News


  • BBPA comments on Pubs Code Adjudicator Tied Pub Tenant Survey

    08 March 2018

    Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, comments: “The PCA's tenant survey is an important benchmarking exercise for the sector. It is encouraging that a clear majority of tenants are aware of the Code, including their right to request an MRO (63%). A majority also stated that the relationship with Business Development Managers continues to demonstrate real value. The findings show that some tenants are not aware of specific elements of the Code and the role of the Adjudicator. It is clear that the PCA has a role to play in expanding knowledge, awareness and clarity. “It is important to acknowledge that the first set of results account for a period in which tenants and pub owning companies were adapting to a new and complex system of regulation. There was no transition or implementation period for the Code, so it is inevitable that new processes and relationships have taken time. “The BBPA and the six companies covered by the legislation are committed to looking at the findings of the survey in detail. We will continue to work closely with the Adjudicator and other stakeholders to ensure that tenants are fully aware of their rights under the code.”

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  • BBPA supports apprenticeship event in Parliament, as National Apprenticeship Week heats up

    06 March 2018

    The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) today supported the Pub and Bar Careers Group at a Parliamentary showcase of apprenticeships. This provided MPs with the opportunity to hear first-hand from apprentices working in the beer and pub sector and to learn more about industry plans to grow our own talent.   The event, part of National Apprenticeship Week, saw as many as 70 MPs participating in a range of fun activities designed to showcase the range of skills required to work in the beer and pub sector. Pub Employers including Fuller’s, Everards, Butcombe Brewery, Beds and Bars, Greene King and Mitchells and Butlers were joined by Brewhouse and Kitchen and the BBPA in promoting their brewery apprenticeship trailblazer.   The number of new apprentices has soared in recent years with 165,000 people starting apprenticeships in hospitality and catering in the last five years. Apprenticeships are an important part of the beer and pub sector and the BBPA has long supported events such as this which enable our sector to engage with MPs on the relevant issues and opportunities for apprentices.   Apprenticeships add enormous value to brewing and pubs and the BBPA recently supported the development of a new Apprenticeship Trailblazer for brewers. Development of this Trailblazer scheme has been led by Brewhouse and Kitchen, who chair an Employer Group consisting of breweries from across the sector. The Brewing Apprenticeship Trailblazer, is currently being considered by the Institute for Apprenticeships. If accepted the Trailblazer could provide a new exciting educational route for the brewers of the future.   BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments:   “It’s never been more important for the industry to grow its own talent and apprenticeships are a critical element of our strategy to recruit and retain the talent we need to support future growth of the sector.”

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  • BBPA blog - Access Champions Event

    David Wilson | 26 February 2018

    This week I attended an inspirational first anniversary event hosted by Minister for Disabled People Sarah Newton MP. The gathering of sector champions – initially welcomed by the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey MP - across a range of business sectors was an opportunity for industry to share best practice, inspire further action to promote accessibility and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and for the Minister to challenge us all to do more to ensure we are not losing business by failing to accommodate consumers with health conditions. For tourism and hospitality, Chris Veitch is our champion and he paid tribute to the BBPA for our work in sharing best practice through our Accessible Pubs Guide. He singled us out as a membership organisation which has shown leadership within hospitality on this important issue. Accessibility is good for business – as the retail, advertising and live music sector champions reaffirmed in their challenging presentations. Within tourism and hospitality we estimate people with health conditions – and their friends and families – spend £12 billion annually on tourism in England alone so it is vital that pubs are geared up to benefit from what is dubbed the purple pound. Raising awareness of hidden disabilities through effective staff training, demonstrating corporate leadership in recruitment and staff development, and offering excellent service to all customers regardless of their disabilities were common themes our sector would do well to emulate. As the Minister reminded us, every small change makes a difference and business leadership is critical to sharing best practice and driving innovation.  

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  • BBPA welcomes Night Time Commission’s support for London’s vibrant Night Time Economy

    20 February 2018

    The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today responded to the Night Time Commission’s call for evidence on London’s evening and late-night sector. The BBPA very much welcomes the Mayor’s support for pubs and the wider late-night economy, and specifically the support given via the establishment of the Night Time Commission and the Night Czar. The London Night Time Economy (NTE) is one of the most vibrant in the world. However, restrictions such as Late-Night Levies and inconsistent use of licensing law do affect businesses within London’s NTE and cut across effective voluntary partnership working. The BBPA believes that effective partnership initiatives such as Pubwatch, Business Improvement Districts, Best Bar None, Purple Flag, Street Pastors, and Community Alcohol Partnerships provide effective solutions to local issues. The BBPA welcomes the Night Time Commission’s support for these partnerships and organisations. The BBPA also welcomes the specific Night Time Economy (NTE) planning guidance published in 2017, the Agent of Change principle and continued liaison between BBPA and the Mayor’s Office via the Licensing Consistency working group. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “It is vitally important that London’s night time economy is supported and continues to evolve. Partnership working between the trade and bodies such as the Commission and the Night Czar will help support the Night Time Economy. “We remain against the imposition of Late-Night Levies or blanket licensing conditions. New housing developments are vital for our economy and it is good to see the Night Time’s Commission favour of the Agent of Change principle which makes the developer responsible for taking steps to ensure that existing pubs and new leisure developments are protected from complaints from those who move to live nearby.”

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  • 15th National Pubwatch Conference 2018 at Nottingham - online booking now open

    13 February 2018

    Don't miss the 15th National Pubwatch Conference being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham, on Tuesday 27th February 2018.   Pubwatch pride themselves on providing delegates with a great experience and value for money, plus the opportunity to meet other Pubwatch representatives from around the country and share ideas and good practice.   There is also a 'surgery' where National Pubwatch representatives will be on hand to answer queries and give advice relating to local 'watches'. Places are limited so reserve your place today!   You can book your place here.

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  • BBPA response to the Royal Wedding licensing hours extension

    13 February 2018

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