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Friday 31st March 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: What happens in Vegas gets written about here, folk devils and nitrous oxide, why it’s time to invest in racial equity in the hospitality industry, how to thrive and not just survive in a retention crisis, five sustainable lessons … view
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Friday 31st March 2023
Update: Marston’s secures extension to debt facilities
Marston’s secures extension to debt facilities: Marston’s has secured an amendment and extension of its bank and private placement debt facilities to the end of January 2025. The revised £340m debt facilities are comprised of a £300 … view
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Friday 31st March 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Rekom aiming for three quarters of UK portfolio to be pubs and bars, looking at competitive socialising acquisition, cost-of-living crisis ‘definitely being felt’: Rekom UK chairman Peter Marks has told Propel the business is aiming f … view
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Thursday 30th March 2023
Rekom UK reports revenue hits £97.8m in 2022, group’s strongest performing division
Rekom UK reports revenue hits £97.8m in 2022, group’s strongest performing division and ‘exceeding all expectations’: Rekom UK, the UK’s largest nightclub operator, has reported revenue increased to £97.8m for the year ending 31 … view
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Thursday 30th March 2023
Update: Tasty considers rebranding more of estate and selling underperforming sites, like-for-like sales compared with pre-covid levels ‘encouraging’
Tasty considers rebranding more of estate and selling underperforming sites, like-for-like sales compared with pre-covid levels ‘encouraging’: Wildwood operator Tasty has said it is considering rebranding more of its estate and sellin … view
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Thursday 30th March 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Real Eating Company acquired out of administration, business now in ‘much more robust position’: Real Eating Company, the Helena Hudson-led independent cafe and coffee concept, has undergone a pre-pack administration which has left th … view
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Wednesday 29th March 2023
Chopstix on track for record FY sales, to open 30 sites this year
Chopstix on track for record FY sales, to open 30 sites this year: Chopstix Group, the UK’s largest Asian quick service restaurant (QSR) group, plans to open 30 new stores this year, creating almost 1,000 new jobs in the process. The company … view
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Wednesday 29th March 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Roasting Plant Coffee raises $7m toward further expansion in UK and US: US coffee shop concept Roasting Plant Coffee has secured $7m (£5.7m) of new funding, as it looks to open 345 new sites over the next five years in the UK and across … view
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Tuesday 28th March 2023
Update: Leon owner EG Group eyeing £8bn Subway takeover
Leon owner EG Group eyeing £8bn Subway takeover: The billionaire Issa brothers behind Leon owners EG Group are thought to be eyeing up fast-food giant Subway in a reported £8bn takeover. It is thought Mohsin, 51, and Zuber, 50, are look … view
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Tuesday 28th March 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Morris – central London is almost back to where it was pre-covid, ready to push franchising more: Richard Morris, chief executive of Tortilla, the UK’s largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, has said central London is “a … view
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Monday 27th March 2023
Michelin awards new stars for 2023
Michelin awards new stars for 2023: There have been 23 new stars awarded in the 2023 Michelin Guide. The inspectors awarded 20 new one-Michelin and three new two-Michelin stars, all of whom were celebrated at tonight’s ceremony. And while th … view
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Monday 27th March 2023
KellyDeli launches multi-concept food market in partnership with Tesco
KellyDeli launches multi-concept food market in partnership with Tesco: KellyDeli, owner of international sushi franchise Sushi Daily, has launched a multi-concept food market in partnership with Tesco. Called Kelly’s Market, the scheme will … view
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Monday 27th March 2023
German Doner Kebab brings in two Domino’s executives as it reshapes leadership team
German Doner Kebab brings in two Domino’s executives as it reshapes leadership team: German Doner Kebab (GDK), owned by Hero Brands, has appointed two executives from Domino’s as it forges ahead with its expansion plans. Simon Wallis joins … view
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Monday 27th March 2023
Update: Tortilla and Oakman Group
Tortilla reports record revenue driven by new site openings, current trading remains strong with ‘healthy pipleline’ of openings for later in 2023: Tortilla, the UK’s largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, has reported record … view
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Monday 27th March 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Bowland Inns & Hotels appoints advisors to aid with next stage of growth: Lancashire hotel, pub and restaurant operator Bowland Inns & Hotels has appointed advisors as it looks at its funding options for its next stage of growth, Propel h … view
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Friday 24th March 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Targeting a more mature audience means bigger returns, British taste buds have gone global – here’s how traditional takeaways can compete, sweating the midweek asset, so many great things to shout about
Authors: … view
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Friday 24th March 2023
Update: JD Wetherspoon, Hawksmoor and consumer confidence
