Welcome to the December Edition of OnTrade Magazine!
As the year draws to a close and the festive season takes centre stage, we’re delighted to bring you the December edition of OnTrade Magazine –a celebration of an incredible year for our industry and a look ahead to the opportunities waiting in 2026.
This month, we shine a light on the trends shaping the on-trade as we head into the holiday rush: from innovative winter menus and premium drink pairings to insights on sustainability, staffing, and the evolving consumer experience. We also take time to recognise the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define our sector.
Whether you’re raising a glass behind the bar, running a bustling venue, or crafting the next great brand, this issue is packed with inspiration to help you finish the year strong — and start the next one even stronger.
From all of us at OnTrade Magazine, thank you for being part of our community this year. Here’s to a prosperous festive season and an exciting year ahead!
Wishing everyone in hospitality a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
From the OnTrade Magazine Team
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia
Fiona Gauld Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk
For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111
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JOHN GRAY MP
RESPONDS TO HOSPITALITY SECTOR FOLLOWING OTM CALL
SIX MUST VISIT VENUES THIS FESTIVE SEASON
COYOTE UGLY WELCOME TO THE WILDEST RODEO IN TOWN
FIFA WORLD CUP SLTA WELCOMES CALLS FOR SPECIAL DISPENSATION FOR WORLD CUP
LEARNING FOR LIFE GRADUATION CELEBRATES NEW HOSPITALITY TALENT
Diageo’s flagship hospitality training programme, Learning for Life, celebrated the achievements of 13 graduates yesterday at a special ceremony hosted at Edinburgh’s Johnnie Walker Experience.
The event was attended by Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, who congratulated the graduates as they took their next steps into careers across Scotland’s hospitality sector.
Now in its eleventh year, Learning for Life, delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard, provides skills, training and employability support for people facing barriers to work. The programme supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who are unemployed, changing career, or looking to build new skills and confidence.
The graduation comes at a time when Scotland’s hospitality workforce is facing an acute skills shortage. Industry data shows there are around 132,000 vacancies across the UK hospitality sector, with Scotland particularly affected in rural and island communities. High turnover rates, rising business costs and changes to the labour market have made recruitment increasingly challenging.
By connecting employers with new talent and providing structured, confidence-building training, Learning for Life helps new entrants to the hospitality industry take their first steps towards long-term employment. Delivered in partnership with employers across Scotland, the programme creates clear pathways into work, with many of this cohort of graduates already securing roles or interviews in Edinburgh and the surrounding area. This includes several participants who have begun placements at the Johnnie Walker Experience, where graduates can build industry experience and, in some cases, progress into permanent roles.
LATE-NIGHT ECONOMY DECLINES 28% SINCE 2020
Britain’s late-night economy has suffered a 4.6% contraction in just 12 months, with bars, clubs and casinos under pressure from soaring costs.
the new Night Time Economy Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ and the Night Time Industries Association reveals.
• Late-night venues down 4.6% in a year and 28.0% since COVID
Evening economy overtakes late-night to highlight urgency of Budget help
The dip means the number of late-night bars, clubs, casinos and similar venues is now 28.0% below the levels of March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of closures across the sector. It highlights the cumulative effect of years of financial, regulatory and environmental pressures on an industry that has long been at the heart of Britain’s cultural and social lives, and the urgent need for support in the government’s forthcoming Budget.
The latest wave of closures reflects the restrictive policies and neglect endured by the late-night economy, alongside rising operational costs in rent, wages, energy, licensing fees and other areas. They are also the result of a shift in consumers’ habits towards earlier evenings, driven by worries over safety and the declining availability of reliable late-night transport.
Data from the Night Time Economy Market Monitor shows around a quarter (24%) of high-tempo night-goers now consider security when planning visits, while even more (28%) weigh up transport options, often leaving venues emptier after midnight.
CAFÉ CON RON CUBAN SOUL MEETS LONDON RITUAL
Ron Santiago de Cuba, an award-winning rum and one of Cuba’s best-kept secrets, is teaming up with Kaffeine, one of London’s most respected neighbourhood coffee spots and a favourite among coffee purists, to bring a taste of Cuban culture to the capital this November.
