NEWS FROM Expert Insights


Last month saw thousands take to social media to celebrate World Turtle Day, which apparently falls on the 23rd of May each year. Hundreds posted photographs of the likeable diapsids on Twitter and affirmed their love of turtles from Donatello to Touché. The sentiment may sound glib, but it actually has a very laudable purpose. The future of turtles, indeed the future of much aquatic life, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months as stories about plastic and packaging pollution continue to make headlines. According to the Ellen MacArthur foundation, if oceans continue to be polluted at the current rate, by 2050 the amount of plastic in our seas will actually be greater than the amount of fish.


The hospitality sector has heard these messages and has been working hard to reduce plastic and packaging waste in venues; an effort that has increased enormously over the first half of 2018. Many venues have already begun to replace plastic straws with biodegradable ones and drastically cut down on the use of single-use plastic cups. At UKHospitality, we have been encouraging our members to make an effort to reduce waste as soon as possible. Partly because we want to act now, before the Government has an opportunity to introduce potentially costly legislation; and partly because it is the responsible thing to do.


Last month, UKHospitality, in association with the British Institute of Innkeeping, held a sector- wide event: Unpack the Future of Hospitality, to encourage businesses to cut-down on waste and share best practice stories. We heard from a wide range of operators already working hard to make a positive impact on the environment along with Dr Collette Wrigglesworth and the team at Sky Ocean Rescue, who contextualised the efforts of the sector and the important need for decisive action across the country.


The event ended with businesses in attendance


UKHospitality has responded to the Government’s announcement regarding gaming machines, published in May.


“The Government’s approach to Category C and D machines suggests that it is p


repared to act


pragmatically, and to entertain the notion of an increase in stakes and prizes if the sector can demonstrate that it has implemented measures that will manage the risk of gambling-related harm effectively.


“Despite there being no evident 4 JUNE 2018


WWW.VENUE-INSIGHT.COM


UKHOSPITALITY CALLS FOR PLANNING REVAMP TO SUPPORT HOSPITALITY


Kate Nicholls UKHospitality


Chief Executive


agreeing to sign-up to a five- point pledge to help reduce waste and we are encouraging businesses across the entire spectrum of hospitality to do the same.


• Collaborate to eliminate unnecessary plastic in the hospitality sector by 2030


• Produce industry-wide guidance to reduce packaging throughout the sector and its supply chains


• Promote WRAP’s UK Plastics Pact and implement its principles


• Establish a hospitality sector sustainability forum • Work with expert groups to enhance the UK’s recycling system


The sector will need to work as a cohesive unit if it is to make a substantial mark on the problem. As you can see by the pledge, other sectors such as the country’s recycling sector, and local authorities that work closely with them, will need to pull their weight and allow businesses a chance to make a difference. But much of this change will need to be driven by us if we are to see tangible and helpful results that promote a change in habits without incurring prohibitive costs for the sector.


We are in a great position to effect some extremely positive change and cut down on plastic waste that blights our oceans. We will need to: otherwise the next time you see the baby turtle from Finding Nemo, somebody will be pulling a straw out of his nose.


GAMING MACHINES VITAL TO PUB REVENUE link between pr oblem gambling


and the category C and D machines allowed in pubs, our members are keen to promote socially responsible measures, to show that these machines are used under supervision and with an absolute minimum of harm.


“Category C and D machines are vital revenue stream for many pubs and we will continue to liaise with the Gover


rom them.”


UKHospitality has today called on the Government to adopt an approach to planning that supports and encourages the growth and stability of hospitality venues.


In its submission to the National (England) Planning Policy consultation, UKHospitality has made a series of recommendations aimed at boosting hospitality businesses, including:


Full support for the inclusion of the agent of change principle in the English planning regime, which will safeguard live music venues and nightclubs in particular, and an extension to all other planning jurisdictions in the UK;


Any future planning policy should include a focus area on supporting tourism, building on the (now withdrawn) Good Practice Guide on Planning for Tourism developed by DCLG and the industry;


Increased speed and flexibility in the planning process itself, to allow existing businesses to evolve and expand their sites.


UKHospitality has also welcomed the inclusion of business growth and productivity in the planning framework and support for both rural and town centre/high street businesses in the planning system.


UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Nightclubs, bars, restaurants and the wider hospitality sector have an opportunity to stimulate growth around the UK and revitalise town and city centres. Too often, however, we see planning restrictions in place that prevent businesses from achieving their true potential and local areas miss out and suffer as a result.


“We have taken this opportunity to highlight the potential of the sector to the Government and shown exactly what can be done to free businesses from legislative restrictions to the benefit of communities.


nment to ensure that pubs have the support and opportunities they need to make the most f


“Chief among these is the UK-wide introduction of the agent of change principal. The Mayor of London has already acknowledged the benefits presented by the scheme and it is time the Government introduced it, along with other similar positive action, on a national scale.”


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