Plans for Xmas night pub openings

An internal memo by the Spirit Group discloses a review of Christmas night opening because of an expected loss of revenue when the smoking ban comes into force in England in July.

The group, part of Punch Taverns, admitted it was considering extending opening times in its 273 pubs across the UK.

One manager described the move as "completely unacceptable" while union leaders and church officials argued that people should be at home with their families on Christmas evening.

The three-page memo forecasts a decline in sales from July 1 because of the smoking ban, which is already in force in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Managers were told that the minimum Christmas Day opening times should be 12-4pm and the memo adds: "If you can open at 11am then great, but still trade through to 4pm."

One of the key focuses over the festive period will be on food, said the memo and managers were told they would be expected to offer a menu on Christmas Day, whether they had a history of doing so or not.

The memo suggests offering Christmas night opening as a "reward" for regular customers.

Brian Revell, national officer of the Transport & General Workers Union, which represents pub managers, described the move as "outrageous and vindictive".

He added: "The company is putting undue and unwarranted pressure on pub managers, which is unacceptable. This action will also hit other staff and those in the pub supply chains. We will defend any of our members who feel they are being unfairly treated by this diktat."