards sponsor
The Publican
Foster's is looking for laughter as part of a new sponsorship deal which will see it back the Edinburgh Comedy Festival.
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May 24th
Action needed to halt pub wine sales slide
Morning Advertiser
Action needs to be taken to halt the decline of on-trade wine sales, according to research consultancy Wine Intelligence.
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World health chiefs back minimum pricing
Telegraph.co.uk
Health chiefs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) have called for the introduction of minimum pricing to reduce alcohol harm.
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May 21st
Pub operators: Good news and good cheer for Marston’s
Times Online
Ralph Findlay welcomed a Government crackdown on supermarket beer deals while hailing a positive start to the second half.
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Mitchells & Butlers shrugs of pub industry downturn
The Publican
Pub owner Mitchells & Butlers reported better-than-expected first-half results as its focus on selling more food paid off, despite its top executives being embroiled in a boardroom scrap with its largest shareholder for much of the period.
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May 13th
Pro-pub MPs in Cameron's Cabinet
Morning Advertiser
Three members of David Cameron’s new Cabinet signed a pledge to help pubs before the election, it has emerged.
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The pub meal that has more fat than McDonald’s
The Publican
Pub grub burger meals can contain more fat than twelve McDonald's hamburgers. The O'Neill's Double Burger Meal - which includes chips - is loaded with 100g of fat. That's the equivalent of half a tub of margarine and more than 12 McDonald's burgers. And it contains a whopping 1,700 calories - more than six McDonald's burgers put together –The Sun
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May 11th
Enterprise Inns gives investors new hope for dividend payouts
Times Online
Enterprise Inns, Britain’s second-biggest pub company, hinted today that it was ready to restore dividend payments next year.
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Giant speech bubble bid to combat pub noise
BBC News
Speech bubbles which could provide the answer for people who want to make their voice heard in noisy pubs and clubs are set to go on display.
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May 10th
Nick Clegg among MPs backing CAMRA's wish list
The Publican
Lib Dem leader is among 148 MPs signed up to charter - which includes a call for beer tie reform.
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Smirnoff still number one global brand
The Publican
Vodka comes out on top in wine and spirits survey. Smirnoff has retained its position as the leading global wine or spirits brand, according to an annual survey.
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May 6th
Wetherspoons in sales dip as tough times hit its pubs
City AM
PUBS group JD Wetherspoon is feeling the sobering effects of lower consumer spending and tax and duty rises with sales growth slowing in recent months.
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Pubs' worry at 48p pint
Mirror.co.uk
Pub bosses fear they will be ruined by supermarkets' "kamikaze" deals which sell beer for 48p a pint.
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April 30th
Three quarters of British drinkers 'pre-load' before going out
Caterer Search
More than three-quarters of pub-goers admit to drinking cheap supermarket alcohol before they go out - a practice known as "pre-loading".
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Pubs could suffer as 10m get access to Sky Sports
Morning Advertiser
Around 10m more people could have access to Sky Sports and Premier League football at home under a temporary deal announced yesterday.
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April 29th
Election 2010: The Publican's guide to the political parties' pub policy
The Publican
On Thursday 6th May, millions will vote in one of the most anticipated and hyped general elections of our time. But, as a publican, which way will you vote? If you’re still undecided, or want to check the main parties’ policies towards pubs, read on
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Surge in support for the great British pub from election candidates
Eat Out Magazine
There has been a surge in support for the Great British pub from Election candidates in the last week.
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April 28th
Greene King reports sales slump
Morning Advertiser
Pubs and brewing group Greene King has reported a further slowdown in sales growth and warned of "fragile" consumer confidence this year.
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Anger at cop's World Cup promotions claims
The Publican
Trade hits back at police fears that there is potential for trouble in pubs over summer.
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April 27th
Edinburgh pubs barred from early Sunday opening
Morning Advertiser
Pubs in Edinburgh have failed in a bid to open before 1230pm on a Sunday.
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UKIP pledges to help the trade
The Publican
Party promises lower duty on draught beer, action against the tie and relaxation of the smoking ban.
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April 23rd
Punch's £800k pub refurbishments plan
Business7
A total of 21 pubs will be updated, expanded and fitted with free Wi-Fi during the overhaul.
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The Publican Awards 2010: Winners brochure, photos and reaction
The Publican
The nation’s top licensees, pubs and pub companies picked up their trophies in a glamorous ceremony at the Grosvenor House hotel in London, hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre.
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April 21st
Furious licensee berates Labour minister
The Publican
Swindon publican complains he is about to go bankrupt under Labour 'regime'
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Budweiser has bottle for the World Cup
The Publican
World Cup sponsor Budweiser is producing a new bottle as part of its package of activity around the tournament.
