MAGAZINE

Whatever next

The end of 2023 saw the government announce many a plan that directly related to the pub and bar industry. Beginning with the Autumn Statement – which detailed strategy around business rates, alcohol duty and the National Living Wage – the remaining two months of the year seemed to contain more on-trade news out of Westminster than the 10 months that preceded them. Like buses, and all that.

There were some light topics, such as the plans for venues to stay open until 1am for certain games of this year’s Euro 2024 tournament, and some heavy topics, like the close-to-50% increase of the migrant salary threshold. Then, just before the festive/bonkers season got well underway for pubs and bars across the country, we were presented with updates on tipping practices and spiking guidance. The latter, a hugely important subject, you can read more about in our news section of this issue. 

All of these statements and declarations ended up contributing to a paradoxical end of year climax and an uneasy New Year ‘celebration’. So much attention on the sector, but continued vagueness has led to so many unanswered questions around key operational elements that can make or break businesses this year. 

Unfortunately, we can’t predict what’s next from Number 10, but as is tradition, we can have a stab at some consumer patterns operators may see develop over the next 12 months. Here’s a quickfire few: Remote working and a blend of business and leisure travel will further increase the demand for workspaces, which pubs and bars can answer. Knowledge and expectation around sustainability will grow once again, but we may see a reduction in plant-based brands, as category leaders establish themselves and the recent boom falls away. The understanding of digital interaction within the industry will expand, as will consumer insight into international cuisines that aren’t necessarily mainstream, such as Korean. There will be growth for orange wine, health-based products and the overriding desire for operational authenticity. Let’s see if we’re right…

Tristan O’Hana - Editor