Caterer Licensee & Hotelier News

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Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News is published monthly and distributed via direct mail to independent proprietor-led hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants throughout England and Wales. In over 16 years it has grown to be one of the most widely recognised publications covering the trade across England and Wales. The distribution (100% direct mail), of the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier, has been devised

over a period of time by catering personnel to bring the latest industry news and features to over 20,000 readers in:

• HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS
• BREWERY GROUP HEAD OFFICES, INDEPENDENT PUBS, WORKING MENS CLUBS / ASSOCIATIONS & NIGHT CLUBS
• MEDIUM TO LARGE HOTELS INCLUDING HEAD OFFICES
• LOCAL AUTHORITIES, SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES
• CATERING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS/DISTRIBUTORS & MANUFACTURERS

Fuller’s Acquires 10 ‘Outstanding’ Pubs From Stonegate Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC has announced the acquisition of ten ...
08/09/2026

Fuller’s Acquires 10 ‘Outstanding’ Pubs From Stonegate

Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC has announced the acquisition of ten outstanding pubs from Stonegate for a total purchase price of £35.25 million.

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Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC has announced the acquisition of ten outstanding pubs from Stonegate for a total purchase price of £35.25 million.

Card Spending Grows August With Strong Performance in Hospitality and Travel Card spending grew by 2.1 per cent year-on...
08/09/2026

Card Spending Grows August With Strong Performance in Hospitality and Travel

Card spending grew by 2.1 per cent year-on-year in August, building on July’s 2.0 per cent increase, but remaining below the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.1 per cent.

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Card spending grew by 2.1 per cent year-on-year in August, building on July’s 2.0 per cent increase, but remaining below the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.1 per cent.

North London Pub Operator Takes On First Star Lease North London pub operator, Enda Murray has taken on a Star lease fo...
08/09/2026

North London Pub Operator Takes On First Star Lease

North London pub operator, Enda Murray has taken on a Star lease for The Ship on Tottenham High Road, a one-time Spurs fans’ haunt. This latest venture brings his estate to three.

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North London pub operator, Enda Murray has taken on a Star lease for The Ship on Tottenham High Road, a one-time Spurs fans’ haunt. This latest venture brings his estate to three.

Wetherspoons to Cut Prices by 7.5% Across Pubs on Tax Equality Day JD Wetherspoon is set to reduce prices across its en...
08/09/2026

Wetherspoons to Cut Prices by 7.5% Across Pubs on Tax Equality Day

JD Wetherspoon is set to reduce prices across its entire estate for one day this month, as the pub chain renews its campaign for a permanent cut to VAT within the hospitality sector.
On 17 September, the company will lower prices on food and drink by 7.5 per cent to mark Tax Equality Day, an initiative the chain says is designed to draw attention to the disparity between the tax treatment of pubs and restaurants compared with supermarkets.
The price cut will apply across all Wetherspoon pubs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, covering both food and alcoholic drinks. In Scotland, where alcohol pricing is subject to separate minimum unit pricing rules, the discount will apply only to food and soft drinks.
Calls for a Permanent VAT Cut
Hospitality businesses currently charge VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent on food and drink sold on their premises. Supermarkets, by contrast, are not required to charge VAT on most food items, allowing them greater flexibility to offer lower prices on comparable products.
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Sir Tim Martin has long argued that this imbalance puts pubs, bars and restaurants at a competitive disadvantage, and is pressing the Government to reduce VAT for the sector to 12.5 per cent on a permanent basis.
Sir Tim said a reduction of this kind would ease financial pressure on operators, helping to prevent closures while supporting investment and job creation across the industry.
"A VAT cut to 12.5 per cent is needed to ensure that pubs, bars and restaurants do not continue to close, but instead thrive, invest and create new jobs," he said. "We call on the chancellor to create tax equality between the hospitality industry and supermarkets."
What It Means for Customers
The exact savings customers see on the day will vary depending on the standard prices at their local branch. Based on typical Wetherspoon pricing, the discount could bring the cost of a large breakfast down to around £6.97, while a pint of Bud Light could fall to approximately £5.09 in some locations.
The one-day price cut forms part of Wetherspoon's ongoing public campaign highlighting VAT disparities within the hospitality trade, an issue the chain has raised repeatedly in recent years as pub and restaurant operators continue to face rising costs.

