Covid-19 / 15 March 2021
SBPA reveals devastation to pubs and brewers one year on from first COVID-19 lockdown, reiterates Government must ensure pubs can operate without restrictions as soon as possible One year on from the First Minister ordering the first COVID-19 lockdown, which forced pubs to close, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association has revealed the devastation the nations’ brewers and pubs have faced. The trade association has revealed that 200 pubs are estimated to have been lost forever, 210 million pints in beer sales lost due to a full year of either forced closure, or trading under severe restrictions, and £820 million in trade value wiped out from the sector in beer sales alone. Since the first lockdown in March 2020, pubs and other hospitality businesses have been amongst the hardest hit. They have also faced severe restrictions to their trade during other periods of being “open”, including level restrictions that ultimately forced many to stay shut or open but under conditions that made their trade unviable due to the closing times and other rules. Looking ahead to the First Minister’s expected announcement tomorrow, the SBPA has urged the Scottish Government to give the sector hope by aligning closely to the unlocking plans in England, which indicate that pubs will reopen outdoors from April 12th, followed by indoors from May 17th and with all restrictions lifted by June 21st. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: “Our sector has been devastated by COVID-19 and the lockdowns. It has been a year to forget for the Scotland’s pubs and bars. “It is estimated that 200 pubs have been lost forever. 210 million pints in beer sales have also been missed, wiping out £820 million in trade value from the sector. “Sadly, we still haven’t seen the full extent of the damage yet and won't do for some time until things really do go back to normal. And by normal, I mean a return to what life was like pre-covid. “Whilst we continue to assess the full damage to our sector, I urge the First Minister to give our businesses the hope that they desperately need by providing a viable route out of lockdown tomorrow. The previously levels were entirely unviable for the majority of hospitality businesses, and they are desperately hoping for a more straight-forward approach to unlocking this time. “We also hope the Scottish Government will look at providing more support for our wet-led community pubs who, although grateful for all the support they received, will not benefit from the VAT cut to food in the same way restaurants will. Local wet-led pubs have been amongst the worst affected by the virus so it's important the Government goes that little bit further for them. “It is becoming all the clearer that the Government must ensure all our pubs are fully re-opened as early as safely possible. This is when their recovery will really start and until then we stand to lose more pubs and community assets.”
Read moreJim Cathcart | 02 March 2016
As the majority of those in the trade will already know, pubwatches are voluntary groups set up by licensees working together to promote a safe drinking environment, in partnership with the police and the licencing authority. This involves sharing best practice, banning known troublemakers and maintaining a good relationship between local pubs and enforcement officers – an approach that works, as an independent evaluation of pubwatch showed the vast majority of local authorities (76%), police (70%) and licensees (70%) believe a pubwatch contributes to a safer drinking environment in its local community. National Pubwatch is the voluntary body that supports existing pubwatches, provides guidance and assists in setting up new watches. On to the conference, where following the welcome from National Pubwatch Chairman Steve Baker and the trade view from BII’s Nigel Williams (a veteran Sheffield licencee and more recently brewery owner) the attendees heard from David Crompton, Chief Constable of South Yorkshire police. Chief Constable Crompton highlighted the issues both police and the trade face in the night-time economy and the problems that can be caused by alcohol – but was unequivocal in his support for pubwatches as a key tool in assisting enforcement agencies and the trade generally in creating safe environments for people to socialise. He even went as far as to say that in his view, the work of National Pubwatch over the last 20 years had saved lives in the night-time economy. This was followed by annual awards for outstanding individuals who have supported pubwatches, for both licencee and police representatives. The day continued with the break-out sessions, a hallmark of National Pubwatch conferences that really allows delegates to get close to current issues with key speakers and plenty of opportunity for questions, answers and debates. This year saw Nigel Connor, legal expert and JD Wetherspoon’s Company Secretary, tackle the complex but vital subject of data protection – a key consideration for all watches – and shed light on the law in this area. Barrister Gary Grant updated the conference on recent licencing developments all pub operators should be aware of, with key analysis of immigration changes to the licence regime. The second break-out session from West Midlands Police focused on the dangers presented by so-called ‘legal highs’, and what licensees and door staff should be looking out for with regard to these psychoactive substances – which have differing effects and reactions from users. New drugs are evolving all the time, highlighting the importance of pubwatches in