Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Migration policies must address hospitality sector

Published: 04 June, 2024

Ahead of the 4 July general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to reduce the number of migrants each year under a new Conservative government.

Teetotal PM headed for No. 10

Published: 24 October, 2022

It’s likely that alcohol will play little to no role in the celebrations in the Sunak household this evening, as the UK prepares for a new – and perhaps its first ever teetotal Prime Minster – in Number 10.

Business energy bills capped by government relief scheme

Published: 21 September, 2022

The government has announced a new energy relief scheme that will reduce energy bills for businesses by 50% of expected levels.

Cautious optimism for energy freeze as trade braces for bitter winter

Published: 09 September, 2022

The six-month energy cap unveiled by the Prime Minister yesterday has been met with a smattering of optimism among businesses. Though predictably, the resounding consensus from many corners of the trade is that the measure does not nearly go far enough in limiting the impact of exorbitant energy costs.

Hospitality industry urges new Prime Minister Liz Truss to ‘act quickly and decisively’ to save the sector

Published: 06 September, 2022

On Monday (5 September), Conservative Party members chose a new leader and, therefore, a new Prime Minister. Liz Truss secured 57% of the vote, defeating Rishi Sunak in the race to Number 10.

Conservative Party members oppose wine tax hikes

Published: 09 August, 2022

According to new YouGov research, over three-quarters of Tory party members want tax on wine to be frozen at its current rate or reduced.

Jerry Lockspeiser: Lessons from the Tory leadership – are we heading into disaster?

Published: 21 July, 2022

Oh dear, perhaps it was always too much to hope for. The embarrassment of the country being led by a self-serving clown has finally timed out, but the opportunity for serious politics to be rehabilitated looks certain to be missed.

Bourbon Alliance calls on government to remove tariffs

Published: 06 July, 2021

The Bourbon Alliance has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and trade secretary Liz Truss MP to ‘free the spirit’ and remove tariffs.

Over 75% of licensed sites traded by the end of May

Published: 21 June, 2021

A total of 76.2% of Britain’s licensed sites were trading by the end of May, with the number more than doubling from April’s 32.9% thanks to the return of inside service, according to the latest Market Recovery Monitor research from CGA and AlixPartners.

Govt expected to extend rent moratorium to 2022

Published: 16 June, 2021

The ban on commercial evictions, or rent moratorium, introduced during Covid-19 could be extended until 2022.

UKH: ‘Indication that business rates holiday will be extended would go a long way’

Published: 15 June, 2021

UK Hospitality (UKH) has urged the government to waste no time in providing details of how it will safeguard the future of the hospitality sector following the Prime Minister’s confirmation that Covid restrictions will remain for another four weeks.

One-month delay to restrictions lifting would cost hospitality £3bn

Published: 14 June, 2021

UK Hospitality (UKH) has warned that a one-month delay to Covid restrictions lifting would cost the hospitality sector around £3bn in sales.

Brewers welcome “scrapped” Covid passports

Published: 26 April, 2021

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has responded to growing speculation that Covid “passports for the pub” have been shelved, calling pubs and taprooms across the country “safe” for reopening without additional red tape.

Covid passports hang over trade

Published: 07 April, 2021

Covid passports could still be introduced at a later date for hospitality venues, a new government report has revealed, despite the Prime Minister ruling out their introduction for outdoor reopening over the next six weeks.

UKH calls for govt to earmark ‘Tesco hand back’ for hospitality

Published: 02 December, 2020

UK Hospitality (UKH) has called for the establishment of a Hospitality and Tourism Recovery Fund to support hospitality businesses that have not received any grant support and are at risk of closure.

Boris Johnson - What does the trade think about the new MP?

Published: 07 August, 2019

Everyone has an opinion on Boris Johnson. But what does the wine and spirits industry think about the new PM and the direction in which he is taking Brexit? Lisa Riley finds out