Read More:

JD Wetherspoon is set to reduce prices across its entire estate for one day this month, as the pub chain renews its campaign for a permanent cut to VAT within the hospitality sector. On 17 September, the company will lower prices on food and drink by 7.5 per cent to mark Tax Equality Day, an initiat...

Newcastle Hotel, Restaurant and Sports Bar Celebrate 15 Years at the Heart of City’s Hospitality Scene A Newcastle city...
08/09/2026

Newcastle Hotel, Restaurant and Sports Bar Celebrate 15 Years at the Heart of City’s Hospitality Scene

A Newcastle city centre hotel, bar and restaurant opposite St James’ Park are celebrating 15 years as part of the city’s bustling hospitality scene.

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A Newcastle city centre hotel, bar and restaurant opposite St James’ Park are celebrating 15 years as part of the city’s bustling hospitality scene.

Night-Time Economy Needs Space to Recover, NTIA Tells Chancellor Following Chancellor John Healey’s first major economi...
08/09/2026

Night-Time Economy Needs Space to Recover, NTIA Tells Chancellor

Following Chancellor John Healey’s first major economic speech, in which he placed growth, investment and wealth creation at the heart of the Government’s agenda, the Night Time Industries Association has welcomed his optimism, but warned that further tax increases would place already vulnerable sectors under even greater pressure.

Mr Healey spoke of Britain “turning a corner” and creating the conditions for businesses to invest and make a profit., and has said boosting economic growth will be his defining mission as chancellor as he warned Labour had to “be honest” about the need to control public spending at next month’s budget.

In his first big speech since taking the job in July, Healey said the top priority for his 28 October budget would be to support stronger growth across the UK while sticking firmly to the government’s fiscal rules.

However, his refusal to rule out further tax rises ahead of the Budget will add to the uncertainty facing the night-time economy

“I want to be the chancellor that gets things done and I want to see growth driven from more places across the UK,” he said.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “We welcome Chancellor John Healey’s quiet confidence in Britain’s potential and his recognition that successful, profitable businesses are essential to delivering growth.

“However, the continuing rhetoric around possible tax rises will concern businesses in sectors already facing exceptional pressure. The night-time economy needs room to breathe. After almost six years of disruption, rising costs and mounting tax burdens, the sector is now some 23,000 businesses lighter.

“There must surely be recognition within the Treasury that every business lost means jobs lost, investment cancelled and tax revenue permanently removed from UK plc. Business closures do not repair the public finances. They shrink the economy and reduce the revenue available to fund public services.

“Our sector is not asking to be protected from commercial reality. It is asking for a fair and stable operating environment in which viable businesses have the confidence to invest, employ people and grow.

“If John Healey and the Government are serious about turning the corner, the forthcoming Budget must translate the Chancellor’s rhetoric on growth into practical action. That means easing the cumulative tax and cost burden on the night-time economy, providing long-term clarity and giving this vital sector the room it needs to recover.

“The night-time economy can play a powerful role in restoring growth across the country, but only if the businesses at its heart are given the chance to survive and succeed.”

Read More:

Following Chancellor John Healey’s first major economic speech, in which he placed growth, investment and wealth creation at the heart of the Government’s agenda, the Night Time Industries Association has welcomed his optimism, but warned that further tax increases would place already vulnerable...

Westminster Council to ‘Better Explain’ Vertical Drinking Term Amid Calls for More Support Westminster City Council has...
07/09/2026

Westminster Council to ‘Better Explain’ Vertical Drinking Term Amid Calls for More Support

Westminster City Council has published a revised licensing policy following a high-profile debate about what it called "vertical drinking", and has also urged the Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, to increase policing and improve public transport to help nightlife in central London.

Last month, the Conservative-run council released a draft policy that encouraged pubs and bars to provide more seated areas in place of standing ones, which drew heavy criticism from the government and London's mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, who said that you "can't run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset".

The council has now reviewed its own approach to explaining and communicating licensing policy – taking on board feedback to better explain technical terms like ‘vertical drinking’ and ‘cumulative impact’ and ensuring the council’s desire to encourage growth in the sector and more varied activity.

The council committed to reviewing licensing annually in June and is establishing an expert advisory group to harness new ideas to support the development of the sector in Westminster as well as assessing the way evidence of the impact of licensing is considered.

The Council has also called for morse support after residents, regular visitors and local businesses raised concerns through a recent consultation on licensing policy. The council is set to publish a report on the consultation and a reviewed approach licensing policy later today.

