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Retail, Food & Hospitality updates
Licensing task force to tackle red tape launched:
HM Treasury has published the terms of reference and membership for a task force to improve the application of licensing laws and strengthening businesses’ competitiveness. The Taskforce will include representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, HM Treasury, Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and be supported by industry representatives, alongside police and local government, including mayoral areas. The taskforce will be co-chaired by Minister Thomas (DBT) and Nick McKenzie, CEO of Greene King. The Taskforce will be responsible for reporting on progress and proposing options to strengthen proportionality and better support growth within the licensing framework. They are tasked to provide a written report at the end of the six weeks following which a ministerial meeting, chaired by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will discuss the next steps in May.
Publication > News > UK Hospitality > British Beer and Pubs Association >
Scottish Pubs Code and adjudicator in place as of 31st March:
Scotland has an estimated 700 tied pubs, representing 16% of all licensed establishments. Sarah Havlin was formally appointed as the Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator in June 2024. From 31 March the Scottish Pubs Code enables tied pub tenants to stock a wider range of beers beyond those supplied through the pub-owning business. Pub-owning businesses will also have to provide prospective tenants with more information on business costs, helping them make more informed choices. Further elements of the Code will be introduced in June including allowing tenants to request different leases that will give them greater responsibility and flexibility in the way that they run their business. The work of the Adjudicator and the effectiveness of the Code will be reviewed after 31 March 2026 and every three years thereafter. View >
UK Single market dashboard shows extent of regulatory divergence:
In a week that has again seen the Scottish Government call for repeal of the Internal Market Act the Competition and Markets Authority has published a detailed interactive dashboard tracking existing and potential regulatory divergences across the UK by policy owner, regulatory area, sector, territorial application and timeline. Publication > News >
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 receives Royal Assent:
The Act requires venues and events for 200 plus people to have plans in place to assess the risk and put processes in place to minimise the risk and impact of terrorist attacks. More extensive measures are required from venues catering for 800 people or more. The Government has committed to a two year implementation period. Government > Protect UK >
Advertising watchdog rules on ‘Best value’ and ‘biodegradable’ claims:
The Advertising Standards Authority has rejected a complaint about use of a ‘best value mobile phone deal’ claim by Hutchison 3g on the basis that in the context used the best value claim related to the price only for which the company had supporting evidence. View >
The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint about use of the terms ‘biodegradable’ and ‘plastic free’ by Oceansaver Ltd for various products containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) films based on insufficient substantiation. View >
EU updates
UK Europe Minister delivers speech to UK-EU parliamentary partnership meeting:
Cabinet Office Minister the Rt Honourable Nick Thomas-Symonds Mp, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations) has delivered a speech at the first meeting of the UK-EU parliamentary partnership assembly set up under the trade and cooperation agreement ahead of a UK-EU summit scheduled for 19th May. Speech > News >
EU Commission launch consultation on draft Bioeconomy strategy:
The new Bioeconomy Strategy, due for adoption by the end of 2025, aims to advance innovation and maintain the EU's leadership in the bioeconomy. It proposes actions to unlock the potential of bioeconomy innovations, in the belief that they can reach the market, generating green jobs and growth. Responses to the consultation are required by 23rd June. View >
EU Dg Internal Market, Entrepreneurship and SME’s:
Published explanatory guide to Reach restrictions on microplastics. View > View >
EU Regulations:
- feed additives: Geranium rose, eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils >L-arginine >
- food additives: mono and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) carnuba wax (E903), lecithins (E322) and fatty acids (E570) >steviol glycosides >
European Food Safety Authority opinions:
- Feed additives: L-lysine > L-tryptophan > L-valine >
- Plant protection products: chitosan and chitosan hydrochloride >
Developments to watch
DEFRA:
Publish update on Avian flu epidemic and amend poultry meat marketing regulations following consultation to permit continued free range markings – 4th April View > View > View >
Payment Systems Regulator:
Launch consultation on remedies following report on card schemes and fees – Closing date 28th May. View > British Retail Consortium >
DEFRA:
Publish guidance on new rules for work place recycling. View >
Competition and Markets Authority:
Publish updated guidance on unfair commercial practices. View > View >
DEFRA:
Secretary of State publishes plan to rewire DEFRA and its arm’s length bodies following independent review. View >
For your information
Non-food product safety alerts:
Office for Product Safety and Standards > EU Safety Gate > US Consumer Product Safety Commission >
Department for Business:
Highlight new parental leave and pay rights re neonatal care needs. View >
Friends of the Earth:
Announce appointment of Asad Reham as Chief Executive. View >
Ministry of Justice:
Introduce legislation to block sentencing council guidelines which are then withdrawn by Sentencing Council to avoid illegal action. View > View >
World Trade Organisation:
Dg delivers speech regarding US tariff announcements. View >