being a network that can share the latest information on this subject. Brian Arnott and his team gave an overview of the successful Street Pastors scheme; volunteers who patrol the late-night sector and help those who have had too much to drink, or are lost, or assist in defusing confrontational situations. National Pubwatch has recently financially supported the work of Street Pastors in Westminster, another example of partnership schemes working together which was further highlighted by the Local Alcohol Partnerships Group stand which showcased the work of National Pubwatch, the Portman Group, Best Bar None, PASS and others. As it has done for the past thirteen years, the National Pubwatch conference provided in-depth discussion sessions with leading experts, a chance for licensees to meet National Pubwatch representatives and ask questions on the day-to-day practicalities of running a pubwatch, and a forum for the trade, police, local authorities and others to network on common issues. The unique nature and importance of the conference was highlighted by a capacity attendance of almost 200 delegates. The BBPA has been a supporter and promoter of pubwatches and National Pubwatch for a number of years, and we urge members to support National Pubwatch and promote this scheme to their lessees, tenants and managers – especially those new to the trade.
Brigid Simmonds | 23 February 2016
KingstonFirst (in Kingston upon Thames), was the first Business Improvement District, set up in 2004. It now has 750 members who occupy 940 properties and pay a 1 per cent levy based on business rates. This raises about £800,000 for the BID and at the last vote, 81 per cent of businesses voted to support it. Its main objective in its first two terms was to create a safe, clean and animated town centre which was well promoted and to drive down operational costs for its members, For the last six years, Kingstonfirst has delivered a number of services on behalf of the Local authority. Now, at a time when funding for local authorities is reducing and many are sharing services with other local authorities in areas such as human resources, waste management and social care, there is real scope for BIDs to add even more value. Now in its third term, it’s taking a more innovative and commercial approach to shaping the town centre via even greater collaboration with more partners. Through combined buying power, KingstonFirst offers its members enormous savings on key business services, including utilities and waste management, providing a direct financial return on their levy investment. But it is now looking beyond its core area to offer the same services to non-BID members at a charge – the more businesses in the buying group, the greater the savings. They are also looking at how they can bring property owners, facilities management and investors together to market the right sites in Kingston and achieve the right mix. Using technology they can they track how and what shops customers are visiting and in time may help to market a particular site for a specific type of shop. They would be able to demonstrate demand for a particular type of retail store. Kingstonfirst sees itself as the custodian of the town, the voice of business, a critical decision maker, a driving force and a credible contributor to the success of the town It is in no doubt about the importance of its relationship with the Council which it considers a critical partner. Kingston has worked with its local university, with Telefonica which is based locally, and a range of other partners to consider how to attract more visitors to Kingston. Digital marketing is part of its mix. In 2014, it won the London category of the Great British High Streets competition for its innovation around the market square and the integration of the market with other retail outlets and range of historic buildings. You would probably not think of Kingston upon Thames as a market town, but its daily market, with around 30 stalls, has an estimated annual turnover of £1.3m. It has popular night markets and visiting markets too, with the end of year highlight being its Christmas Market -vital ingredients in the recipe of this flourishing town centre. Its evening (anything after 5pm) and night-time economy is thriving and is hugely important to their mix. It runs events, from dance festivals to street activated music, has an active Pubwatch, runs Best Bar None and support its street pastors. It was quite interesting the other day listening to Deltic talking about their venue in Kingston being one for special occasions; their customers visit infrequently – once every two or three months. KingstonFirst is well aware that reputation is important. It works closely with its pubs, bars and nightclubs, recognises the need to provide for all ages and interests and wants to create a thriving town centre which all can enjoy. As ever, local leadership is important and this is where the Great British High Streets Pledge works so well. National and local companies encouraging their managers to become involved in local high streets, to participate in the work of BIDs, town teams, and local partnerships. Both Business in the Community and British BIDs have shown that individual retail outlets benefit in terms of footfall and income through successful high streets. Rather obvious you might think, so all a good reason to make contact with me and sign the pledge. All I need is a letter from you agreeing to support the pledge; “I pledge to use the leadership expertise, skills and resources of my business to help UK high streets achieve their full potential”.