JD Wetherspoon reports like-for-like sales up 9.1% on pre-pandemic levels in past seven weeks but inflationary pressures for industry ‘ferocious’: JD Wetherspoon has reported like-for-like sales in the seven weeks to 19 March 2023 hav … view
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Friday 24th March 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Hollywood Bowl looking to add up to ten more Puttstars, would consider standalone sites only in ‘five-star locations’: Chief financial officer Laurence Keen has told Propel that Hollywood Bowl would look to add up to ten more Puttstar … view
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Thursday 23rd March 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Neame – it will take up to 12 months before it feels like we’ve got a normal pulse in the business: Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Kent brewer and retailer Shepherd Neame, has told Propel that in the face of inflationary pressures … view
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Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Update: Shepherd Neame, Ten Entertainment Group, Bob & Berts and Naked Deli
Shepherd Neame says demand encouraging but expects further cost pressures as it reports record first-half revenue: Kent brewer and retailer Shepherd Neame has said consumer demand has been encouraging but expects further cost pressures as … view
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Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Survey paints ‘bleak picture’ of employee engagement across sector, but ‘big opportunity’ to avoid staff churn: A new survey has painted a “bleak picture” of employee engagement across the sector, but said it presents a “big … view
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Tuesday 21st March 2023
Stonegate trading above pre-pandemic levels as it reports strong recovery with turnover hitting £1.6bn
Stonegate trading above pre-pandemic levels as it reports strong recovery with turnover hitting £1.6bn: Stonegate Group has said it is trading above pre-pandemic levels in its current financial year as it reported a strong recovery for the bu … view
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Tuesday 21st March 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Pubs, restaurants and bars grow sales again in February but battle soaring costs: February sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups were 3.9% ahead of last year on a like-for-like basis, the latest Coffer CGA Bu … view
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Tuesday 21st March 2023
Pubs, restaurants and bars grow sales again in February but battle soaring costs
Pubs, restaurants and bars grow sales again in February but battle soaring costs: February sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups were 3.9% ahead of last year on a like-for-like basis, the latest Coffer CGA Busines … view
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Monday 20th March 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Grind completes £15m investment round, acquires Bottleshot Coffee: Coffee brand Grind has completed a new £15m investment round, which has been used in part to complete the acquisition of ready-to-drink coffee company, Bottleshot Coffee … view
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Friday 17th March 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Where do food halls go from here part two, busting transgender myths, the joy of loitering, good things coming in small packages
Authors: Simon Anderson, James Manning and Gaynor Mary Warren-W … view
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Friday 17th March 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Prezzo continuing to monitor estate in response to market conditions after closing four sites: Prezzo, the Cain International-backed Italian dining group, has told Propel it continues “to monitor our estate in response to market conditi … view
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Thursday 16th March 2023
Update: Deliveroo FY update, Chick-Fil-A plans another international play, Tim Martin, Sexy Fish
Deliveroo making “excellent progress on path to profitability”: Deliveroo has said that its revenue increased and its pre-tax loss narrowed in 2022, as it optimised consumer fees, made efficiency gains in the rider network and efficie … view
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Thursday 16th March 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Carl’s Jr sees room for upwards of 300 UK sites: Tim Lowther, general manager for Carl’s Jr in Europe, has told Propel the business believes the UK has room for upwards of 300 sites under the US burger brand over the next ten to 15 ye … view
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Wednesday 15th March 2023
Sector warns further business closures ‘inevitable’ after lack of energy support in Budget but welcomes duty freeze
Sector warns further business closures ‘inevitable’ after lack of energy support in Budget but welcomes duty freeze: Industry leaders have warned further closures are “inevitable” following a lack of energy bills support for busin … view
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Wednesday 15th March 2023
Rail and tube strikes to cost sector as much as £600m
Rail and tube strikes to cost sector as much as £600m: The combined rail and tube strikes taking place across the country this week are set to cost hospitality as much as £600m, according to UKHospitality. Sector businesses continue to suffe … view
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Wednesday 15th March 2023
Update: New Bone Daddies MD, Hard Rock Café, no short-term VAT relief, JD Wetherspoon
Bones Daddies appoints new MD: Bone Daddies Group – which comprises the eponymous ramen restaurants, Shack-Fuyu and Flesh & Buns – has appointed Steve Hill as its new managing director, Propel has learned. Hill joined the Bone Daddies … view
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Wednesday 15th March 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr steps up plans to enter UK market: Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr has stepped up its plans to enter the UK market, and is seeking franchise partners to aid its launch and roll out here. … view
