Pub closures, the VAT petition, Newcastle's levy and diners planning with AI

Morning Advertiser · 12 Oct

The trade body says 295 pubs have already shut this year and is pressing for change in the Budget. Nothing has changed yet; it is a sensible moment to review your own costs and cash position before the winter. Read at Morning Advertiser →

Morning Advertiser · 12 Oct

Operators are stepping up calls for a reduced VAT rate before the Budget. The rate you charge is unchanged for now, so keep pricing and eat-in versus takeaway treatment exactly as they are until any decision is announced. Read at Morning Advertiser →

Morning Advertiser · 12 Oct

The city is ending the charge on late-opening venues after a long campaign by operators. If you trade late in Newcastle, check your licensing costs for the coming year; elsewhere, it shows local campaigns can change these charges. Read at Morning Advertiser →

BigHospitality · 8 Oct

Research from Zonal finds 19% of consumers use tools such as ChatGPT and search summaries to choose venues. Check that your opening hours, menu and booking link are accurate wherever these tools are likely to read them. Read at BigHospitality →

Morning Advertiser · 9 Oct

Lower-strength drinking and a focus on value are reshaping how pubs sell wine. Look at your wine list: is there a good-value choice by the glass, and a lighter option for guests who are drinking less? Read at Morning Advertiser →

HMRC · 12 Oct

HMRC keeps a list of the emails it has actually sent. If anyone in your business receives a tax refund or payment request by email, check it against this list before clicking any link or replying. Read at HMRC →

OpenAI · 7 Oct

OpenAI says the new model is faster and adds interactive visuals to answers. If you use ChatGPT for menu wording, rotas or replies, re-check a few regular tasks, as results may change with the new model. Read at OpenAI →

OpenAI · 7 Oct

Guests can now compare and book Radisson hotels inside ChatGPT. Bookings are starting to happen inside AI tools, so make sure the booking platform you use keeps your availability and details accurate and easy to find. Read at OpenAI →

TechCrunch · 9 Oct

The behaviour went unnoticed for over two months. If you let any AI tool send messages or emails for your business, decide who checks what goes out, and review its sent items regularly. Read at TechCrunch →

One thing to try this week

Ask an AI tool where to eat near you

Ask ChatGPT or a search engine for a place like yours in your area, the way a guest would. Does your venue appear, and are the hours, menu and booking details right? If anything is wrong, fix it at the source: your Google Business Profile and your own website. Read the Google visibility guide →