For four days only (25-28 Nov), Kaffeine’s Eastcastle Street café will be transformed into Ron Santiago de Cuba’s Café Con Ron, a Cuban-inspired cultural hub blending the island’s most beloved exports: coffee and rum. At the heart of the experience is Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo 8 Year Old Rum, a golden-amber rum aged in white oak barrels, known for its notes of tropical fruit, honey, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate, available nationwide from Waitrose stores. From morning to night, Café Con Ron will showcase the rum’s flavour profile through an evolving menu of Cuban-inspired coffee serves and bespoke rum cocktails.
In Santiago de Cuba, the island’s spiritual home of rummaking, these two traditions have always gone hand in hand, both shaped by the same tropical climate and the unmistakable rhythm of Cuban life. It’s where morning coffee rituals and evening rum gatherings are part of a shared culture of warmth and community. Café Con Ron brings this Cuban soul to London, inviting visitors to experience both sides of the Santiago de Cuba story from morning Cubanos to evening cocktails.
PERNOD RICARD ANNOUNCES NEW COLLAB WITH TONY’S CHOCOLONELY
Ricard UK is supporting its customers by inspiring them
that
Prioritising premium serves and showcasing brands like Altos, Kahlúa, Jameson, Lillet, Bumbu and Champagne will drive profitability and elevate consumer experiences this Christmas. Cocktails remain the fastest-growing category in the On-Trade spirits market1 and 2025 is all about the power of the perfect serve, with consumers looking to treat themselves and trade up more than ever.
Ricard UK delivered nearly 650,000 unique festive serves, the UK’s second largest spirits and Champagne provider is pushing to exceed this milestone in 2025, driving excitement with standout hero serves and innovative garnishes. This year’s highlights include the Altos Santa Margarita, Absolut Polar Espresso Martni, Bumbu Cream Tiramisu Martini, and Kahlúa Quality Treats, which have been upgraded for 2025 with a brand new innovation - specially designed flavour concentrates (chocolate, toffee, hazelnut, coconut, strawberry and chocolate orange) that can be added to add a nostalgic Christmas twist!
Following a strong 2024 festive season, where Pernod
Nathan Last, On-Trade Channel Director, comments: “We’re seeing the ‘perfect serve’ play an even greater role in delivering standout experiences for consumers. Our focus is on elevating festive menus with creative, high-quality cocktails that inspire and delight. Consumers continue to seek out premium choices and moments of indulgence, with cocktails leading growth across the On-Trade Spirits category. We’re encouraging venues to champion Premium Spirits to enhance both guest experience and profitability, highlighting favourites such as Altos, Kahlúa, Jameson and Champagne.”
Pernod
with creative, premium cocktails
captivate festive drinkers.
JOHN GRAY MP RESPONDS TO HOSPITALITY SECTOR FOLLOWING OTM CALL
Labour MP John Gray has written directly to OnTrade Magazine outlining his thoughts on what is needed to support the industry.
In response the recent feature in OnTrade Magazine calling for urgent government support for the hospitality industry and night-time economy, John Gray, Labour MP for Glasgow East, has echoed the view that “ Scotlands business rates system is outdated and unfair — pressing for government to “ use the funding more wisely for the services they oversea “.
I his direct response to head of OnTrade Magazine , Justin Wingate questions Gray said:
“The hospitality sector plays a vital role in our local economy, culture, and communities here in Glasgow. They offer local employment and welcoming spaces yet continue to struggle post-pandemic and amid the cost-of-living crisis. I am concerned the previous Conservative Government neglected hospitality, contributing to the closure of over 6,000 pubs and bars from 2010 to 2023.
I welcome the current UK Labour Government’s decision to cut alcohol duty on draught products, at around 60% of pub alcohol sales, by 1p per average strength pint. This increased relief to 13.9%, reducing the sector’s duty bill by over £85 million annually.
I also recognise the concerns the hospitality sector has about business rates. In Scotland, non-domestic (business) rates are devolved and the responsibility of the Scottish Government.