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Wednesday 15th March 2023
Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr steps up plans to enter UK market
Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr steps up plans to enter UK market: Quick service US burger brand Carl’s Jr has stepped up its plans to enter the UK market, and is seeking franchise partners to aid its launch and roll out here. With … view
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Tuesday 14th March 2023
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi backer appoints advisors as it seeks exit
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi backer appoints advisors as it seeks exit: Maj Invest Equity has appointed advisors to assess options for a sale of its stake in Japanese restaurant group Sticks ‘n’ Sushi. The Copenhagen-based private equity firm … view
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Tuesday 14th March 2023
Update: Crosstown appoints CEO, Popeyes UK launches breakfast trial
Crosstown appoints Howard Ebison as new chief executive: Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and speciality coffee concept, has appointed Howard Ebison as its new chief executive. Ebison joins Crosstown, in which Foresight, the backer of Mow … view
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Tuesday 14th March 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Industry calls on government to take action against energy firms: Operators have called on the government to take action against energy firms, as some in the industry come up against 500-600% price hikes. Alex Reilley, chairman of caf … view
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Monday 13th March 2023
Update: Nightcap lfl revenue impacted by rail strikes, business confidence up
Nightcap – ongoing rail strikes lead to H1 lfl decrease of 5.8%: Nightcap – the owner of The Cocktail Club, the Adventure Bar Group and the Barrio Familia group of bars – has reported a 5.8% like-for-like revenue decrease in the 26 … view
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Monday 13th March 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Sessions set to launch Manchester food hall in early 2024: Sessions, the growth platform for food brands and food hall concept operator led by former Deliveroo managing director Dan Warne, is set to open a new site in Manchester early nex … view
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Friday 10th March 2023
Exclusive: Papa John’s turnover passes £100m in UK for first time, store estate exceeds 500
Exclusive – Papa John’s turnover passes £100m in UK for first time, store estate exceeds 500: Papa John’s has reported turnover has passed the £100m mark in the UK for the first time. The business reported revenue of £102,339,000 … view
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Friday 10th March 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Big in Japan, workforce is our next challenge and our next big opportunity, thinking outside the box, don’t put sustainability on the backburner, driving motivation and engagement in a workforce
Authors: Charlie M … view
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Friday 10th March 2023
Update: Hostmore and Nightcap
Hostmore in talks with banks to amend bank facilities: Hostmore – the parent company of Fridays and 63rd+1st, has said it is currently in discussions with its lending banks to amend its existing facilities. The company indicated in an a … view
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Friday 10th March 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Hornby – signs are promising for Wagamama in the US: Andy Hornby, chief executive of The Restaurant Group (TRG), has said although it is still early days, the signs are promising when it comes to Wagamama’s growth strategy in the US. … view
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Thursday 9th March 2023
Exclusive: Chopstix Group acquires Chozen Noodle
Exclusive – Chopstix Group acquires Chozen Noodle: Chopstix Group, which owns the UK’s largest Asian quick service restaurant (QSR) brand, Chopstix Noodle Bar, has acquired competitor Chozen Noodle for an undisclosed fee, Propel has learne … view
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Thursday 9th March 2023
Update: Soho House and Domino’s
Soho House reports strong fourth quarter with lfl revenue up 47%, name change to become effective ‘in a few weeks’: Soho House, owned by New York-listed Membership Collective Group (MCG), has reported a strong FY2022 fourth quarter, w … view
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Thursday 9th March 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Hornby – I am confident our main shareholders are behind our strategy, seeing proper volume growth: Andy Hornby, chief executive of The Restaurant Group (TRG), the Wagamama and Brunning & Price owner, has said he is confident that the c … view
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Thursday 9th March 2023
Sector vacancies drop but wage bills climb
Sector vacancies drop but wage bills climb: Labour shortages at Britain’s top managed hospitality groups may be starting to ease, the 2023 Business Leaders’ Survey from CGA by Nielsen IQ and Fourth has shown – but rising wage bills … view
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Wednesday 8th March 2023
Legal Briefing

The boys (and girls) in black by Chris Grunert

The boys in black is a long-standing euphemism describing those talented men and women who stand guard on the door (regardless of the often-miserable British weather) and patrol the dance fl … view
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Wednesday 8th March 2023
Opinion Special: International Women’s Day
Subjects: Lack of diversity in boardrooms must be addressed, the danger in trivialising a monumental topic, lift as you climb, the successes and challenges of being a female business owner, the gift of confidence
Authors: Jul … view