Brigid Simmonds | 19 February 2016
As we move towards the Budget on 16th March, the BBPA team is very focused on our campaign for a cut in beer duty in the Budget, and my colleague Andy Tighe, has written about how much this benefits pubs. Yet with such a large tax burden facing pubs, there are also many other reasons why the sector really needs another duty cut. At the end of last year, the BBPA commissioned Oxford Economics to look at the total and average tax contribution of a British Pub. It concluded that over a third of pub costs go in tax, or on average £140,000 for every pub. This makes for a grand total of £7.3 billion, as the pub sector total tax burden. In comparison with other sectors, the pub’s tax burden was the 26th largest, despite being only the 41st largest in terms of turnover. Despite this big burden, we are facing a perfect storm, in terms of new business costs. We estimate that the introduction of the National Living Wage will cost the pub sector £35 million in 2016/17. We want to pay our staff more but it will be a challenge, particularly for small businesses, to achieve the productivity increases to cover these costs. The Apprenticeship Levy will cost companies several million pounds in additional costs. New auto enrolment pensions will this year result in £34 million of new costs, with the abolition of retail relief adding a further £46 million. The Apprenticeship Levy will cost companies several million pounds in additional costs. New auto enrolment pensions will this year result in £34 million of new costs, with the abolition of retail relief adding a further £46 million. The latter is a big financial blow, adding up to £1,500 to the bill of a community pub. Overall, the BBPA estimates that new cost and tax pressures are the equivalent of a 3.4 per cent increase in beer duty, or an additional 1.6p per pint – enough reason on its own, to justify a beer duty cut in the Budget. So, what are we asking for to help pubs deal with these new challenges? Alongside a penny off beer duty, we are asking for a review of the stakes and prizes for Category C gaming machines. We are asking the Government to look again at VAT for the hospitality sector. We are looking to the review of Business Rates to bring more companies into the scope of paying this tax and the reinstatement of Retail Relief, or reducing the burden on pubs which after all cannot be ‘virtual’! Whilst we support the abolition of the Carbon Reduction Commitment and simplification, we are concerned that the Climate Change Levy should not place too high a tax on small businesses like pubs. With many pressures ahead, at the end of the day, we believe that a further cut for beer duty in the Budget 2016 is the most targeted and effective way to support the Great British pub but will continue to push Government for greater support on all of these issues.