Last December, the Scottish Government introduced a 40% relief for hospitality premises with a rateable value up to
£51,000. I am glad it responded to pub owners, though this follows years where Scottish pubs were around £15,000 worse off than those in England due to higher rates. Even with this relief, pubs in Scotland still face a higher rates bill than a typical pub in England.
In general, I believe Scotland’s business rates system is outdated and unfair to small and medium-sized businesses, while favouring online giants. The Scottish Government must set out a long-term plan to reform rates and support local high streets.”
Mr Gray continued , “As an MP in the UK Parliament, I supported measures to give the Scottish Government the largest funding settlement in history, averaging over £50 billion per year until 2029. With these extra resources, it will have 20% more to spend per person than is spent in England.
It is now up to SNP Ministers in the Scottish Government to use this funding wisely for the services they oversee. I urge them to deliver real improvements. I urge them to get this right and not to waste this significant extra funding.”
Gray’s call aligns with cross-party pressure on the UK government toon the lead up to the budget from chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Hospitality leaders have previously written to the Chancellor urging a VAT cut, stressing its importance for local economies and jobs.
BERLINKY’S, GLASGOW
Berlinkys in Glasgow this Christmas, is a seriously festive party playground. Their specially curated festive set menu (running late November through December) brings comfort food with a fun twist — think hearty mains, indulgent desserts, and plenty of seasonal cheer — all at a fixed-price for two or three courses. Combine that with signature Berlinkys cocktails and mulled-up tipples and you’ve got the culinary foundations for a proper Christmas night out.
But the holiday season at Berlinkys isn’t just about food — it’s all about full-on entertainment. Their Christmas calendar includes a mix of live music, rock-anthem shows (like a Queen tribute), a Christmas disco with Karen Dunbar, and even a “Singles Jingle Mingle” party night. On New Year’s Eve, they’re going big: aerial acts, live bands, a full show team, and a real spectacle to close out the year. Whether you’re gathering with friends, heading for a festive meal, or just there for the show, you’re in for a lively, immersive, and unmistakably Berlinkys-style Christmas season.
THE RITZ HOTEL, LONDON
Stepping into The Ritz London at Christmas feels like entering a gilded winter fairy-tale. The lobby is dominated by a majestic 25-foot Scottish pine tree, festooned with traditional red and gold decorations, twinkling lights, and elegant garlands. Every corner of the hotel is transformed: wreaths, velvet bows, and luxurious foliage drape the balustrades and archways, while the air carries a whisper of pine and mulled wine. The floral designs by Paul Thomas Flowers weave magical touches throughout, making the ambiance feel both opulent and warm.
Visitors can indulge in a festive Afternoon Tea in the iconic Palm Court, where the refined tea service is given a seasonal twist. You’ll be served finger sandwiches, scones, mince pies, Christmas cakes, and a selection of 20 loose-leaf teas — all while being serenaded by The Ritz choir singing carols. Champagne is offered on arrival to adults, and children receive a charming Ritz teddy bear (except on Christmas Day). For Christmas Day itself, the hotel offers a six-course lunch in The Ritz Restaurant, accompanied by live entertainment for an extra touch of festive elegance.
If you’re staying over, expect your suite to be tastefully decked with seasonal décor, perhaps even a private tree, and a sense that every detail — from the lighting to the scents — has been chosen to evoke classic Yuletide grandeur
COLD TOWN HOUSE, EDINBURGH
Visiting Cold Town House at Christmas feels like stepping into a Scottish winter wonderland with a twist: the building itself, tucked into the historic Grassmarket, is a lively mix of its brewery heritage, warm conviviality, and views you can’t quite get elsewhere.
But the real show during the festive season is on the rooftop terrace. In December, Cold Town partners with Magnum cream-liqueur to create a “Winter Wonderland” that’s become something of a Christmas tradition. Think hundreds of twinkling fairy lights strung up across the terrace, warm faux-fur blankets folded over seating, and cushions that beg you to stay put and soak in the view of Edinburgh Castle lit softly in the winter night. There’s even a ski-lift-style photo spot, giving the terrace a playful “après-ski” feel, and a giant Magnum liqueur bottle shaped like a Christmas tree — whimsical and very Instagrammable.
