The Pass · No. 2

Energy renewals, the hospitality tax burden, fewer no-shows and Gemini's free tier

6 October 2026 · UK hospitality and AI news for operators, every Tuesday.

Epicurean Digital Consultants

The Pass

UK hospitality and AI news for operators, every Tuesday
No. 2 · 6 October 2026

Wholesale energy prices are easing, UKHospitality publishes new figures on the sector's tax burden, and diners are keeping more of their bookings. On the AI side, Google trims its free Gemini plan and two privacy stories are worth a look.

UK hospitality

Wholesale energy prices fall, but pub energy rates have not caught up

Morning Advertiser · 5 Oct

Gas and electricity prices are easing as Gulf supplies recover, yet rates offered to pubs remain high. If your contract renews soon, check the end date and compare quotes before you roll over. Read at Morning Advertiser →

UKHospitality says hospitality carries the highest tax burden of any sector

UKHospitality · 30 Sep

Its new data puts hospitality's effective tax rate above every other UK sector, linking it to fewer jobs for young people and higher prices. Expect this to feature in Budget lobbying; nothing has changed for your tax bill yet. Read at UKHospitality →

Weight-loss drug use could change what guests order

Morning Advertiser · 5 Oct

Growing use of GLP-1 drugs may lift demand for smaller portions, better-quality dishes and stronger low and no-alcohol ranges. Worth checking whether your menu and drinks list offer a lighter option that still earns a fair margin. Read at Morning Advertiser →

Restaurant no-shows fell year on year, OpenTable report finds

BigHospitality · 6 Oct

No-shows across UK restaurants fell by 6%, with most diners recognising that a missed booking hurts the business. Clear confirmation messages and a simple cancellation route help keep that trend going in your own diary. Read at BigHospitality →

This week’s lesson · EDC Academy

Ali Solak at a restaurant table, under the words I can't raise prices again, now what?

When you can't raise your prices again

Three cost checks that protect margin without another price rise: food cost, portion control and discounts.

▶ Watch the lesson · 2:57

Made with AI · YouTube labels this video “Content was made with AI”.

Rules & tax

HMRC guidance on reporting items in a PAYE Settlement Agreement

HMRC · 6 Oct

It explains how to tell HMRC the value of items covered by a PAYE Settlement Agreement, using form PSA1 or an informal calculation. If your business has one, check who prepares the figures and when they are due. Read at HMRC →

AI for operators

Google is limiting free Gemini users to its Flash Lite model

The Verge · 6 Oct

Free accounts will lose access to the Flash and Pro models, which will need a paid Google AI plan. If staff use free Gemini for menus, rotas or replies, check whether results change and whether a paid plan is worth it. Read at The Verge →

A now-patched flaw in ChatGPT's Mac app could have exposed sensitive data

Wired · 2 Oct

The vulnerability has been fixed, but it shows AI apps can be a target in their own right. Make sure any AI apps on office or manager computers are updated, and keep supplier and staff details out of them where possible. Read at Wired →

Wired looks at the privacy cost of Meta's Muse AI agent

Wired · 3 Oct

The report says Muse builds detailed profiles of the people around its users. If you are trying it for your business, review what contacts and accounts it can reach before connecting customer or staff information. Read at Wired →

One thing to try this week

Look for a lighter option on your menu

Read your menu as a guest who wants a smaller plate or a low-alcohol drink. Is there a clear choice for them, and does it earn a fair margin? If not, consider a smaller version of a strong seller rather than a new dish. Read the menu engineering guide →

Compiled with AI tools from the reports linked above. The summaries are ours; the reporting belongs to the publications named.

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