European Union

Hospitality industry playing 'critical role' in reducing youth unemployment, says new report

18-Sep-2013 By Emma Eversham

The hospitality industry is playing 'a critical role' in reducing youth unemployment across Europe and is essential for jobs and growth, a new report by EY claims.

High alcohol tax blamed for continual drop in UK wine and spirit sales

24-Jun-2013 By Emma Eversham

The Government’s alcohol duty escalator is being blamed for a continual drop in sales of wine and spirits in the UK’s restaurants, pubs and hotels as research shows that British drinkers now pay 43 per cent more for alcohol than their European counterparts. 

Olive oil ban: Refillable jugs and dipping bowls can remain on restaurant tables

22-May-2013 By Luke Nicholls

The European Union ban on the use of olive oil jugs and dipping bowls in restaurants should be taken with a pinch of salt according to the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) who says restaurants will still be able serve customers olive oil at their...

Restaurants hit back at ‘stupid’ EU olive oil law

20-May-2013 By Luke Nicholls

A new ban on restaurants serving olive oil in refillable jugs and dipping bowls has today been lambasted by UK restaurants as an unnecessary interference by the EU which will strangle business at a time of economic crisis.

British tourist destinations should be exempt from EU red tape, argues former Tourism Minister

19-Dec-2012 By Peter Ruddick

John Penrose MP, the former Tourism Minister, is calling on the Government to put pressure on the EU and ensure British tourist destinations are exempt from marketing red tape when changes are made to European rules early next year. 

Brazilian and Chinese tourists to increase hotel spending budgets, finds survey

04-Jul-2012 By Luke Nicholls

The UK hotel industry should be prepared to welcome a greater number of Chinese and Brazilian tourists later this year, as increasing numbers plan to spend more on holidays than in 2011, according to a recent survey.

Lotus Professional launches NexxStyle air-cushioned napkin range

07-Mar-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Georgia-Pacific, which manufactures the Lotus Professional range of tissue products and dispensing systems, has launched the NexxStyle range of air-cushioned napkins which can be branded and customised by restaurants and hotels.

Live sport to become ‘more affordable’ for pubs after landlady wins TV football fight

04-Oct-2011 By Luke Nicholls

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has suggested that live sport could now become more affordable for pubs, after landlady Karen Murphy has won a court battle over the use of a foreign TV decoder to screen football matches.

Display calories on menus despite lack of evidence it works, operators told

20-Jul-2011 By Becky Paskin

Despite a lack of proof that diners are willing to change their eating habits, the hospitality industry has been warned to start thinking about calorie counting their menus before EU legislation is introduced.

US tourists are highest spenders, but visitors declining

24-May-2011 By Lorraine Heller

US tourists are the highest spenders out of all holidaymakers to the UK, but their numbers continue to decline, according to new data released today by VisitBritain.

British palate becoming more European, finds survey

05-Apr-2011 By Lorraine Heller

The modern British palate is becoming increasingly European, with the majority of consumers in the country saying they like to try British dishes that incorporate European ingredients, finds a new survey.

VisitBritain forced to withdraw marketing from 14 countries

10-Feb-2011 By Becky Paskin

VisitBritain is withdrawing its marketing campaign from 14 countries and cutting 70 jobs in reaction to the Government spending cuts in October last year.

Spanish chain H10 opens first UK hotel

03-Mar-2010 By Emma Eversham

Spanish hotel chain H10 has opened its first hotel in London as part of major expansion plans across the rest of Europe

Hotel room prices rise 2% in UK

11-Jan-2010 By Emma Eversham

UK hotels are leading the upturn in Europe according to a survey by hotel price comparison website Trivago with room prices rising on average 2 per cent to £91 in the last month

MEPs vote to impose 48 hour working week

17-Dec-2008 By Becky Paskin

British workers may soon be limited to working 48 hours per week, after MEPs voted against keeping the UK’s opt-out clause

Restaurants could benefit from EU's VAT reduction

09-Jul-2008 By Becky Paskin

A 65 per cent reduction in VAT rates could help boost restaurant trade if EU plans go ahead

How to prepare for the environmental legislation (WEEE)

14-Feb-2007 By Restaurant

How to prepare for the environmental legislation coming into force in July The WEEE directive, which stands for waste of electrical and electronic equipment and deals with how electrical appliances are disposed of at the end of their lives, will come...