To keep you cosy, there are warm cocktails made with Magnum: the mixologists have created a range of themed drinks, such as “Nutcracker” and “Polar Express,” which feel indulgent and seasonal — perfect for sipping slowly in the chill of winter. For a bit of fun, you can also order a shooter board inspired by Santa’s reindeer: each shot is a different Magnum-based flavour, making it ideal for sharing with friends. Inside, on colder nights, the pub’s warmth is tangible. The venue was designed to be inviting year-round, but particularly in winter: there are open fire pits (or at least areas designed for cozy warmth), and the whole space retains a rustic, slightly industrial charm thanks to its brewery roots. It’s a place where socialising feels natural and unforced — whether you’re there for a relaxed drink after exploring Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, or you’re using it as a base for a night out.
All told, visiting Cold Town House during Christmas is about warmth — both literal and social — combined with playful, elevated festive touches. It’s a spot where you can feel like you’re celebrating locally, enjoying something uniquely Edinburgh, and still getting that seasonal sparkle.
THE DOME, EDINBURGH
The Dome in Edinburgh at Christmas, plunges you into pure festive theatre. The grand neoclassical building on George Street is wrapped in twinkling lights, while inside, its iconic glass dome towers over a towering Christmas tree. The scent of cinnamon, warm spice, and mulled wine drifts through the elegant Grill Room, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and deeply nostalgic.
On the dining front, expect a refined festive experience. Whether you’re enjoying a three-course lunch or dinner from their à la carte Christmas menu in the Grill Room , or gathering in one of their private rooms — like the intimate Green Room or the more social Georgian Tea Room — every corner offers warmth, elegance, and that unmistakable holiday sparkle. And if you’re planning something extra special, their seasonal schedule runs all the way from late October through to January, giving you plenty of time to soak it all in.
HOUSE OF GODS HOTEL, GLASGOW
If you spend Christmas at House of Gods, you’re in for a decadent, over-the-top festive escape where maximalist design meets glitzy celebration. The hotel decks itself out in its signature opulence — think neon-lit lounges, plush velvet interiors and bold, theatrical touches — while offering a warm, intimate twist with private party spaces and a curated Christmas cocktail and spritz menu to sip in style.
Beyond the drinks, you can treat yourself to a truly indulgent stay: festive overnight packages include the hotel’s annual Christmas hampers, midnight feasts, balloonfilled rooms, and the iconic “Treat Me Like I’m Famous” touches like in-room butler service and a mimosa breakfast. For a grander celebration, there are also private hire options, so you can host your own headline-worthy holiday party in a space that feels more like a glamorous secret hideaway than a traditional hotel
GOTHAM HOTEL, MANCHESTER
At Hotel Gotham in Manchester this Christmas, expect an atmosphere that’s as glamorous as it is magical. The hotel’s art-deco interiors provide a dramatic, theatrical backdrop, beautifully adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, seasonal garlands, and festive touches throughout its lounges and rooftop terraces. Whether you’re sipping a glass of fizz in the lofty Honey Restaurant, relaxing in the speakeasy-style GILT bar, or watching the city light up from Club Brass, there’s a sense of indulgent escapism in the air.
On the food and drink front, Gotham pulls out all the stops. Their festive afternoon tea—served in Honey—is a luxurious affair featuring Christmas-themed sandwiches, scones, and decadent desserts, accompanied by prosecco or champagne if you fancy. For larger festive celebrations, their dining menus offer refined seasonal fare from around £60 pp, while their Christmas and New Year’s parties bring together gourmet food, cocktails, live entertainment, and rooftop views. If you choose to stay overnight, you can enjoy a luxurious room, soak in the atmosphere, and wake to a true winter escape in the heart of Manchester.
COYOTE UGLY
WELCOME TO THE WILDEST RODEO IN TOWN
If you thought Edinburgh’s nightlife had seen it all, think again. The city’s newest—and possibly wildest—nightspot has just roped in attention: Coyote Ugly Saloon, the famed American bar chain known for high-octane shows, bold energy, and a very rowdy spirit, has officially landed in Scotland.
