07/09/2021
Vaccine passports for nightclubs and mass events to go ahead in England
The requirement for nightclubs and venues hosting mass events to make use of vaccine passports is expected to be introduced in England by the end of this month, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi has confirmed. Mr Zahawi said the Government would press ahead with the "no jab, no entry" policy announced by Boris Johnson in July, despite stiff opposition from the nightlife industry which fears it may make businesses financially unviable. A specific date from when the policy will become mandatory is not yet available advises The Caterer.
Street markets and pub marquees could become permanent fixtures
Street markets and pub marquees could become permanent features for the hospitality industry under an extension of the pandemic regulations planned by the Government. Additional seating for cafes and restaurants would also be part of a new Government consultation. The plans have been welcomed by the industry, but some want the Government to go further and restrict inner city and town traffic to encourage people to dine and drink in outdoor seating reports Sky News.
Weatherpoon's Tim Martin plays down Brexit role after beer supply issues
Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin has played down the role of Brexit-related driver shortages after the pub chain was hit by beer supply issues, blaming it on the recent industrial actions by drivers and warehouse staff. This follows the Road Haulage Association warning last week that there is a shortfall of around 100,000 drivers. It said this has been driven by thousands of European drivers leaving during the pandemic and not returning, and called on the Government to add drivers to the Shortage Occupation List to make it easier for overseas workers to address the shortfall, reports the Independent.
Pubs code consultation: The Forum of British Pubs supports extended protection for tenants
The Forum of British Pubs has claimed that the information the parallel rent assessments (PRA) for prospective tied tenants are "always wrong." In its submission to the review of the pubs code, it said that it believed that the information provided to tenants in relation to rent is not correct which impacts on both PRA and the calculation of Fair Maintainable Trade. The organisation claims that figures are too easily manipulated. The Government announced its plans to review the legislation in July, with the deadline to submit evidence on 5th September 2021 reports the Morning Advertiser.
Wagamama are the latest company to be hit by recruitment difficulties
Chief Executive of Wagamama, Thomas Heier, has said the restaurant chain is struggling to hire chefs at a fifth of its sites, as companies across the economy warn of recruitment difficulties. UKHospitality has described the shortage of staff as "critical" reports the Guardian. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that there was a 10% vacancy rate in the hospitality sector, equivalent to 210,000 roles.
And Finally...
It's all about cricket at a smart gastropub in Manchester. The former Alston Bar & Beef restaurant at the Corn Exchange has been kitted out with futuristic batting cages reports Manchester Evening News. The new concept comes from Sixes Cricket Club and is the concepts first venture outside of London.