Westminster is responsible for licensing over 4,000 pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars across some of the country’s busiest hospitality and cultural districts, including Soho, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Over 1,000 of these are the West End.

Throughout the summer businesses, residents and visitors were asked to feedback on the draft licensing policy. The report will show that respondents consistently asked for more support for licensed premises across the City and called for a more consistent focus on growth including calls for changes that would need new government legislation to change the way licensing works.

The top concern was the need or more policing so visitors and residents feel safe while on a night out. Police numbers have been reduced in recent years and the Met’s licensing team has been halved this year alone.

Key to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is how difficult it can be for people to get home after spending their time in the West End. Recent cuts to night busses have worsened the problems and the Council has called for more night busses after hours.

While Friday and Saturday nights have seen some return to pre-Covid levels of business, other nights of the week have remained quiet and this has harmed the ability of many venues to remain viable. The extension of the night tube to Thursday night would provide a big boost to the viability of many venues and help visitors and residents.

The council is continuing to explore every avenue to support the hospitality industry but is calling on the Mayor to help in the areas where he already has control:

- Reverse recent cuts to the Metropolitan Police licensing team and invest in more, visible and dedicated policing across the West End – especially during evenings and late at night
- Extend night busses in central London
- Invest in late-night transport, specifically introducing 24-hour tube services on Thursdays as well as improved bus, taxi and private hire options, to reduce crowding at closing time and help people leave the area safely.

Alongside supporting pubs and clubs the policy will ensure that the city continues to support a wide range of entertainment venues like restaurants, cinemas and West End theatres.

Westminster City Council Deputy Leader, Tim Barnes, said: “Beyond disagreements over policy jargon there are serious issues acting as a drag on our hospitality industry.

“A lack of investment in policing has left the Met objecting to many licensing applications over public safety concerns.

“People struggle to get home from a night out when late night bus routes have been cut and overnight Tube services are non-existent during the week.

We’ve spent the summer taking feedback from residents, the hospitality industry and visitors. We’ll take this on board and do our bit to support the hospitality industry but we need the Mayor’s team to fund the services which make London a 24 hour city."



Read More:

Westminster City Council has published a revised licensing policy following a high-profile debate about what it called "vertical drinking", and has also urged the Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, to increase policing and improve public transport to help nightlife in central London. Last month, the....

Demand for ‘Mocktails’ Soars as Pub Customers Continue to Moderate their Drinking Alcohol-free cocktails are fuelling g...
07/09/2026

Demand for ‘Mocktails’ Soars as Pub Customers Continue to Moderate their Drinking

Alcohol-free cocktails are fuelling growth in low and no sales according to research by pub company and brewer Greene King.

The findings show that customers choosing low and no options have increased across all drinks categories compared to research in 2024. While no and low alcohol beer accounts for almost half of sales, the biggest jump in demand has come from cocktails which have increased by 19% compared to 2024, making it the second largest category, overtaking low and no cider and wine.

Greene King sells over 300 non-alcoholic drinks across its 1,600 managed pubs, and surveyed 1,200 consumers to learn more about their attitudes and behaviours towards moderation and no and low alcohol. Almost half (44%) of those asked said they are moderating their alcohol intake over the year and not just in Dry January. One of the biggest occasions for choosing more low and no was during sporting moments, an increase of 11% compared to 2024, followed by date nights.

Danny Ayton, Greene King’s trading director, drinks, said: “We are listening to our customers and recognise that when they go out, they don’t want any less of a social experience just because there’s no alcohol in their drink. Moderation is now a part of everyday life and the days of being limited to ordering water or soft drinks when people are looking for a non-alcoholic drink are thankfully over. We continue to evolve our low and no menus and app offers to suit all tastes and occasions so our customers can moderate their drinking, without compromise, as and when they want, whether they are out for lunch, watching live sport or meeting up with friends or family, day or night, weekday or weekend.”

Researchers found that most customers today expect to see a designated low and no section on drinks menus while packaged low and no products continue to have a higher awareness than draught. Visibility of products, range and price are viewed as the biggest drivers in the fast-growing category.



Read More:

Alcohol-free cocktails are fuelling growth in low and no sales according to research by pub company and brewer Greene King. The findings show that customers choosing low and no options have increased across all drinks categories compared to research in 2024. While no and low alcohol beer accounts fo...