David Wilson | 04 October 2013
Sitting in the beautiful early Norman church of St Peter and St Paul in the tranquil village of Ospringe, near Faversham, it felt like we were continuing an ancient tradition of the Blessing of the Hops. In fact the service is a relatively new innovation by Shepherd Neame to mark the end of a successful hop harvest and to acknowledge the critical role hop growing plays in our British Brewing industry. For the first time this year Shepherd Neame had developed a full day of activities and a hop symposium in their impressive Visitor Centre. For the young vicar at Ospringe, Reverend Tracey Bateson it was a double first. Her first hop blessing service and her first ever time of presiding at Ospringe since taking on this East Kent Parish on leaving the Army. What she lacked in experience Reverend Bateson more than made up for in enthusiasm. The readings – from the Shepherd Neame triumverate of Jonathan Neame, Tom Falcon and Head Brewer Richard Frost – were carefully chosen. Eric Blair’s (aka George Orwell) letter to his friend Denis Collings documenting his experiences hop picking in Kent in over 80 years ago transported us back to the glory days of manual harvest when East End hop pickers and travellers descended on Kentish hop gardens in their droves living in spartan surroundings whilst they picked the hops. Martin Farquar Tupper’s poem ‘Hop Picking’ was followed by a beautifully soulful rendition of Autumn Leaves and a joyful ditty Hopping Down In Kent performed by the talented Helen Burnett to the accomplished guitar playing of Jo Caleb. The beautiful church was lovingly decorated with hops and the hymns and scripture reading were carefully chosen to amplify the theme of our role as custodians of God’s beauty in creation. The blessing sung by the small band of dedicated choristers included the apt line; ‘May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.’ Those wonders were on full display in the neighbouring hop farm which holds the national hop collection –the next stop for 50 or so beer writers, hop growers and brewers as we were given a guided tour by the enthusiastic Dr Peter Darby. What Peter doesn’t know about British hops is not worth knowing. He guided us through the hop garden with informative anecdotes to illustrate the rich history of hop growing and breeding in Britain with a particular focus on the genesis of Goldings and Fuggles hops. After sampling Kent’s finest Green Hop Beers and a fantastic lunch we got down to the serious business of the afternoon with a powerful lecture from Tony Redsell illustrated by photographs setting out the important role that East Kent has played in our rich hops heritage, ending with a pleas for us all to value it more. Ramsgate Brewery’s Eddie Gadd inspired us with his evocation of a hop harvest and how he as a brewer got so excited about the Green Hop beers that he created a festival fortnight to use the Green Hop beers to drive tourist traffic to East Kent. Ali Capper from the British Hops Association shared beautiful images of hops and challenged brewers to celebrate British hops more effectively. I was then able to explain how the Let There Be Beer campaign had evolved to celebrate beer and those occasions where only a beer will do. This day of celebrating hops was definitely one of those occasions. Shepherd Neame should be congratulated for putting together an informative and inspirational day, with plans to make it bigger and better next year with the introduction of a Hop Champion Award.
David Wilson | 28 August 2013
The appointment of former Deputy Political Editor of the Sun, Graeme Wilson (no relation), to the post of Press Secretary in Number Ten is but the latest in a series of moves to bolster communications efforts as the PM gears up for the bruising General Election campaign that will lead up to May 2015. Having a spin doctor who speaks the language of the street and can help to define policy in tabloid terms must be good for the Government. I would argue that it is also good news for beer and pubs. For some time we have sought to position support for beer and pubs as a significant barometer of how in-touch our politicians are with their increasingly cynical voting public. The voice of the man or woman down the pub is the voice of the majority of Britons and must be listened to. It is no surprise to us then that the most populist of the current breed of Party Leaders, UKIP’s Nigel Farage, is often pictured with a beer in his hand in a pub. Nor that David Cameron sanctioned a photograph of himself clutching a pint of Tribute to be released during his recent Cornish sojourn. The Conservatives in particular have moved some way to demonstrate their support for our industry and MPs are now clambering for pictures with beer, in a pub or visiting a brewery in their patch. Support from the Sun was crucial to our beer duty campaign success. Our distinctly positive tone, argued for by our Chairman Jonathan Neame and supported by the BBPA Board, fitted well with the ‘sunny-side up’ approach of the most popular red top tabloid. We framed our arguments in straightforward language that would resonate with Sun readers. With the Sun on board we worked hard to feed the machine with story ideas to maintain the momentum as Budget Day neared. Aussie communications guru Lynton Crosby has given an edge to the Government’s communications and taught them to focus on the bread and butter issues that most concern the public. The price of your pint and a safe future for your local are among a range of quality of life issues that the British public care strongly about and the Sun, and now it would seem the Government press team, get it. Policy will clearly still be driven by what’s best for the British economy but having the Sun in our corner will help us hugely in keeping up the pressure on the Coalition to go further to support British beer and pubs.