News in hospitality

Westminster is home to over 4,000 licensed premises, the largest concentration in the country, leading to the UK’s most vibrant evening and night-time economy. From world-renowned cultural institutions and entertainment venues to innovative hospitality businesses and local neighbourhood pubs and bars, Westminster offers an unrivalled mix of experiences that attract millions of visitors each year and support a thriving economy. Our pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises are a vital part of what makes Westminster special. They provide 80,000 jobs, attract investment, support tourism, foster culture and bring people together. The hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors make a significant contribution to both the local and national economy, helping to maintain Westminster’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations to live, work and visit. Since the adoption of our previous policy in 2021, the hospitality sector has faced extraordinary change. New technologies, changing consumer expectations, different patterns of work and leisure, and emerging business models are creating exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. This is however, set against a backdrop of difficult trading conditions, including pressures from inflation, rising labour costs and energy prices. This updated policy recognises those changes and seeks to support enterprise and investment whilst promoting safe, well-managed and inclusive environments. We also recognise the importance of keeping approach to safety up to date, including violence against women and girls and recent legislative requirements such as Martyn’s Law, in a way that is proportionate and effective. Our ambition is clear: we want Westminster to remain the best place in the country to establish, grow and develop successful hospitality, leisure and entertainment businesses. We believe that effective licensing can play a positive role in achieving this ambition. Licensing is not simply about regulation; it is also about creating the conditions in which responsible businesses can flourish, innovate and respond to changing customer demand, while ensuring that residents, workers and visitors continue to enjoy safe and welcoming environments. This Statement of Licensing Policy seeks to support a diverse, dynamic and well-managed economy that delivers prosperity, opportunity and social value across the city. We want businesses to have the confidence to invest in Westminster, knowing that we are committed to working with them and providing a licensing framework that is responsive, transparent and fit for the future. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting the unique character of Westminster’s neighbourhoods and ensuring that growth is sustainable and balanced. This review marks the beginning of a broader conversation about the future of licensing in Westminster. We want to explore how our policies can better support responsible growth, encourage innovation and provide businesses with greater flexibility to adapt as markets and customer expectations change. We are keen to work with businesses, residents and other stakeholders over the coming year to identify opportunities for improvement and will work with experts in the field to bring in creative ideas in support of our goals. The speed of change and pressures on the industry mean that this policy, historically reviewed every five years, needs to now be tested annually to see if it is suitable or needs amending. We will continue to develop our understanding of local conditions and Cumulative Impact, ensuring that future policy decisions are informed by evidence and responsive to the distinct characteristics of different parts of the city on an increasingly granular basis.  Website Link READ THE FULL ARTICLE 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

The Home Office has published new guidance to help organisations determine the “principal use” of premises that serve more than one function under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law. The guidance is intended to support those responsible for venues and premises in identifying who holds legal responsibility where multiple specified uses apply to the same site. Published on 10 September 2026, the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act: principal use of premises guidance explains how duty holders should determine the principal use of a venue in accordance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) (Principal Use of Premises) Regulations 2026. The regulations are due to come into force on 15 October 2026 and provide the legal framework for assessing premises with more than one specified use listed in Schedule 1 of the Act. The guidance addresses a practical issue facing operators of mixed-use sites, such as venues that may function as both entertainment and hospitality premises, or buildings that host a range of public-facing activities. In such cases, determining the principal use of the premises is essential because it establishes who the “responsible person” is for the purposes of compliance. Under Martyn’s Law, responsible persons for premises and qualifying events must take steps to be prepared for a terrorist attack and, in the case of larger premises, consider additional measures to reduce vulnerability to terrorism where appropriate. The Act introduces a tiered framework, with requirements varying according to the number of people it is reasonable to expect may be present at a premises or event. The publication of the principal use guidance forms part of a wider programme of implementation support following the Act receiving Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. The government has published a collection of guidance documents covering key aspects of the legislation, including statutory guidance, notification requirements, factsheets and sector-specific advice. According to the Home Office, the new guidance specifically explains how to determine the principal use of premises where two or more Schedule 1 uses apply. This determination is necessary for identifying the responsible person and ensuring duties under the legislation are assigned correctly. The accompanying regulations, which take effect from 15 October 2026, are expected to provide greater legal certainty for operators of complex and multi-purpose premises as organisations continue preparations for the implementation of Martyn’s Law. Together, the regulations and guidance are designed to support consistent application of the Act and clarify accountability across venues that fall within its scope. As implementation continues, the latest guidance provides another key piece of the compliance framework, helping venue operators, event organisers and other duty holders understand how responsibility will be determined where premises have multiple qualifying uses. Source The Institute of Licensing – all rights acknowledged. Website Link 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