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April 16th
Women set to save the British pub, survey claims
Caterer Search
Women could help save the British pubs, but only if those pubs serve better food and provide better seating, a survey has found.
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Pubs suffer sales dip but signs of confidence returning
The Publican
Slow down in promotions signalled as reason for slight year-on-year drop in trade
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April 14th
MARKET REPORT: Pub shares are packing a Punch
Mail Online
Many investors turned to drink after sitting through another round of mind-numbing election campaign broadcasts.
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Pub cash payments falling fast
The Publican
Around 60 per cent of customers now pay with for pints with plastic.
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April 13th
BBPA urges members to get candidates behind pubs
Morning Advertiser
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is urging its members to lobby candidates to get behind pubs in the run up to the General Election.
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Mitchells & Butlers rebuffs offers for chains of pubs
This is London
Mitchells & Butlers has turned down several early approaches from private-equity firms for its All Bar One and Browns chains.
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April 7th
Marston's boosted by good Easter trading
Guardian
Marstons, the pub and brewing business, is optimistic about the outlook after a good performance over the Easter holiday.
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Pubs and clubs toast end to 'useless' 2am curfew on revellers
scotsman.com
LICENSING chiefs in Aberdeen yesterday voted to scrap a controversial curfew on early morning entry to the city's pubs and clubs after a six-month pilot.
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April 6th
All-you-can-drink pub landlords face jail in binge drinking fight
Mail Online
Pub owners who offer 'all you can drink' promotions could be jailed from today under new laws designed to curb binge drinking.
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Pubs pin hopes on World Cup drinkers
Evening Standard
Publicans are hoping that a strong showing by England in this summer's World Cup could come to their rescue.
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March 31st
Grand National boost for pubs
The Publican
Thousands of pubs across the UK are being encouraged to make the most of the nation’s greatest horse racing event.
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World Cup worth £124m to pubs
Morning Advertiser
A good performance by the England football team could be worth more than £124m to the pub industry, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.
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March 30th
Pubs firm Punch says CEO Thorley to step down
Reuters
Britain's biggest pubs firm Punch Taverns (PUB.L) said Chief Executive Giles Thorley is to stand down from the board after seven years at the helm during which the company's debt rose to record levels.
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Pubs worry about Ofcom’s plans for BSkyB
Tech Watch
There has been a lot said about the important decision that the media regulator has to make over the wholesale prices that satellite provider BSkyB charges other broadcasters.
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March 26th
Town & City embraces Sky's 3DTV
The Publican
Town & City Pub Company has installed Sky's new 3D system into 20 of its pubs.
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Pub trade faces up to a ‘critical’ year ahead
Belfast Telegraph
Almost half of Northern Ireland’s pubs and bars laid off staff last year and confidence among publicans in the licensed trade for the rest of 2010 is low, according to new research.
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March 24th
Mitchells & Butlers to quit drinks-led pubs
The Publican
John Lovering, the new chairman of Mitchells & Butlers brought in by the rebel shareholder Joe Lewis, today said that he was changing executive bonuses because his senior managers valued their pensions more than their share options.
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Pub organisations slam Budget rise in alcohol taxes
Caterer Search
Pub sector groups have reacted angrily to the news in today's Budget that duty on wine, beer and spirits is to rise by 2% above inflation.
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March 23rd
Special offers on drink in off-licences and pubs to rise
Independent.ie
DRINKS industry bosses yesterday predicted an increase in special offers at off-licences and pubs, potentially pitting alcohol sellers on a collision course with responsible drinking agency Meas.
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'Pubs closing as Irish turn away from alcohol'
The Publican
Ireland's famous pubs and pints are reeling from their worst year yet, a report published yesterday has found. Against the backdrop of deep recession and rising unemployment, Ireland's per capita alcohol consumption fell by 9.6 per cent in 2009 and is now 21 per cent below an all-time peak in 2001 when Ireland's economy was booming - The Independent
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March 22nd
Tories talk tough on pubs
The Publican
Conservatives hit out at government for allowing supermarkets to use alcohol as a loss-leader.
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'Jobs warning as Darling plans extra five per cent on alcohol'
The Publican
The head of Britain’s biggest drinks group has launched a blistering attack on the Government’s duty regime ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, warning that further tax rises could threaten investment and jobs - The Times
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March 19th
Sink a pint at the Crooked House... Britain's 'drunkest' pub appears to be subsiding
Mail Online
Most people get a boost from popping to the pub. But customers are the Crooked House, get a sinking feeling when they walk through the door.
