Thomas & Thomas

Group of friends toasting with beer glasses while celebrating at a pub.

Cheers! Football fans to raise a glass for the World Cup

Pubs across the country set to benefit from extensions to licensing hours, special screenings and pavement pints as the country gears up for the World Cup Football fans will be able to roar on the Three Lions at the World Cup this summer thanks to extended opening hours – and a call for councils not to block their fun.  Communities Secretary Steve Reed is today (6th June) calling on local leaders to deal with sensible applications quickly for pubs to open later and hold special screenings and events in beer gardens, allowing supporters to celebrate a goal in style.  This builds on the latest extension to opening hours, with pubs able to stay open until 1am for England or Scotland matches in the knockout stages that kick off between 5pm and 9pm – and until 2am for kick-offs between 9pm and 10pm.  Precious pavement pints – a staple for people enjoying the sunny weather – will also be backed today with a commitment to make it easier for pubs to serve food and drink outside in future by cutting back unnecessary bureaucracy.  Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Nothing brings us all together like a World Cup summer and cheering on England in a packed pub with everyone glued to the game.” “Red tape should not get in the way of fans enjoying the game with friends and local pubs doing a great trade too.” “A pavement pint in the sunshine discussing the agony of penalties and soaking up the atmosphere is what pubs are all about and we are backing them.” Let’s hope we get a summer of fans enjoying great England wins on the big screen in packed pub gardens.” Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “The best World Cup moments are the ones we watch together, and for every England game we need to pack out our local pubs and get them buzzing.” “We’re asking councils to support as many applications for special events as possible, because the last thing any of us want to see is people being turfed indoors half-way through penalties.” “So let’s show the fun police the red card, get behind England and back our pubs. This time, it really could be coming home.” Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:“With some councils imposing pub garden closing times based on strict noise concerns, we’re asking them to apply a common sense approach during our crucial knockout matches so fans can back our team and support their local pubs.” Local leaders are being asked to sign-off as many requests for Temporary Event Notices as possible. It will be for councils to ultimately make these decisions and they will have to balance other factors.  But authorities who unnecessarily block people from getting together or holding things up will be held to account by the government.  Further measures have also been put forward to extend how long pavement licences can last for – keeping the pints flowing outside and backing meals in the sunshine.   Currently, businesses find themselves constantly reapplying for a pavement licence to serve food and drink outside. The licence costs £350 to renew, adding an unnecessary and expensive burden on businesses.  The reforms announced today will put an end to that, increasing the maximum term length in future and we will consult on a minimum term length. It will still be up to councils to decide the exact duration of specific licences.   This builds on the work being undertaken to breathe new life into high streets and restore the pride people feel about their home, including through the £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme which is backing local people to drive regeneration in almost 380 areas. Source .gov.uk website read here This note should not be viewed as legal or specific advice. If you have any queries in respect of the above or any other matter, please contact one of the partners Alun Thomas E: athomas@tandtp.com T: 07956 805464 Thomas O’Maoileoin E: tomaoileoin@tandtp.com T: 07786 966173 Jack Spiegler E: jspiegler@tandtp.com T: 07720 975272 Please refer to our website Legal Notices section when reading our eNews articles

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FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours Order 2026

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 came into force on 8 June. Despite having been widely reported, and following several consultations, the Order isn’t made particularly easy to understand. Essentially, licensed premises within England and Wales are permitted to extend sales of alcohol for consumption on the premises (along with late night refreshment though not off-sales or Regulated Entertainment) for the knock-out stages of the tournament, subject to the following triggering criteria:- Their premises licence (or club certificate) permits the on-sale of alcohol to at least 23:00 on the day of the match; A Home Nation (England or Scotland) is playing in the match; and Kick-off is scheduled between the hours of 17:00 to 22:00 BST. Crucially, the Order does not apply to the first three group-stage matches, nor where the scheduled kick-off is before 17:00 or after 22:00 (which may become a possibility). Nor is any benefit provided to premises only permitting off-sales (supermarkets; convenience stores) or late night refreshment (fast food outlets). Conversely, there is no actual requirement to screen the match, and so a typical restaurant licensed to 23:00 may take use of the extended hours without the need of a TV screen. Licence conditions will continue to apply during the extended hours. Key points to note in relation to the tournament include:- Group stage matches The Order does not apply. Operators wishing to extend their usual permitted hours will need ensure a temporary event notice is in effect. Knockout matches (round of 32; round of 16; quarter final; semifinal; third-place match) The Order will come into effect, subject to individual premises meeting the triggering criteria, for any knock-out game involving a Home Nation, extending permitted hours:-       a) By 2 hours from 23:00 to 01:00 when kick-off is scheduled from 17:00 up to 21:00; and       b) By 3 hours from 23:00 to 02:00 when kick-off is scheduled after 21:00 up to 22:00. Any knock-out game which is scheduled to kick-off after 22:00 falls outside the scope of the Order and operators would need ensure a temporary event notice is in effect should they wish to trade beyond their usual permitted hours. The Final (20:00 BST; Sunday 19th July) The Order will take effect only should a Home Nation reach the final, extending permitted hours by 2 hours from 23:00 to 01:00. However, crucially: many licences, and particularly those within the City of Westminster, only permit on-sales to 22:30 on a Sunday, and so will not trigger the extension. If applicable, operators may wish to obtain a temporary event notice to extend permitted hours (or if England fail to reach the final!). To obtain a temporary event notice please contact your client care partner. This note should not be viewed as legal or specific advice. If you have any queries in respect of the above or any other matter, please contact one of the partners Alun Thomas E: athomas@tandtp.com T: 07956 805464 Thomas O’Maoileoin E: tomaoileoin@tandtp.com T: 07786 966173 Jack Spiegler E: jspiegler@tandtp.com T: 07720 975272 Please refer to our website Legal Notices section when reading our eNews articles

