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Business rates: Government reviews valuations for pubs and hotels

Published:  24 August, 2026

The government has launched a review into the way business rates for both pubs and hotels are calculated in England and Wales – which could lead to reforms.

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Much-awaited DMO appointed for Wales’ Deposit Return Scheme

Published:  21 August, 2026

The Welsh government has announced the appointment of Exchange for Change as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which launches in October 2027.

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US drinks producers hold breath as Canada tariff deal nears

Published:  19 August, 2026

US President Trump has paused the implementation of a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods for three days (which were set to be implemented today – 19 August), with the two governments nearing a deal that seeks to avert the heightened export duty.

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‘Shocking lack of details’: SIBA pushes for delay to DRS

Published:  19 August, 2026

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) has called on the government to delay the implementation of its deposit return scheme (DRS), after what it called “a shocking lack of details”.

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Pub-to-housing conversions to be restricted under new rules

Published:  17 August, 2026

Pubs at risk of closure for conversion to another use are set to receive protections under new planning regulations in England, which come into force today (Monday 17 August).

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SIBA: Rate of closure for UK breweries slows in first half of 2026

Published:  11 August, 2026

According to the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) UK Brewery Tracker, the rate of brewery closures has slowed in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.

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Report: Global deaths attributable to alcohol fell significantly since 2010

Published:  06 August, 2026

A new report from the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) has found that globally, deaths linked to alcohol fell by over a quarter (26%) between 2010 and 2024.

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Zero tariff scotch trading with US comes into effect

Published:  24 July, 2026

From today (24 July) a ‘zero for zero’ tariff regime has come into effect for scotch whisky entering the US.

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Burnham grants pubs, clubs and music venues 20% rates cut

Published:  23 July, 2026

The government has announced that pubs, clubs and live music venues across England are set to receive a 20% business rates cut from April 2027.

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Potential benefits for UK trade as India FTA comes into force

Published:  15 July, 2026

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India has today (15 July) come into force, with tariff cuts and dedicated support for SMEs both up for grabs.

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VAT campaign: One-in-six hospitality businesses risk closure

Published:  01 July, 2026

According to a recently released survey – conducted by UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster – one-in-six hospitality businesses in the UK say that their business is at risk of failure in the next 12 months.

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PIWOSA mascot WINO the Rhino takes aim at parliament

Published:  24 June, 2026

Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) mascot WINO the Rhino has paid a visit to the Houses of Parliament, hoping to express the organisation’s distaste for recent duty changes.

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Exchange for Change announces DRS fees for return point operators

Published:  03 June, 2026

Exchange For Change has confirmed the fees to be paid to return point operators under the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Campaign to cut hospitality VAT to 10% spearheaded by Tom Kerridge

Published:  02 June, 2026

Chef and publican Tom Kerridge is urging the hospitality industry to sign a new petition backing VATsTheProblem – a campaign to cut VAT for the sector to 10%.

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UKH decries increasing costs after youth inactivity report

Published:  29 May, 2026

UK Hospitality (UKH) has responded to the recent Milburn review interim report on youth unemployment, saying that it demonstrates “the damaging impact of increasing costs on job opportunities”.

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STA pushes for dedicated tourism cabinet member following Holyrood election

Published:  18 May, 2026

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has repeated its call for the Scottish government to introduce a dedicated cabinet secretary or minister for tourism.

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UK Hospitality urges government to provide energy support for sector

Published:  08 May, 2026

In a letter to the chancellor, UK Hospitality has proposed six measures that the government could implement to help hospitality businesses through increasing energy costs.

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STA calls on incoming MSPs to ensure support for hospitality

Published:  05 May, 2026

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has released an open letter addressed to Scotland’s next MSPs just days before the Scottish Parliamentary election, due to take place this Thursday (7 May).

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Wine and spirits sector hits back at tax as duty revenues fall

Published:  23 April, 2026

The wine and spirits sector has hit back against what the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) called “the UK's uniquely punitive excise duty regime”.

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Low & no survey launched to let industry inform policy

Published:  13 April, 2026

Alcohol-free social impact business Club Soda has launched what it claims is the first ‘benchmarking’ survey of the low, no and mid-strength sector, aimed at gathering data to inform government policymaking. The survey is open to low & no brands, to ensure that they get a voice. 

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