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Wednesday 8th March 2023
Update: The Restaurant Group and Starbucks
TRG lfls out-perform respective markets, to exit c.35 leisure division sites: The Restaurant Group (TRG) has reported that Wagamama, Brunning & Price and Concessions businesses saw their like-for-like sales all out-performed their respective m … view
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Wednesday 8th March 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Marston’s places 61-strong freehold pub package on the market: Marston’s has placed a 61-strong portfolio of freehold pubs on the market, Propel has learned. The assets, which are a selection of Marston’s non-core prop … view
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Wednesday 8th March 2023
Exclusive: Marston’s places 61-strong freehold pub package on the market
Exclusive – Marston’s places 61-strong freehold pub package on the market: Marston’s has placed a 61-strong portfolio of freehold pubs on the market, Propel has learned. The assets, which are a selection of Marston’s non-core prop … view
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Tuesday 7th March 2023
Update: Greggs, Revolution Bars, Pret A Manger and The Restaurant Group
Greggs lfl sales up 18.8% in first nine weeks of 2023, strongest growing daypart is now post-4pm: Food-to-go retailer Greggs has said it started 2023 well, with like-for-like sales in company-managed shops growing by 18.8% in the first ni … view
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Tuesday 7th March 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Daily Telegraph reports 50% inflation on prices at leading high street brands: Leading high street retailers, such as Pret a Manger and Costa Coffee, have raised their prices on hot drinks and sandwiches by as much as 50% in the wake of r … view
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Monday 6th March 2023
Update: Caffè Nero set to open more 90 sites this year as FY revenue nears £350m, Starbucks plans 100 new UK coffee shops
Caffè Nero set to open more 90 sites this year as FY revenue nears £350m: Caffè Nero, which operates more than 1,000 sites across ten markets, has said it is set to open more than 90 sites this year as revenue increase … view
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Monday 6th March 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Floozie Cookies targets up to 100 US sites over five years after striking franchise partnership deal: Floozie Cookies, the all-vegan stuffed cookie concept founded by Kimberly Lin in 2020, has targeted up to 100 US sites over five years a … view
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Friday 3rd March 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Counter culture, how to ensure we’re striving for equity and inclusion for women and ethnic minorities within our businesses, is wet-led the way ahead, the return to the local
Authors: Mark Wingett … view
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Friday 3rd March 2023
Exclusive: Wasabi secures new funding, trading ‘encouraging’
Exclusive – Wasabi secures new funding, trading ‘encouraging’: Wasabi, the sushi and bento chain backed by Capdesia, has secured new funding to support its growth, Propel has learned. Capdesia, which acquired a minority stake in Wasabi i … view
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Friday 3rd March 2023
Update: The Wolseley owner reveals expansion plans, pub investment portfolio on market, Gaucho wins award
The Wolseley owner plans offshoots across UK, Asia and Middle East: The owner of London’s The Wolseley restaurant plans to open offshoots across the UK, Asia and the Middle East as the dining group seeks to move on from a bruising clash … view
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Friday 3rd March 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
El Mexicana business sold via pre-pack administration: The bulk of the El Mexicana business has been sold via a pre-pack administration, Propel has learned. Propel revealed in January the Mexican burrito brand, which was founded in 2011 b … view
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Thursday 2nd March 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Pret A Manger to give staff third pay rise in 12 months: Pret A Manger has announced a third pay rise in 12 months for its 7,870 UK shop staff, which it said would further support its workforce amid the high cost of living. From 1 April 2 … view
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Thursday 2nd March 2023
Pret A Manger to give staff third pay rise in 12 months, strong fourth quarter for contract catering
Pret A Manger to give staff third pay rise in 12 months: Pret A Manger has announced a third pay rise in 12 months for its 7,870 UK shop staff, which it said would further support its workforce amid the high cost of living. From 1 April 2 … view
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Wednesday 1st March 2023
Oakman raises £5.3m, Peter Borg-Neal returns as CEO
Oakman raises £5.3m, Peter Borg-Neal returns as CEO: Oakman Group has raised £5.3m from its existing shareholders and announced a board restructuring following the departure of financial director Koula Achillea, who is pursuing new career op … view
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Wednesday 1st March 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
BBPA warns 2,000 pubs facing closure as it calls on government to support sector in Budget: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has warned 2,000 pubs are facing last orders as it called on the government to extend a lifeline to the … view
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Wednesday 1st March 2023
BBPA warns 2,000 pubs facing closure as it calls on government to support sector in Budget
BBPA warns 2,000 pubs facing closure as it calls on government to support sector in Budget: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has warned 2,000 pubs are facing last orders as it called on the government to extend a lifeline to the secto … view
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