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The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show

The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show features innovative suppliers and leading buyers. It’s more than just a show – it’s an opportunity to do business with the biggest decision-makers from the sector. Source the newest products to stand out from your competition. Be inspired by free seminar sessions, led by pioneers in the industry. Make the most of your day by visiting co-located sister show lunch! when you visit on 16-17 September 2026. The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show is part of the brand-new London Food & Drink Festival — forming the UK’s biggest stage for food, drink and retail — taking place 16–17 September at Excel, London. Your FREE ticket gives you access to all five co-located shows: ➤ lunch!➤ The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show➤ London Drinks Exchange➤ Natural & Organic Food Show➤ Artisan Food & Drink Show That’s 600+ exhibitors, 15,000+ expected visitors, 8 stages of FREE content and insight from hundreds of industry leaders, and thousands of new products — all under one roof, all on one FREE ticket. Find out more on their website here www.nrpbs.co.uk

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VAT’s the problem

Chef and publican Tom Kerridge is spearheading the #VATsTheProblem movement, bringing the country together to call for a fairer 10% VAT rate for hospitality. The majority of European countries know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That’s why they support it with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same. By standing together and signing the petition, the UK can help protect jobs, support local businesses and secure a stronger future hospitality. #VATsTheProblem Most countries VAT on dining out is between 9 – 12% and this can be  fact checked here. Netherlands 9%Germany 7%France 10%Belgium 12%Spain 10%Italy 10%United Kingdom 20%Austria 10%Sweden 12% www.vatstheproblem.co.uk   Website Link

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Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, albeit the vast majority of provisions will not take effect at least for a further 6 months and until secondary legislation is made. The Act is wide-reaching, affecting all four home nations and has been heralded as the most significant public health reform since the implementation of the ‘smoking ban’ in 2007. Key provisions include:- • Creating the UK’s first ‘smoke-free’ generation for those born on or after 01 January 2009;• Introducing a retail licensing scheme for the sale, distribution and display of tobacco and vapeproducts, with those unlicensed to become unlawful;• Strengthening enforcement powers of Local Authorities including the ability to issue fixedpenalty notices and apply to Magistrates Courts for restriction orders;• Banning advertisement and sponsorships for relevant products;• Ability to designate additional smoke-free places Focusing on the licensing aspect, it is apparent operators will need to navigate a transitional new regulatory scheme for those that wish to continue offering for sale ‘relevant products’ as defined in the Act, which will include:- o Tobacco products (cigarettes; cigars; hand rolled tobacco; pipe; chewing/nasal tobacco; etc);o Herbal smoking products;o Cigarette papers;o Vaping products;o Nicotine products. Businesses which will likely need to take action include supermarkets and convenience shops; vape and cigar shops; petrol stations; restaurants and cafes offering shisha; and online retailers of such relevant products. Whilst the necessary detail as to process, requirements, cost and duration of a licence are yet to be determined by further regulation, it is evident that each business will require a ‘Premises Licence’ as well as an individual who holds a ‘Personal Licence’ to authorise the sale. This is akin to requirements of the existing format for alcohol licensing, pursuant to Licensing Act 2003. In that respect, businesses that will likely be affected by tobacco licensing may already be familiar with the ‘Personal’ and ‘Premises’ licence concept should they presently be licensed for alcohol. However, others such as a typical vape shop, will need enter the licensing remit of the Local Authority for the first time Read the full information on the .gov site Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026  This will take you directly to the government website This note is limited to the impact of the legislation in England and should not be viewed as legal orspecific advice. If you have any queries in respect of the above or any other matter, please contactone of the partners: Alun Thomas E: athomas@tandtp.com T: 07956 805464 Thomas O’Maoileoin E: tomaoileoin@tandtp.com T: 07786 966173 Jack Spiegler E: jspiegler@tandtp.com T: 07720 975272 Please refer to our website Legal Notices section when reading our eNews articles

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Battersea Power Station’s Retail and Leisure Lineup Expands

