News in hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.

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

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.