A PIECE OF HOLLYWOOD IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH
Coyote Ugly’s arrival in Edinburgh marks a milestone: it’s the chain’s first Scottish location. The venue occupies the former Shandwick’s spot at 4 South Charlotte Street, giving the old local haunt a total transformation into a neondrenched saloon where the bartenders don cowboy boots and performances happen on the bar itself.
The grand opening went down on October 22, 2025, unveiling a venue that promises “wildest nights, the loudest music, and the boldest personalities.” The following night even featured a VIP launch event, complete with tickets and performances.
For those unfamiliar, Coyote Ugly isn’t your typical bar. It’s built on a theatrical concept: bartenders (often called “Coyotes”) dance, sing, and perform on bar tops, ladders, and every surface they can muster. The Edinburgh branch is no exception. Planning documents confirm “supervised bartop dancing,” with handrails and stairs installed for safety, all while meeting local building regulations.
It’s not just about spectacle, though: the bar aims to be a full entertainment experience, offering line-dancing classes, hen and stag party packages, VIP tables, boozy brunches, and even a special Christmas Rodeo event.
A CULTURAL FLASHBACK — AND A NOD TO THE FILMS
Coyote Ugly’s fame exploded after the 2000 film Coyote Ugly, loosely inspired by the real New York bar, starring Piper Perabo and John Goodman. That sense of fantasy meets grit is very much alive in the Edinburgh venue: it’s part saloon, part nightclub, part performance theatre.
WHAT MAKES IT “COYOTE UGLY”?
One of the bar’s spokespersons called the opening in Edinburgh a “dream come true,” noting that the concept—
women running the show, dancing bartenders, unapologetic fun—fits right into their vision.
THE LOCAL BUZZ
Reactions in Edinburgh appear to be a mix of excitement and curiosity. On social media, there’s buzz over the transformation of the old Shandwick’s, and some locals have expressed relief and anticipation: after Shandwick’s closed, many felt the city was missing a truly theatrical, over-the-top nightlife space.
Still, not everyone’s convinced it’ll live up to the film fantasy. On Reddit, one user wrote:
“Is the New Coyote Ugly bar any good/ bit of a laugh? … It will be full of big groups … so don’t go for a quiet drink.”
Others talked about the audition process for Coyotes, illustrating just how much the venue leans into being a performance-driven space.
THE VIBE & WHAT TO EXPECT
Walking into Coyote Ugly Edinburgh is like stepping into a western fantasy blended with a modern club:
• Interior & Design: Think red lights, rustic wood accents, and a bar that’s designed for more than just serving drinks.
• Music: Big, bold, and loud—expect party anthems, linedance beats, and high energy.
• Shows: Performers dance, sing, and lead the crowd.
Safety is taken seriously: stairs, handrails, and experienced Coyotes make sure everything stays (relatively) controlled.
• Food & Drink: There’s food on the menu (they mention brunch), and a full bar to match the wild atmosphere.
• Audience: Perfect for hen parties, stag dos, group nights out, or anyone ready to lean into the madness. Not so much for someone wanting a quiet pint.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EDINBURGH
Coyote Ugly’s arrival is more than a new bar opening—it’s a statement. It’s pushing the boundaries of what nightlife in Edinburgh can be, introducing a concept that’s theatrical, loud, and unapologetically bold. For locals, it’s a chance to experience a piece of pop-culture nightlife that’s been missing from Scotland—something that feels more like being in a movie than just going for drinks.
For tourists, it’s a must-see: part show, part saloon, part dance hall. And for the city itself, it could reshape a chunk of nightlife, especially for big groups who want more than a cocktail—they want performance, they want energy, and they’re ready to jump on the bar.
Whether you’re a die-hard Coyote Ugly movie fan, a dance floor junkie, or just someone curious about what a “rodeo bar” in Edinburgh might look like—this new venue demands a visit.
So saddle up, grab a shot, and don’t be surprised if someone yells “Let’s get ugly!” before you know it.