Battersea Power Station announces today more than 10 new retail, leisure and cultural openings for 2026, expanding the riverside neighbourhood’s offering to more than 170 shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Early spring saw the opening of Swiss luxury chocolatier Läderach inside the Grade II* listed Power Station and Me Place Nursery in Circus West Village, providing childcare for one- to five-year olds during the week, and a weekend drop-off crèche service for residents, office workers and visitors. Opening soon inside the Power Station is health-focused café, Jungleberry Acai, and premium blow-dry bar Duck & Dry on Electric Boulevard, the neighbourhood’s pedestrianised high street. Argentine food specialist, Chango Empanadas, will also open inside the new Battersea Power Station London Underground entrance on Electric Boulevard which opened in October 2025.   Article courtesy of Hospitality and Catering News. All rights acknowledged and you can read the full details on their website here  Note: this will take you to H&Cs news website. If you require any help with licencing please get in touch with one of our team today.

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Wider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup

Football fans following England or Scotland in this summer’s World Cup can now count on celebrating or commiserating in the pub after more of their big matches in the knockout stages – after the government announced a further tweak to licensing rules in England and Wales. The Home Office had already ruled that pubs could open beyond their usual hours around some matches, to take account of the wide range of kick-off times at the tournament, which is being played in the US, Canada and Mexico this June and July. But in a small change, it has now confirmed that this will now apply even for matches which are screened earlier in the evening, which England and Scotland are guaranteed in their first knockout match if either wins their respective group. Source extract from BBC News – all rights recognised please read the full article here. Please get in touch to find out how this may affect your business. info@tantp.com

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Ivy Collection, Annabel’s and Scott’s sell for £1.4b

The Ivy Collection, Annabel’s and Scott’s have been sold in a £1.4b deal to Diafa, an Abu Dhabi-based hospitality investor whose interests include Zuma and Roka. The sale brings together a group of some of London’s best-known restaurants and private members’ clubs under new ownership, as Diafa continues to build its global F&B portfolio. Richard Caring, the businessman behind the group, will remain executive chairman. As reported by the Financial Times, the 77-year-old built his hospitality empire over several decades after starting out in the fashion trade, assembling a portfolio that spans restaurants, bars and private members’ clubs. According to reports in The Times, the group will now seek to expand the Ivy Collection into the US. Article reported from HRC all rights recognised, read the full article on the HRC website here.

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The Pub Show at Excel

The Pub Show is the UK’s only dedicated trade event for the pub industry, returning to Excel London from 30 March – 01 April 2026. Whether you run a local, manage a group, or handle buying for a busy bar, this is your kind of show. Across three lively days, you’ll get to: Discover new products, suppliers and trends Connect with fellow operators, founders and industry leaders Tap into expert insights on the latest challenges and opportunities facing the sector Explore innovations across drinks, snacks, pub tech, furniture and more It’s a chance to raise a glass with the trade, meet new suppliers, and brew ideas that could shape your year ahead. Your free ticket also unlocks access to Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of innovation across the sector, featuring IFE Manufacturing, IFE, HRC, The Pub Show, Hospitality Tech360 and International Salon Culinaire. 50+ exhibitors. Daily pub quizzes. One unmissable event. Visit thepubshow.co.uk to find out more and sign up to our newsletter to be alerted when registration goes live.

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The Devonshire #1 in Top Gastropub list

It will come as no surprise that The Devonshire in London’s Soho has come into the Top 50 Gastropubs as the highest new entry. The Devonshire has been a roaring success since former Guinea Grill legend and publican Oisin Rogers took over the pub with Flat Iron founder and beef supremo Charlie Carroll and former Heston Blumenthal chef Ashley Palmer-Watts.   It is a match made in heaven. Rogers has the strong background in running successful pubs including the St Margarets Tavern near Twickenham and The Ship in Wandsworth, while Carroll has the strong restaurant lineage having founded Flat Iron as well as working with a range of restaurant operations. Palmer-Watts worked at The Fat Duck Group for 20 years and also co-founded the Artisan Coffee Co. And the rest is history as they say as the trio opened The Devonshire in the former Jamie Oliver restaurant site on Denham Street in November 2023. The venue, which opened as pub in 1793, had recently been operating as a chicken and burger restaurant before being restored to its former glory. The pub serves up premium quality, homemade food, focusing on the best of British produce using its own in-house butcher and bakery. The main pub is on the ground floor while on the first floor is its restaurant and grill room and dining rooms that have been gaining critical acclaim. Dishes include items such as Scottish beef, dry-aged and butchered on site, creel-caught langoustines from Oban, the freshest day boat fish, lobster and hand-dived scallops from Devon. As well as its reputation escalating for the food offer this is still a pub. The bar has the reputation for serving the best Guinness in London and if the rumours are true selling more pints of Guinness than any other pub in the UK or Ireland. This is only the start of the awards and recognition for The Devonshire. It has already been cited as the Opening of the Year and Gastro Pub of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards. Details and information from the Top 50 Gastropubs website.

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