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Healey: I took a 'balanced' look at the industry
The Publican
Pubs minister John Healey has said he has taken a “balanced and intelligent look” at the trade and warned “the ball is in the industry’s court now”.
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March 18th
Rescue plan for pubs: Help punters buy them
Guardian.co.uk
New guidelines aims to stem the wave of pub closures and help an ailing industry.
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Pubs gear up for Cask Ale Week
The Publican
Beer tastings, food matching and staff dressing up are just a few of the celebrations that will be taking place in around 4,000 pubs during National Cask Ale Week.
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March 17th: St. Patrick's Day Speical!
Six of the best traditional Dublin pubs
Times Online
Tom Chesshyre selects the best and most historic places to enjoy a St Patrick's Day pint of Guinness.
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St Patrick's Day discovery: How mini tornado helps Guinness goes down well
Mirror.co.uk
Guinness bubbles really do go down the glass instead of up, say scientists - and it's all thanks to a mini tornado.
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March 15th
London's restaurants and pubs boosted by thaw
thisislondon.co.uk
London's pubs, cafés and restaurants fuelled a recovery in the UK's hospitality sector last month, pushing like-for-like sales figures back into positive territory after a disastrous snow-hit January.
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Country pubs under threat from proposals to limit drivers to one pint of beer
caterersearch.com
Country pubs could be forced to the wall if the government adopts expected proposals from an official review to slash the drink-driving limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to just 50mg.
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March 10th
Have your say on government's live music plans
The Publican
Licensees have just over two weeks to respond to a government consultation on plans to offer exemptions for small gigs.
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Government accused of 'pussyfooting' around minimum pricing
The Publican
The government has been accused of “pussyfooting” around the issue of minimum pricing as it faced renewed pressure to bring in the measure.
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March 9th
SIBA boss backs PBD for all
The Publican
The newly elected chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has called for progressive beer duty (PBD) to be extended to include major brewers.
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Men urged to have a health check at their local
The Publican
Male drinkers are being encouraged to have a health check while at their local pub, as part of a new scheme to cut alcohol abuse.
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March 8th
Pub development plan halted after BBC investigation
BBC News
Plans by the UK's biggest pub company to convert a community pub into a housing development have been halted following a BBC investigation.
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Campaigning landlord to close popular Plymouth pub
Plymouth Herald
A landlord who has been a leading voice in the industry for nearly two decades last night made the heartbreaking announcement that he was shutting his pub – and warned many others would soon follow.
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March 5th
Luff tells the pubcos: "You're on probation"
The Publican
The pub industry remains “on probation”, and woe betide pub companies if they do not implement initiatives to reform their business practices and make life better for their licensees.
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BBPA accused of 'obfuscation and hostility'
Morning Advertiser
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has been accused of resorting to “obfuscation and hostility” in regard to developing a more transparent method of calculating rents.
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March 2nd
Longridge pub boss sparks Government debate
Lancashire Telegraph
A landlady who claims the costs of running a pub are spiralling out of control is at the centre of a Government debate.
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Brothers launch new apple cider
The Publican
Brothers Cider has today launched a new flavour – Brothers Bittersweet Apple.
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February 26th
Union chief impressed by pubs minister
The Publican
New pubs minister John Healey has kicked-off a two-week fact finding mission to find out about the issues affecting the trade.
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Marston's offers tenants wholesale beer prices
The Publican
Marston's has unveiled details of its latest tenancy agreement which will give licensees the chance to buy beer at freetrade prices.
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February 25th
First Global Ignite Week sparks discussion at pubs around the world
The Independent
In March innovative speakers and inventive minds will be sharing their ideas and creations during Global Ignite Week, from March 1 to 5.
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Government minister: 'smoking ban has not closed pubs'
The Publican
Public health minister describes ban as "tremendous success" in health committee debate.
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February 23rd
Pub group calls for lower beer tax
bbc.co.uk
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has called on the UK government to scrap its plans to raise beer taxes and save 7,500 jobs in the process.
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Chameleon Pub Company expands to seven sites
bighospitality.co.uk
North of England-based pub operator Chameleon Pub Company is continuing with expansion plans with the purchase of its seventh site, a former Table Table pub restaurant in Lancaster.
Read more here
February 17th
Enterprise Inns seeks £12.6m from auction of eight London pubs
caterersearch.com
Enterprise Inns is hoping to raise £12.6m through the auction of the freeholds on eight pubs in central London.
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Ready to re-open Jennings helps out flood victims
The Publican
Brewery struck by floods raises more than £175,000 for other Lake District victims.