Digital proof of age for alcohol sales now in force as licensing authorities urged to update mandatory conditions, following the coming into force of the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026 on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The change allows licensed businesses to choose to accept certified digital proof of age alongside existing physical forms of identification. Under the new arrangements, pubs, bars, restaurants, shops, music venues and other licensed premises can adopt certified digital age-verification services to confirm that a customer is aged 18 or over when purchasing alcohol. Physical identification documents will remain valid, and businesses are not required to adopt digital proof of age. The Government has described the change as providing a secure, additional method for age verification, enabling customers to prove their age using certified digital identity services on their mobile phones without necessarily sharing wider personal information such as their name or address. The measures are intended to support faster and more secure age checks while maintaining existing safeguards against underage alcohol sales. The legislation follows parliamentary approval of the amendment order earlier this year and now formally amends the mandatory licensing conditions relating to age verification. Digital proof of age must be provided through a certified Digital Verification Service listed on the statutory register and meeting the standards set out within the UK digital verification services trust framework. Licensing authorities should note that the change is now in force and ensure that references to mandatory licensing conditions, licensing information, guidance material, policy documents, application advice and any locally published Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 information are reviewed and updated where necessary to reflect the revised legal position. The Government has also confirmed that statutory guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 has been updated to reflect the change, alongside additional non-statutory guidance for businesses and digital verification providers. While the amendment introduces a new option for age verification, it does not alter the legal drinking age or the responsibility on licence holders to prevent underage sales. Licensed premises adopting digital proof of age remain responsible for ensuring that any digital age-verification service used complies with the requirements set out in the legislation and accompanying guidance. Source The Institute of Licensing – all rights acknowledged. Website Link 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

A coalition of more than 800 hospitality businesses have written an open letter to prime minister Andy Burnham, urging him to set a lower rate of hospitality VAT. Signatories included chefs Angela Hartnett, Clare Smyth, Heston Blumenthal and Jason Atherton, as well as larger chains from across the industry, such as Marriott International, Big Table Group and Loungers. Fuller’s, Greene King, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers, Franco Manca, JKS, PizzaExpress, Best Western Hotels, Butlin’s and PPHE Hotel Group are also among the signatories, which are predominantly formed of small and medium-sized businesses. The letter calls on Burnham to act on the comments he made in February as mayor of Greater Manchester, when he said he would argue for a hospitality VAT rate in line with Europe. More than 370,000 people have signed the #VATsTheProblem petition calling for a 10% rate of VAT for hospitality, spearheaded by chef Tom Kerridge. The letter stated: “It’s time for a fairer tax burden for hospitality. Without action, closures will only continue to accelerate, jobs will continue to be lost and opportunities for young people reduced. “We trust we can count on your support, following your comments in February this year that you would ‘argue for a VAT rate more consistent with what you find in Europe because of the social value that your businesses bring to places and towns’. “Alongside your policy to reform business rates for the high street, we urge you to bring forward your plans to deliver a lower rate of VAT for hospitality.” Kerridge added: “It’s clear that the prime minister understands the importance of hospitality, and I was really encouraged to hear him make the case earlier this year for a lower rate of VAT for our sector. “The reality is that 20% VAT is holding hospitality back. Hospitality is different from many other businesses because so much of what we spend our money on is our teams. You can reclaim VAT on a product, but you can’t reclaim VAT on a person. That makes a 20% rate particularly tough for a sector where labour is one of our biggest costs. “And this is all happening at a time when businesses are already dealing with rising wages, energy bills, food costs and business rates. We’re seeing the consequences, with businesses closing their doors every single week. “We don’t need another promise. We need action.” The open letter comes just days after government confirmed that mayors in England will be given new powers to implement a ‘tourist tax’. In July, Burnham announced he would cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April 2027. 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

Visit the show at the Excel Centre on the 16-17th September. Innovation for restaurants, pubs & bars.  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.  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 202 Link  https://www.nrpbs.co.uk/ Attendees and exhibitors include | Accor | The Alchemist | Aramark | Arc Inspirations | Azzurri Group | BaxterStorey | Bidfood | Big Table Group | Bill’s | Booker | Boparan Restaurant Group | The Botanist | Bourne Leisure | Brakes | The Breakfast Club | BrewDog | British Airways | Brother Marcus | Bundobust | Caravan | Center Parcs | Compass Group | Comptoir Group | Côte | The Devonshire | Easyjet | Elior | Everyman Cinemas | Flat Iron | Flanco Manca | Fuller, Smith & Turner | gategroup | Giggling Squid | Greene King | Harrods | Hawksmoor | Heartwood Collection | Hickory’s Smokehouse | Hilton Hotels | Honest Burgers | The Ivy Collection | JKS Restaurants | JD Wetherspoon | John Lewis | Liberation Group | Live Nation | LNER | Loungers | Marco Pierre White Restaurants | Marston’s | Marugame Udon | McManus Pub Company | Misson Mars | Mitchells & Butlers | Mowgli | My Yummy Collection | Nando’s | New World Trading Company | Nightcap | Odeon Cinemas | Pasta Evangelists | Peach Pubs | Pho | Picturehouse Cinemas | Pizza Pilgrims | PizzaExpress | Prezzo | Rail Gourmet | Rosa’s Thai | Roti King | Roxy Leisure | Rudy’s Pizza | Roadchef | The Real Greek | Red Engine | Redcat Hospitality | The Restaurant Group | Seafood Pub Company | Shepherd Neame | Smith & Western | Sodexo | Soho House | SSP | Star Pubs & Bars | Stonegate Group | Turtle Bay | Urban Pubs & Bars | Vagabond | Various Eateries | Virgin Atlantic | wagamama | Wahaca | Warner Hotels | Wells & Co | WH Pubs | Whitbread | YO! | Young’s & Co