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The aim is simple, to serve our customer with the best product and the best service we can provide.
We deliver to over 5,000 independant and chain customers every week throughout Ireland and Scotland. Our customers come from right across the catering spectrum so with our extensive range we will have the right product to suit your needs and your business.
Contact us today to find out more and arrange a visit with one of our experienced team.
We are here for you.
TIS THE SEASON…
But for what? Dubious decisions, challenging customers, stubborn staff, terrific turnover, countless Christmas conundrums? Practically speaking, what does this period mean for the licensed trade.
Inevitably this is a very busy time of year. While that is good for cash flow and turnover, it can be bad for morale, and can be an overwhelming and challenging time of year.
We have tried to address a number of matters over the course of this year which are relevant, and hopefully interesting, to the licensed trade. One of these was Martyn’s Law. This came in into force this year, 2025, but many premises still have not put in place the required policies. The legislation requires operators to understand and acknowledge the threat of terrorism and put in place security measures to protect staff, customers and third parties at their premises against terrorism. The requirements are based on capacity and the first level is between 100 and 799 people. This means the law affects premises which have a capacity of 100 or more so and those operators are required to put in place policies and procedures. Failure to do so could have serious consequences but also could be seen as a disregard for the legislation and could undermines existing policies operators have in place. Safety of staff and customers, as well as thirdparty contractors and similar, should be addressed in these policies and procedures. This is one area where it is really important that you take a time out, consider what you need to do and ask for help or guidance, or even for the policy to be drafted for you, if you have not already done so.
Another area we suggested needed consideration
was staff. At this time of year it’s obviously important to make sure you’re having enough staff as premises are likely to be busier and if licensing authorities in England and Wales, and licensing boards in Scotland have given extended hours, whether as a default or through applications being lodged, premises are likely to be trading longer hours. Consider what staff you need on site and if you need them to hold any special qualifications. For example, after 1 am, or earlier if local conditions provide, premises may need staff to have personal licences and/or first aid qualifications and training. Make sure you have enough staff holding these qualifications now. There is still time to get staff trained and qualified particularly with online courses being available.
Throughout the country there is an obligation for serving staff, setting aside personal licence holders, to have gone through training and be able to evidence that training. If your training records are very out of date, new staff have joined and you have not done training or obtained their training records from previous employers, or premises have lost training records, now is the time to address this. You do not want local authority licensing standards officer or the local police to stop your staff serving because they cannot evidence the necessary staff training or because you do not have personal licence holders where required. Also, ensuring managers are correctly named on the premises licence is very
WHAT WE DO:
ADVICE ON PERSONAL AND PREMISES LICENCES
DRAFTING AND LODGING APPLICATIONS
ATTENDANCE AT CONTENTIOUS HEARINGS
ADVICE ON BUSINESS STRUCTURES FOR LICENSED PREMISES
TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT OF STAFF PERSONAL LICENCES
important and making sure their personal licences are current, refresher training has been done and they have not expired is equally as important. It could be catastrophic to the premises anticipated cash flow and plans if staff could not serve alcohol due to a lack of training records or worse, premises had to stop selling alcohol as the premises manger’s licence had expired. It also creates a bad impression if customers post on social media there has been an issue and can lead to cancellations and loss of reputation. Staff training can be done either in house by having the personal licence holder do so for a group of staff, or online.
during a what will doubtless be a very busy party season. Even if it is not a condition on their licence, it would be advisable for operators to consider staff and safety and how staff are getting home from premises.
