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The ruling follows a campaign by the British Beer & Pub Association and the British Hospitality Association to challenge the PPL’s rise in tariffs of up to 400 per cent in 2005/6. The new tariffs will be brought in when PPL licences are renewed, although the PPL is appealing against the decision through the High Court.
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Regent Inns bars bought by Intertain
Regent Inns, which operates bars such as Walkabout, entered administration last week and most of its sites are being bought by a new company headed by its former directors. In what is called a “pre-pack administration”, about 60 of its outlets will now be owned by Intertain, with Regent’s team joined by Mike Dowell from Pitcher & Piano. Acting on behalf of administrators from BDO Stoy Hayward, Christie & Co is marketing nine leasehold sites for sale
Alcohol consumption continues to fall
Alcohol consumption in the UK is declining at the fastest rate for more than 60 years, according to research based on figures from HM Revenue & Customs. The amount of alcohol consumed dropped by more than eight per cent to 3.81 litres per head in the first six months of 2009 compared with 4.15 litres over the same period last year. This is the greatest year-on-year drop since 1948 when it fell by 11 per cent. Alcohol consumption has been declining in the UK since 2004. The study was carried out by the British Beer and Pub Association.
Number of coffee shops continues to rise
The branded coffee shop market is growing at a rate of nine per cent across Europe this year despite the recession, according to Allegra Strategies’ Project Café Europe report. The UK is Europe’s largest branded coffee chain market after growing to 3,864 outlets, with more growth predicted in a market that is “a long way from saturation”. Allegra predicts that the number of branded coffee shops in Europe will grow from more than 9,300 this year to 11,000 by 2012.
OFT rules beer tie is fair for consumers
The Office of Fair Trading has ruled that the beer tie does not have a negative impact on consumer choice after investigating a complaint by the Campaign for Real Ale. The OFT said that it found no evidence that consumers were suffering because of tenants’ and lessees’ obligation to buy drinks through the pubcos that own the sites. CAMRA claims that the tie leads to higher beer prices and less choice for consumers. The OFT stated that there was “generally effective competition between pubs”, adding that its focus was on choice and value for consumers rather than lessees and tenants.
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Barracuda presses on with investment
After refinancing its equity and debt structure this summer, bar operator Barracuda Group has embarked on an extensive investment programme. The company will complete 22 major projects between August and December 2009, including roll-out of a new-look Varsity and a new Smith & Jones format.
Profits edge up for Coca-Cola
Net profits rose slightly for the Coca-Cola Company in the three months to October 2, up from $1.890billionn to $1.896billion. Net sales were down by four per cent to $8.04billion and operating profits drooped by two per cent to $2.16billion. However, net profits for the nine months to October 2 were still up 10 per cent to $5.28billion although sales were down by five per cent to $23.48billion and operating profits down four per cent to $6.45billion. Coca-Cola’s European business saw sales fall 13 per cent and operating profits drop nine per cent.
Luminar controls costs after sales slump
Nightclub operator Luminar is continuing to focus on tight cost control after reporting a decline in sales at its 88 venues. In the six months to August 27, sales dropped by 4.4 per cent, followed by a 14 per cent drop for the seven weeks to October 15. However, average sales per head were up 0.7 per cent to £12.50. Chief executive Stephen Thomas said: “While our market is currently very tough we continue to have a clear operational focus. This together with very tight cost control and significant financial strength will ensure that Luminar maintains its market-leading position and prospers when our marketplace recovers.”
Pernod Ricard “confident” despite decline
French drinks manufacturer Pernod Ricard remains confident that it will hit its full-year targets after last week reporting a four per cent drop in global sales on a like-for-like basis for the first three months to September 30. It said the spirits business “proved resilient with an organic decline of two per cent whereas wine and champagne sales decreased by 13 per cent”. The group, whose brands include Beefeater, Chivas Regal, Absolut and Martell, added that Europe remained the region “most affected by the crisis”, with organic decline of 11 per cent.
Festival Inns puts Edinburgh bars on market
Festival Inns, the Edinburgh bar and hotel operator, has placed some of its venues on the market so that it can focus on its core business. It has instructed Jones Lang LaSalle to market bars such as Biblo’s and the Jazz Bar as well as the Hudson Hotel. The company has grown by acquisition over the past 12 years and now has seven hotels and 13 bars.
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