Chain hotels threatening existence of independents
The rise of brand hotel chains in the UK is threatening the existence of hundreds of independent hotels. According to a new survey from Hotel Reservation Service, almost half of the 300 owners surveyed are in direct competition with a chain and more than a quarter report a drop in bookings as a result. – Independent on Sunday, 29 July

Wetherspoon report surge in demand for pub food
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon says the recent UK-wide ban has been good for it because of rising food sales. Wetherspoon said the change to non-smoking had resulted in a surge in demand for food. -  The Scotsman, 28 July

Flooded hotels to get tax breaks

Hotels, pubs and other businesses affected by the flooding are to be given tax breaks by HM Revenue & Customs that will allow them to defer tax payments without penalties. – The Times, 28 July

Raw fish freezing law will “ruin” sushi
Sushi chefs in Britain yesterday claimed that a European Union health and safety directive would ruin the quality of their food. The EU says that raw fish must be frozen to a temperature of at least -20ºC for more than a day in order to kill parasites.- Daily Telegraph, 28 July

Hilton report shareholder losses of $200m
Hilton Hotels Corporation, which is the subject of a recommended £12.7b bid from Blackstone Group, revealed that the debt market volatility had cost its shareholders more than $200m. – The Times, 28 July

Hilton chief to get £62m bonus after sale to  Blackstone
Stephen Bollenbach, outgoing chief executive of Hilton Hotels, £62m pay day on completion of the company’s sale to the private-equity firm Blackstone Group. – Sunday Times, 29 July

By Bob Gledhill

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