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.
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Mar- 2019 -27 March
New govt funding boost to support rural pubs
Rural pubs across England will be expanded to include Post Office facilities, grocery shops and libraries thanks to £188,000 of government funding. Minister Jake Berry announced 76 new projects will receive money through Pub is The Hub, an organisation that supports rural pubs to diversify and help pubs bring communities…
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21 March
Businesses left waiting for rates discounts as deadline approaches
Businesses in England were promised millions of pounds in support by the chancellor last October but, less than two weeks before the start of the new tax year on 1 April, many are still either waiting for discounts worth up to £8,000 or haven’t yet applied. The government announced a…
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18 March
Food advertising restrictions will ‘harm hospitality sector’
Trade association UKHospitality has warned that restrictions on food advertising would further “undermine hospitality businesses” already battling against restrictive legislation and rising costs. The government has today launched a consultation on restricting food advertising proposing a post-watershed and social media ban. UKHospitality chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Hospitality shares the…
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15 March
Disqualified restaurant operator gets second ban
A previously disqualified restaurant director has received a second ban for illegally running a restaurant. Jane Goodfellow, 56, from Yeovil, has received a second ban lasting 12 years and at the same time Clare Watts, 51, also from Yeovil, was banned for five years for allowing Goodfellow to run her…
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Feb- 2019 -21 February
Hospitality businesses hailed ‘heroes of the high streets’
Hospitality trade bodies have applauded the housing, communities and local government’s report which was published today (21 February) and said high streets and town centres needed to shift the focus from shopping onto leisure. This report follows the committees recent enquiry into what is needed to save the UK high…
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13 February
Government delays changes to tipping law
The government has announced it has pushed back the introduction of a law which would prevent restaurant owners from pocketing their staff’s tips, three years after a change was suggested. In 2016, a new legislation was promised following a consultation and at the 2018 Conservative party conference, Theresa May said…
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4 February
Brothers jailed 14 years for £3m pub and restaurant tax scam
Three brothers, who stole £3m in a tax scam involving pubs and restaurants, have been jailed and banned from being directors for 28 years. Bournemouth brothers Shahab Hashtroudi, 64, Shahin Hashtroudi, 58 and Hedayat Hashtroudi, 68, ran pubs and restaurants in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey, using the money to prop…
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1 February
MPs launch business rates inquiry
The Treasury Committee has launched a new inquiry into business rates to scrutinise how government policy has impacted high street businesses. The committee will examine how business rates policy has changed, including business rates retention, alternatives to property-based taxes, such as the proposed digital services tax. Nicky Morgan MP, chair…
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Jan- 2019 -15 January
Pizzeria Apollo to offer 25% off for those in support of a Brexit People’s Vote
Pizzeria Apollo in London’s Stoke Newington, is offering 25% off to customers who are in support of a People’s Vote on Brexit. The discount is being offered to customers who bring in a copy of a letter sent to their local MP expressing support for a second referendum. The restaurant…
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Dec- 2018 -21 December
Chinese restaurant owner’s £1m tax fraud goes to pot
A Chinese restaurant owner, who stole more than £1m in tax by claiming his business “made pottery” and had a “tiny turnover”, has been jailed for three years. Chin Seong Lam, 60, from Barnet, north London, owned outlets at the O2 Arena in North Greenwich and at Gun Wharf Quays…
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