Read more here
February 15th
Cold snap drives down sales in pubs and restaurant sales
caterersearch.com
The freezing January weather pushed like-for-like sales in Britain's pubs and restaurants down by 5% compared to the same month last year, as people stayed away, according to a new industry survey.
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Pubs win court battle over recorded music charges
BBC News
Pubs, restaurants and hotels could share £20m in refunds after winning a court battle over the charges they pay for playing recorded music.
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February 12th
Southampton pubs to shut after FA Cup derby
bbc.co.uk
City centre pubs are to shut for two hours after the FA Cup clash between Southampton and Portsmouth on Saturday.
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By-laws to target dogs, noisy pubs and car leaflets
Belfast Telegraph
Dog-free zones, fines of up to £500 for noisy pubs and designated areas where handing out advertising literature is banned are among a planned raft of new by-laws to equip Ulster’s councils to tackle anti-social behaviour..
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February 8th
New non-shatter pint glass introduced to prevent pub attacks
Mirror.co.uk
A pint glass that doesn't shatter was unveiled yesterday to reduce pub brawl injuries.
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John Healey appointed minister for pubs
Morning Advertiser
The Government has appointed the first ever minister for pubs in a bid to help stem the wave of pub closures.
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February 4th
Thousands of young people scarred in drunken attacks
Telegraph.co.uk
Up to 1,000 youngsters a week suffer serious facial injuries in drunken assaults with many left scarred for life, figures show.
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British Beer & Pub Association launches 'Kegaware' scheme
Eatoutmagazine.co.uk
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has launched a new awareness campaign to try and ensure best practice when it comes to the safe and secure storage of belongings.
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January 29th
Live 3D football coming to pubs
Expertreviews.co.uk
Sky has said it will be broadcasting live football in 3D to selected pubs this weekend for the first time.
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Pubs To Get Sex And The City Treatment
Guardian.co.uk
A pub chain is set to offer larger wine glasses, glossy magazines and free toiletries in loos in a bid to attract more female drinkers.
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January 26th
'Labour MEP calls for Europe-wide ban on 'dangerous' Buckfast tonic wine'
The Publican
A Scots Labour MEP yesterday called for a Europe-wide ban on Buckfast.
Read more here
Greene King buoyed by upbeat trading and pub purchase
Guardian.co.uk
Food sales over Christmas have driven a strong performance from pubs group Greene King, which has just issued an upbeat trading statement.
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January 25th
Supermarkets are "creating alcoholics", claims ex-Tory leader
The Publican
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has accused supermarkets of “creating alcoholics” with their “immoral” attitude to alcohol.
Read more here
Hunt for Pilsner Urquell Master Bartender begins
The Publican
The search is on for Pilsner Urquell’s UK Master Bartender for 2010, and possibly, the world champion.
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January 20th
The Big Question: Will banning cheap offers lead to people drinking less?
Independent.co.uk
Why are we asking this now?
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Wetherspoon sales dip in big freeze
The Press Association
JD Wetherspoon has revealed a blow to New Year sales figures after January's big freeze prevented drinkers from getting to its pubs.
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January 15th
Record number of Michelin stars for pubs
Morning Advertiser
Four pubs have been awarded the prestigious Michelin star in the new Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2010.
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Freehold pubs "never been so cheap", says agent
The Publican
Despite the current economic environment now is as good a time as any for individuals with cash who are looking to buy freehold pubs, according to a leading property agent.
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January 12th
Blood bank offers 'beer for blood' scheme
Metro.co.uk
Do you like beer? Do you have a functioning cardiovascular system? A blood bank in America has a great deal for people like you.
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Pubs and news 'top web searches'
The Press Association
Search engine Bing thinks it has the answer to cracking Google's dominance in the UK market - by delivering breaking news and beer.
Read more here
January 11th
Corporate pub activity dried up in 2009
The Publican
Evidence that corporate activity in the pub sector dwindled in 2009 has been offered by one of the country’s largest property agents.
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Pub groups report punters in good cheer over Christmas, though snow cools sales
Times Online
The Arctic weather may be keeping people huddled by their radiators at home but when it is not snowing, consumers seem to be in the mood to eat out in pubs and restaurants or have a flutter at a local casino or bingo hall.
Read more here
January 8th
Price of a pint set to increase by 10p
Dailyrecord.co.uk
CASH-STRAPPED Brits will struggle to drown their sorrows with the cost of a pint set to soar by up to 10p.
Read more here
MPs: it's war on cheap supermarket alcohol
Morning Advertiser
A group of MPs have declared war on the cheap supermarket alcohol, which they say is blighting Britain and damaging community pubs.
Read more here
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