Lower Business Rates for Welsh Hospitality, Minister Urged UKHospitality Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to in...
07/09/2026

Lower Business Rates for Welsh Hospitality, Minister Urged

UKHospitality Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to introduce practical measures to reduce the tax burden on the hospitality sector, which it says remains one of the highest of any industry in the UK.
The trade body raised the issue directly with Adam Price MS, the Cabinet Minister responsible for economic strategy and hospitality, during a recent meeting.
David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, told the Minister that cutting business rates for hospitality businesses would offer a straightforward and effective way to ease cost pressures across the sector.
UKHospitality Cymru is pressing for a reduced business rates multiplier for hospitality, bringing it into line with the rate applied to high street retail. Chapman also urged the Welsh Government to back the campaign, which is calling for hospitality VAT to be cut to 10% and has now gathered more than 350,000 supporters.
Commenting after the meeting, Chapman said: "It was great to meet with the Minister, who I felt took the concerns of the sector seriously and understood the need to reduce hospitality's tax burden. I'm hopeful this will result in positive action from the Welsh Government.
"Welsh hospitality remains taxed out, and every day that passes sees local community venues struggle with higher and higher costs. Inflated and unjust business rates are the hallmark of a tax system that continues to punish bricks and mortar hospitality businesses.
"Lowering hospitality's business rates payments to the same level as high street retail is a common-sense solution that would alleviate cost pressures, boost our ability to employ young people and support high street regeneration."
He added that longer-term reform of the business rates system remains essential. "I hope short-term measures to reduce our tax burden will be accompanied by a commitment to reform business rates and work more closely with the hospitality sector."

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UKHospitality Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to introduce practical measures to reduce the tax burden on the hospitality sector, which it says remains one of the highest of any industry in the UK. The trade body raised the issue directly with Adam Price MS, the Cabinet Minister responsible...

Hospitality Managers’ Mental Health Suffers Under Wellbeing Burden Almost two-thirds (65%) of hospitality managers who ...
07/09/2026

Hospitality Managers’ Mental Health Suffers Under Wellbeing Burden

Almost two-thirds (65%) of hospitality managers who experienced a mental health issue in their adult life say it was triggered by their work, according to the latest Taking the Temperature survey from UK charity Hospitality Action.

The charity’s annual mental health and wellbeing survey conducted this summer in association with Agilysys, reveals that managers are increasingly expected to support the wellbeing of their teams, yet many are doing so without formal training whilst facing significant pressures of their own.

Whilst 40% of hospitality professionals were asked to support a colleague experiencing a mental health challenge in the past year, this figure rose to 61% amongst the managers answering, underlining the pivotal role managers play as the first line of support in the workplace.

Yet many managers feel ill-equipped for this growing responsibility. Almost half of respondents (47%) want more management training to help leaders recognise and respond to mental health and wellbeing concerns. With more than eight in ten managers (83%) saying that taking the time to listen is the primary support they provide, equipping leaders with the confidence, skills and practical tools to have these conversations has never been more important.

Managers are also facing mounting pressures themselves. They identified that maintaining a healthy work-life balance and protecting their own mental wellbeing are the two biggest challenges they face over the next 12 months. High workloads, rising expectations and consistently working beyond contracted hours were all significantly more likely to be cited as key challenges by managers than other hospitality professionals.

Despite these findings, the survey also points to encouraging progress across the sector in several key areas. Around two-thirds of respondents say they have a good work-life balance and believe their workplace has created an environment where they can openly discuss mental health. In addition, over half (54%) feel their wellbeing is supported by their organisation.

Speaking on the findings, Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, said:

“Hospitality managers are increasingly expected to be all things to all people - mentors, problem-solvers and the first people colleagues turn to when they're struggling. Yet many are carrying that responsibility whilst battling their own pressures which can be at the expense of their wellbeing.

“The hospitality industry has made real progress in breaking down the stigma around mental health, but these findings clearly show there is more to do. Managers should not be expected to shoulder this responsibility alone. Those supporting others need to be supported themselves, and creating mentally healthy workplaces requires embedded commitment from every level of an organisation. Only then can we ensure we’re protecting the wellbeing of entire teams and creating a more resilient industry.”

To review the key survey findings report, click here.

Read More:

Almost two-thirds (65%) of hospitality managers who experienced a mental health issue in their adult life say it was triggered by their work, according to the latest Taking the Temperature survey from UK charity Hospitality Action. The charity’s annual mental health and wellbeing survey conducted ...

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