PAPA
Association update SQUEEZED MIDDLE The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has called on the government for more aid for businesses that are outside the scope of much of the government support, particularly suppliers to the foodservice sector, and PAPA has supported this. RENTS There is serious concern that accruing rent arrears could put some restaurants in jeopardy. Although they are protected currently by the government from landlords demanding rent payments, this ends in September and some landlords may demand all outstanding rent. There have already been cases where landlords were threatening winding up orders prior to the government stepping in to stop this. It is likely to be some time before some of these businesses get back to anything like normal and they will need time to pay arrears. The Association has been pressing the government on this and has been looking at possible solutions in order to present a way forward for government. Although the government has issued a voluntary Code of Practice, encouraging landlords and tenants to work together, there remain concerns that some landlords may not follow these guidelines. RATES The Association is also concerned that the current rating system disadvantages some sites. Although there was due to be a government review of the rating system this year, this has been delayed due to the pandemic. TOILET FACILITIES Operators are reporting a lack of guidance about the cleaning of toilets. In the absence of government guidance, PAPA has put together some guidance which has been circulated to members. SOCIAL DISTANCING After pressure from many quarters across the hospitality sector, the government has now reduced the 2m social distancing requirement to 1m, which should make it more viable for some restaurants and takeaways to operate. 14
EUROPEAN PIZZA & PASTA SHOW PAPA is continuing to support plans for the European Pizza & Pasta Show in November, which will this year take place at London’s ExCel exhibition centre and will again coincide with the PAPA Awards. The organisers are positive about being able to run this year’s show, despite the difficulties. PARTIAL FURLOUGHING There is very likely a need for some businesses to continue to receive furloughing support beyond the end of October. However, initial indications from government to the Association suggest this is unlikely. IMMIGRATION The Migration Advisory Committee is currently holding a consultation on the Skill Occupation List and the Association is supporting the case for chefs and other key restaurant staff to be included on this. PHE OBESITY CAMPAIGN The Association anticipate that this campaign will be restarted once PHE is is less pre-occupied with the Covid-19 situation, particularly since the Prime Minister has stated he wants to deal with obesity. Consequently, there is likely to be more pressure on food businesses to meet targets, and particularly in the pizza sector. The Association is to press the government on the need to focus more on encouraging consumers to manage their diets and providing them with clear information at point of sale for them to do this. DELIVERY DRIVER INSURANCE Concern persists about the difficulties delivery businesses are facing in getting insurance. The Association has been trying to get underwriters to take this on for some years but so far none have been prepared to insure the businesses, although there is a company offering insurance to individual drivers. There is also concern that some drivers may be unaware that simple business cover is insufficient for food delivery. It is hoped that with more businesses getting involved in delivery, insurers might start to reconsider their position. July 2020
