Hospo concerns over UK smoking ban
The representative group for UK hospitality has criticised government plans to ban smoking from beer gardens, outside restaraunts, sports stadiums and outside hospitals.
UK wine tourism up 55% in two years
WineGB has released its first wine tourism report which shows that visits to UK vineyards and wineries have risen by 55% in two years.
UK industry group pens open letter urging government to rethink alcohol duty
A group of over 100 UK drink industry figures have signed a letter written to The Times urging the chancellor to rethink its decision to reverse the alcohol duty freeze.
Shochu now sold under beer and wine license in New York
Shochu can now be sold under its own category name in the state of New York, US, after amendments to the Beverage Control Act allowing Japanese Shochu (24% ABV or under) to be sold under a beer and wine license.
Sweden’s government-owned liquor stores stop selling Russian products
Sweden’s alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget, has removed all Russian-made vodka and other types of Russian alcohol from its shelves with immediate effect, in protest of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
UK government announces £1bn fund for England’s hospitality sector
Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced measures to support England’s hospitality sector this festive period as Omicron cases rise.
UK industry groups appeal to the government for support as customers cancel bookings
Politicians and industry groups are urging the UK government to provide financial support to firms impacted by the rising Covid cases.
US wine tariffs threaten UK market shape
The UK’s most popular wines could disappear from supermarket shelves and pubs after the government proposed a 25% tariff on all wine imports from the US.
UK government announces duty freeze on spirits, wine and beer
The UK government has announced a second consecutive duty freeze on spirits, wine, beer and cider.
World of Zing sold more than 650,000 cocktails in 2020
Premixed cocktail specialist World of Zing managed to sell more than 650,000 drinks in 2020 after successfully pivoting towards the at-home market.
Delhi scraps 70% "special corona fee" on liquor sales
The Delhi government has decided to withdraw the 70% “special corona fee” that it imposed upon alcoholic beverage sales from May 5.
Italy allows bars to reopen following coronavirus lockdown
Bars have reopened across Italy after the government eased lockdown restrictions that have paralysed the economy over the past 10 weeks.
British pub showcases revamped design to meet distancing guidelines
A British bar owner has created a prototype layout that would allow his pub to reopen this summer at around 75% of its usual capacity.
South African wine producers cleared to resume exports
South African producers have received permission to export their wine around the world after intensive lobbying efforts over the past week.
South African wine producers permitted to finish 2020 harvest during coronavirus lockdown
South African wineries are now permitted to finish the 2020 harvest after the government added them to the list of essential businesses during the coronavirus lockdown.
British bar industry pleads for government support to save it from oblivion
The British pub and bar industry will be lost within days if the government does not take swift action to prop it up, leading operators have warned.
Coronavirus outbreak sparks bar closures across the world as St Patrick's Day looms
St Patrick’s Day could become a sombre affair this year as bars across the world have been forced to shut their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Joseph Holt serves up Westminster
Members of the UK Parliament gathered to celebrate the sale of Joseph Holt’s golden ale Two Hoots in the Palace of Westminster.
UK budget sees alcohol prices increase
UK: The Chancellor has added another 41p to a bottle of spirits and 11p to a bottle of wine in the latest Budget.
Scotland: Industry blasts minimum pricing
A minimum unit price for alcohol set out in today’s (November 1) Scottish government Bill is unlikely to reduce alcohol misuse, will threaten the £3.4 billion whisky industry and will punish moderate drinkers, according to the trade.
BBPA and WSTA defend UK drinking record
UK: Trade bodies Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have denied that UK alcohol consumption is rising.
Minimum pricing for alcohol would land retailers £700m
The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol in Britain could see retailers and manufacturers reap £700m in extra revenue.
European Court rules minimum pricing illegal
Scottish Government plans to introduce alcohol minimum pricing have suffered a further setback, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).