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 more23 January 2018
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, comments: “Many congratulations to the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) on their proposed merger. As a sector, brewing and pubs contributes £23 billion to the UK economy and we look forward to working closely with the new Association on our shared concerns. Congratulations to Kate Nicholls on her new role. It is thoroughly deserved and a big challenge, but she has all the attributes to make it work. “Thanks must also go to Ufi Ibrahim for all her hard work and particularly for the Big Hospitality Conversation which attracted new employees into our sector. We wish her well.”
22 January 2018
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has responded to the Government’s consultation on gaming machines and social responsibility proposals, and has called on the Government to ensure that Category C amusement machines (also known as fruit machines) in pubs remain attractive to customers, so that they continue to form a vital revenue stream for Britain’s pubs. In a detailed response, the BBPA is calling for the Government to allow a modest rise in stakes and prizes for pub machines. The BBPA is also calling for an urgent consultation on the Category C technical standards to ensure the pub amusement machine can survive into the future. The BBPA believes our suggestions set out in this response will keep pub amusement machines attractive without impacting on social responsibility or problem gambling. In fact, recent research does not identify pub amusement machines in respect of problem gambling. Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive, British Beer & Pub Association, comments: “The amusement machine offer in pubs needs to be able to develop to meet the expectations of the consumer and form part of a low stake, low prize entertainment offer in a pub. Our proposals to increase both stake and prize should help keep pub amusement machines competitive. “Any gaming machine use in pubs is overseen by the licensee/manager and their team, and pubs represent, much as they do for drinking, a socially responsible environment. The BBPA already has a long-established code of practice to ensure machines are operated responsibly. “Operating costs for pubs are under pressure from high beer duty, business rates, the apprenticeship levy, and mandatory auto-enrolment pensions for employees. Income from amusement machines can be vitally important in keeping many pubs viable, and an increase in prize for Category C machines will enable pubs to invest in the business and keep an important social resource viable.” Gaming Machine review 2018 BBPA response
19 January 2018
Key industry bodies have united to urge businesses to make the recruitment and development of British workers a priority. They have joined forces with Springboard and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Hospitality Works: a month-long campaign launching on 7 February 2018. Since its conception in 2015, Hospitality Works has achieved 8,500 work placements and this year, the British Hospitality Association (BHA), The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) will be building on the success of Hospitality Works and collaborating as part of the campaign. It is firmly believed by the industry bodies that the industry should have one unified voice, and that by collaborating it can achieve great and far reaching results. The Hospitality Works initiative seeks to increase the number of people moving into hospitality jobs by inspiring jobseekers to take up a career in hospitality. By bringing together leading hospitality employers the initiative strives to increase awareness of the sector and, to transform lives through employment opportunities. Employers and policymakers will promote the rich variety of careers available, and highlight the potential for professional development and advancement within the sector. Over the course of the month, more than 600 Job Centre Plus outlets throughout the country will be promoting new roles in the hospitality industry. Businesses will participate by offering taster visits for jobseekers, local jobs fairs and work experience opportunities. This campaign comes at a time when unemployment is continuing at a record low level of 4.3%; and, with freedom of movement set to end in 2019 the threat of a severe skills shortage for the hospitality industry is looming. Businesses wishing to promote careers within their organisations can host awareness sessions or recruitment events at their local Jobcentre Plus outlet. British Hospitality Association Chief Executive Ufi Ibrahim said, “Hospitality and tourism is the 4th largest industry in the UK and has created 1 in 6 new jobs since 2010. But, with the threat of a severe skills shortage of over 60,000* per year, the industry needs further support from the Government to help recruit more British workers. “Initiatives such as Hospitality Works are great opportunities to highlight some of the great careers available in the sector regardless of whether your interest lies in numbers, people, organisation or creativity. The hospitality industry offers an alternative to those who don’t want to take the academic route, providing its workers with numerous, transferable skills. It is an exceptional industry where you can start at any level and work your way up.” Anne Pierce, MBE, Chief Executive of Springboard said, “The need to recruit people of all ages and backgrounds in to our industry has never been so acute, which is why Springboard is once again rallying its delivery teams, employer partners and Ambassadors to engage with thousands of jobseekers during Hospitality Works 2018 and continue to play its part in alleviating the industry’s skills shortages and the impact of Brexit.” ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said, “The campaign is a fantastic way to encourage young people to take up a career within the UK’s hospitality sector. A career in our sector can be long and rewarding, but we need to work proactively to emphasise the benefits and opportunities of working with us, and act to ensure that look to us as a viable and exciting career option. With unemployment at a record low and with a future immigration policy yet to be determined, it is crucial that we begin the work of recruiting now, to ensure the continued success of the sector. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said, “We are delighted to be working closely to support Hospitality Works. We certainly need to raise our game when it comes to recruiting UK citizens to the workforce, which is especially true when it comes to kitchen staff and pub chefs. The opportunities to develop a career in hospitality are huge in the pub sector, and Hospitality Works helps to shine a light on pub sector opportunities and careers.” To find out more on how to get involved with Hospitality Works, please see http://www.bha.org.uk/hospitality-works/ or tweet using Hashtag #JobsWithaSmile.
12 January 2018
A major grants fund that provides funding for scientific research and education in the brewing industry has begun inviting applications for funding in 2018/19. Under the Brewers’ Research & Education Fund (BREF), applicants have just under three months to submit their bids, with a deadline for funding applications of 31st March 2018. Full details of the applications process can be obtained via the British Beer & Pub Association website The BREF supports vital technical research into projects in the brewing industry, such as improving brewery environmental footprint, dispense hygiene surveys and developing new hop varieties as well as a variety of educational activities. The fund was created through proceeds from the sale of the BBPA’s original headquarters in Portman Square, central London. The Worshipful Company of Brewers acts as Trustee and administers the fund, with the BBPA providing the secretariat and publicity. Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments: “BREF has supported many important projects over the years, and is an important legacy from the Brewers’ Society and the Institute of Brewing. I’m delighted the fund is open for another year and we look forward to receiving applications.” Michael O’Dwyer, Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Brewers, comments: “The BREF is a great example of the Brewers' Company’s focus on investing in the future of the brewing industry. The Brewers’ Company looks forward to awarding grants to another selection of valuable industry research projects and the opportunity to further education in beer and brewing.”
11 January 2018
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds: “I welcome today's announcements, with their focus on the long-term commitment to protecting the environment. “As signatories of the Courtauld Commitment, we are committed to working closely with the Government and other partners in reducing emissions and tackling waste. “The industry already has a good record in sharply reducing both energy and water use, and a strong commitment to recycling, through our packaging waste compliance scheme, SUSTAIN. The emphasis on reducing food waste is important, and we will continue to work on the guidance and advice that we already provide for pubs. “We will certainly play our full part in continuing to support and promote sustainable business models in the sector.”
11 January 2018
The BBPA has welcomed the publication of the ‘Agent of Change’ Bill, which was introduced in Parliament yesterday by Warley MP John Spellar. BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “It is great to see this issue being pushed up the agenda, thanks to John Spellar who along with the Bill’s other sponsors are strong supporters of the Great British pub. I hope the Government will take up the issue as the bill moves on to its next stage. “It is vital that community pubs are not placed under threat by new housing developments, where new residents may complain about noise from premises which have been there for hundreds of years. “The Mayor of London has also given his firm support for this principle in his new planning guidance and his late-night vision for London, as this is so important for venues in urban areas. We will continue to work with MPs, the London Mayor, the Night Czar, and all others who support this proposal.”