Government

The latest news and updates on government policy, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Nov- 2020 -

13 November

Chancellor unable to rule out further EOTHO schemes

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has declined to rule out further measures similar to the Eat Out To Help Out scheme when the economy reopens after the latest lockdown. According to Sky News, Sunak said the government would look at a “range of things” to “get consumers spending again and people out…
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3 November

Minister for Hospitality petition gains over 37,000 signatures

A petition calling for the Government to create a minister for hospitality has gathered 37,700 signatures since its creation. The online petition, made in reaction to the current Covid-19 restrictions and upcoming lockdown, asks for a dedicated minister who would liaise with industry representatives. Currently, the UK hospitality industry creates…
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Oct- 2020 -

28 October

Scotland to ease pub rules

As of Monday (2 November), pubs and restaurants in many Scottish areas will be able to serve alcohol to customers again. Premises in level two of the country’s new five-tier system will be allowed to serve alcohol with a meal until 8pm, the announcement was made yesterday by Nicola Sturgeon,…
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23 October

Hospitality bodies launch legal action against Scottish Government

Five Scottish hospitality bodies have commenced the process of legal action in opposition to the latest restrictions imposed by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Beer and Pub Association, The Scottish Licensed Trade Association, UKHospitality (Scotland), the Scottish Hospitality Group and the Night Time Industries Association Scotland have come together to…
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23 October

KFC to create 5400 additional jobs

KFC has announced plans to create a further 5400 job roles across the UK and Ireland. According to Sky News, the fast food chain has seen a rise in demand for its produce due to Covid-19, the company said the new roles will be created in its 965 restaurants across…
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22 October

Rishi Sunak expected to announce Tier two job support

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, is set to update the current Job Support Scheme (JSS), aiding those in Tier two areas. The scheme will see those who are working a third of their normal hours gain an extra 22% of their wage from their employer and the government…
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21 October

Business lunches to go ahead following Covid ‘loophole’

Restaurants can serve guests from multiple households following a ‘loophole’ in covid-19 restrictions that allows business lunches to go ahead. According to The Telegraph, Downing Street and local authorities have confirmed that meetings inside restaurants are permitted so long as they are for “work purposes.” London eateries including Galvin La…
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21 October

Sadiq Khan calls for end to 10pm curfew

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has called for the 10pm curfew on hospitality establishments to be lifted in the city. Khan said there is no longer “justification” for forcing bars and restaurants to close early now the capital is under tier two restrictions, which bar households from mixing indoors. According…
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20 October

Liquor licensing bill brought to Northern Ireland’s Assembly

A bill aimed at modernising Northern Ireland’s liquor licensing laws was brought before the Assembly yesterday (20 October). Originally set to be discussed before the Assembly’s collapse in January 2017, the legislation is set to bring about changes to the country’s laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.…
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13 October

Mitchells & Butlers begins redundancy talks with staff

Mitchells and Butlers has begun consulting with a number of its staff regarding redundancy payments as the company struggles with the fallout from Covid-19. According to the BBC, the chain which owns brands such as Harvester and All Bar One has not yet disclosed how many jobs are at risk,…
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