Today’s news in brief – 17/06/24

The number of pubs closing permanently saw a sharp 56% rise in Q1, according to analysis of official government data by Altus Group. This is a rise from the 51 pubs a month closing during the first quarter of 2023. England’s North West region lost 35 pubs, the most of any region, during this year’s first quarter. This coincides with the sector’s demand for business rates reform. 

Flight Club operator Red Engine has signed a franchise partnership with Loyola Group. This partnership will introduce Flight Club to Ireland, beginning with its first launch in Dublin’s iconic Dawson Street, set to open at the end of 2024 or early 2025. Beyond Dublin, Loyola Group is exploring future potential sites across Ireland and Portugal.

GDK will be opening a new site in the North East destination Metrocentre, which will have a capacity of 42 covers within a 2,823 sq ft site. This will be the chain’s 143rd franchised location across the UK and the second location within the Newcastle region to date. 

The NTIA has appointed Michael Kill as the new VP of the International Nightlife Association (INA). As CEO of the NTIA, Kill has been an advocate for the nightlife sector, championing the interests of venues, operators, and workers across the UK. The INA, which is headquartered in Barcelona, is a global organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting the nightlife industry.