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has slashed business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England by 20%. The reduction will take effect from April 2027 and will save the typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year, according to the government. Designed to cut costs for working people and communities, the move will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, the government said. The changes will be fully funded, including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops. Mr Burnham said: ‘For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. ‘This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing . . . is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.’ Responding to the announcement, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: ‘We are encouraged at the signal from the Prime Minister . . . , instructing his government to plan for a significant increase in Small Business Rate Relief at the heart of the next Budget.’ Internet link: HMRC FSB 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

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

The move follows last week’s government pledge to launch a public consultation on safe workplace temperatures. Green MP Hannah Spencer is to propose a parliamentary bill on a maximum working temperature in the UK. If passed, the legislation will create an independent body that would recommend a maximum safe workplace temperature and how it should be implemented. Currently, there is no legal upper limit as to how hot a working environment can be, despite the lower limit being set at 16°C (13°C for strenuous work). “From bus and train drivers sweltering in cabins that are hotter than the soaring temperatures outside and bakers working in temperatures of over 40ºC, to builders whose workplaces offer no respite from the heat, the government has a duty to protect all of us,” Spencer told The Guardian. The recently elected MP for Gorton and Denton added that it was “absurd” there was no maximum limit: “This is something workers and trade unions have been raising the alarm about for many years – it shouldn’t have taken this long to act, but the unsafe temperatures we’re seeing now should be a huge wake-up call. “We’ve seen absolute chaos as a result of these recent temperatures, and such a massive human cost, yet we haven’t heard a peep from government about how they plan to protect us all.” Last week the government pledged to hold a public consultation on workplace temperatures. Stephen Timms, secretary of state for the Department of Work and Pensions, said: “This year, HSE will also be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.”   Article from The Caterer – all rights acknowledged. Read the full article 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

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 came into force on 8 June, and an Amendment Order laid on 3 July. 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:- The position at law has been amended to now permit: Sunday 5th July: Extension to 5am the following morning; Wednesday 15th July: Extension to 1am the following morning; Saturday 18th extension to 2am, OR Sunday 19th extension to 1am the following morning, dependant on which match England eventually play; and IF delay or abandonment occurs, the extension runs to 30 minutes beyond the conclusion or abandonment of the match (with an absolute end being noon the following day) 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 by 3 hours from 22:00 to 01:00. However, crucially, the Order will not trigger the extension if England fail to reach the final.  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

Pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am on Monday morning so England fans can come together to watch the World Cup last-16 match against Mexico. Pubs and bars across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am for Sunday night’s England v Mexico match  Removes red tape for pubs and bars wanting to boost revenues and allow fans to come together to support the team  Follows extensions already in place for all of England’s knock-out matches  Pubs and bars will be able to stay open until 5am on Monday morning so England fans can come together to watch the World Cup last-16 match against Mexico.  In a boost for pubs, bars and football fans across the country, alcohol licensing hours will be extended for Sunday night’s match which kicks off at 1am.  This change removes the need for individual premises in England and Wales to apply for extended hours, delivering a welcome boost to the hospitality sector.  The Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”. This follows extensions already granted for England’s knock-out games that kicked off up until 22.00.  Communities Secretary Steve Reed is writing to council leaders informing them of these changes, and thanking them for playing their part in approving Temporary Event Notices throughout the tournament – ensuring supporters can properly roar on the Three Lions down the pub. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.  “Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together. “The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!” Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said:  “This is fantastic news and will be hugely welcomed by operators. The government has listened to the overwhelming public support for England and recognised the challenges facing pubs and licensed premises across the country.  “This pragmatic approach allows venues to focus on what matters most – bringing communities together to support the national team. Major sporting occasions like this deliver a significant boost to hospitality businesses while creating an atmosphere that unites the country.  “As England heads into one of the biggest games of the tournament, let’s get behind the team, support our local venues, and give the country something positive to celebrate. We hope this weekend marks not only a memorable occasion for England on the pitch, but also a much-needed boost for our hospitality sector and the communities it serves.”  Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:   “Pubs and fans will be over the moon about this decision, because we all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.  “This tournament is hugely important for our sector, so we’re delighted the government listened to our concerns and acted so quickly. Now we can carry on being the home of live sport and welcoming fans through the door.”  Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “England’s march towards World Cup glory is something millions of fans want to support. “This very welcome announcement from the government allows those that want to enjoy the game in pubs and other hospitality venues to get together to cheer on our Three Lions.” Source .gov.uk 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