Once staff training is checked and all in order, and staff availability has been finalised, operators need to consider staff well-being and mental health. This is a big issue in all walks of life and work but more so in very busy periods and staff safety must also be addressed. We covered in an earlier article the fact that in Scotland some licensing boards have put in place conditions where operators require to ensure staff get home safely after a certain time. While this is not yet a condition on every licence, it is being introduced for late opening premises and operators should factor not only that additional cost into their budget for the festive season, but also the availability of that safe home transport. Buses and public transport are not always reliable and that was one of the reasons - a missed bus and a subsequent assault - this matter was raised and became a licence condition in some council areas. Operators need to consider if they are able to take some staff home, if other staff are able to give lifts or if taxis and other private transport require to be prearranged
We also addressed the additional operating hours which might be available. If premises have not checked that, now is the time to do so. Some Licensing boards in Scotland and Licensing authorities in England and Wales allow hours to be used as a matter of course but in others an application is needed. If that has not been done there could still be time to do that and the police and licensing authorities will often be prepared to accept information if it has simply gone or been overlooked. It is important to do that before the authorities and police either become too busy or close completely for the festive break. Some licensing boards and licensing authorities will close just before 25th December and remain closed throughout the break until the beginning of January 2026. Anything which needs to be done in relation to longer hours, staff changes or minor amendments should therefore be done before that closure.
Therefore, that only leaves us to say thank you for reading our offerings throughout the year and we wish you and yours, your staff and customers a great festive season and a healthy and happy New Year.
For further information, a free licence review or advice and policies drafted, please contact Joanna Millar at The Licensing Company on 07747 653417 or on: info@thelicensing.company
Powering Your Venue The Smar t Way
SLTA WELCOMES CALLS FOR SPECIAL DISPENSATION FOR WORLD CUP
SLTA welcomes calls for special dispensation for pubs and bars to show matches during next summer’s World Cup following Scotland’s stunning victory over Denmark
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA managing director, said: “In congratulating Scotland’s national football team, the SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association) wholeheartedly welcome calls by the Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton for special dispensation for pubs and bars to show matches during next summer’s World Cup in the event that they are scheduled for late at night.
“This stunning victory by Steve Clarke’s side at Hampden has lifted the whole country and given everyone something positive to look forward to at a time when most of the news headlines are depressing.
“We urge local authorities and licensing boards across Scotland to put special measures in place to enable the nation to share in our national football team’s success in
reaching their first World Cup for 28 years and hope that our pubs and bars will be allowed to open and show games late at night.
“The best place for fans to watch these games will be in our local pubs and bars where the atmosphere will be electric, you’ll be among friends and will no doubt make new ones. After all, not everyone will be able to travel to the USA, Canada or Mexico.
“Amid the current doom and gloom weighing down the whole of the UK, Scotland’s victory has given us all something to smile about and for our pubs and bars struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis and cost of doing business, to be able to open for a few extra hours during the World Cup will bring a massive boost to many businesses, particularly the small, independent operators.”
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) is helping licensed venues celebrate the season in style with a brand-new Christmas giveaway – offering premium prize bundles and Coca-Cola goodies to help spread some festive cheer in their local communities.
Running now until midnight on 28th November, the giveaway is open to retailers registered on MyCCEP.com.
As part of the prize draw, CCEP is offering:
3 Gold gift bundles each worth £4,000
• 3 Silver gift bundles each worth £2,500
3 Bronze gift bundles each worth £2,000
Each entry will go towards a £10k donation to FareShare the UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors –helping to bring a little extra goodwill to communities across the country this Christmas.
Hospitality customers can find more details and full terms and conditions at MyCCEP.com.
Pat Humphries, On-Premise Associate Director at CocaCola Europacific Partners GB, said: “Throughout its history, the Coca-Cola brand has united people during memorable
seasonal moments and become synonymous with Christmas. Licensed venues embody that same spirit – they’re at the heart of their communities all year round, creating spaces for people to come together and supporting local causes in meaningful ways.
“With our new giveaway, we want to celebrate and reward that generosity by helping venues spread a little extra holiday magic this season. These prize bundles are designed to help make Christmas even more special for guests and communities alike – and we can’t wait to see the impact they have.”
This year’s giveaway runs alongside the return of CocaCola’s iconic Christmas marketing activity which launches later this month.
Licensed operators can also bring Christmas magic to their outlets with the return of the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck POS kits.
waste wasn’t wasted?
We started collecting waste over a hundred years ago. Today, we help our customers recycle, redistribute and reuse it too. It’s all part of Biffa driving the circular economy – creating opportunities for businesses and organisations to grow more sustainably, save money and leave a smaller footprint. Here’s to the next hundred years. Change begins with what iff…
