An outcry has erupted from the trade following yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which led to disappointment on many fronts, including a measly 1p off draught beer, further rises to duty for wine and a lowered rate of business rates relief which has been described a kick in the teeth to businesses.
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The hospitality sector is facing a substantial increase in operating costs as the Chancellor confirms a 6.7% rise in the National Living Wage, set to take effect in April 2025. The uplift will raise the hourly rate from £11.44 to £12.21, directly impacting more than 3 million workers and adding an estimated £1.9bn to the hospitality sector’s wage bill.
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Long-time spirits industry commentator and MD of Mangrove Global, Nick Gillett, speaks out ahead of the new Labour government’s Autumn Statement, arguing that ‘the best hospitality can hope for is to be left well alone’.
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A survey of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses has revealed that jobs and investment plans would be threatened if business rates relief expires in April, causing bills to quadruple.
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With just two weeks remaining until the autumn Budget, WineGB has called on the UK government to prioritise the English and Welsh wine industry by reducing excise duty and offering targeted support to boost growth.
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UKHospitality is urging the government to take immediate action to prevent a sharp rise in business rates for thousands of hospitality businesses, warning that bills could skyrocket in April 2025 without intervention.
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As of yesterday (1 April), employment costs have increased for hospitality businesses following a rise in the National Minimum Wage.
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The Scottish Budget for 2024-25 was passed unchanged at Holyrood yesterday (27 February), with hospitality businesses north of the border hanging in the balance.
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A joint survey by UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster has revealed the cost pressures facing venues compared to 2023.
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The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) have issued a joint appeal to support their sector after it emerged that English businesses will receive a 75% reduction in rates bills for the financial year 2024-25.
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Industry heads are warning that wine drinkers could face rocketing prices if the chancellor goes ahead with a double-pronged tax hike, likely to be announced at tomorrow’s Spring Budget.
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On-trade drinking occasions are holding up despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to drinks insights agency, Proof Insight.
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SNP finance secretary Kate Forbes outlined the 2021/22 budget in the Scottish parliament yesterday (9 December), with some good news for ailing retailers and hospitality venues.
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UK Hospitality (UKH) has warned that the business rates relief cap will jeopardise the future of thousands of hospitality venues, which will face full rates bills within weeks following the unrestricted opening of the sector planned for June.
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Industry leaders welcome much of the Chancellor’s aid package but are disappointed it falls short in some vital areas, writes Lisa Riley.
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Duty on wines, spirits and beers is to be frozen, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced in today’s Budget.
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Hospitality leaders are optimistic about the long-term future of the sector and its role in the UK’s economic recovery, with many businesses seeking to grow rather than shrink, the latest CGA Business Leaders' Survey has revealed.
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Will the chancellor address the continuing controversy over punishing duty rates in the wine and spirits sectors in the 3 March Budget? Lisa Riley reports.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has failed to halt the UK’s distillery boom with new figures showing a record number of distilleries were registered in 2020.
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The WSTA has renewed its calls on the Chancellor to cut alcohol duty to allow UK businesses to “thrive and compete on a global stage”.
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