Latest news with #Colin
ITV News
17 hours ago
- Business
- ITV News
Tied pub tenants in Jersey demand urgent change to alcohol pricing structure so they can survive
Pub tenants in Jersey are calling for the prices they pay for alcohol and rent to be lowered to help them make money again. Colin Foster, who owns The Daily Globe in St Helier, is closing the pub in December. He says the company he rents from, Randalls Jersey, is charging full commercial rent and makes him pay more for the alcohol he sells when compared to traders who are not tied to a brewery. Colin, who claims to be one of Randalls' longest-serving tenants, told ITV News that the company used to offer him discounts on alcohol but that benefit was removed in his current lease agreement. Some tied tenants in the UK can buy guest ales to sell, something Colin cannot do in Jersey. Colin said: "The pricing structure for tenants is way outdated. They [Randalls Jersey] know it and they should have done something about it years ago. "If you're free trade, you're going to get all your products at a massively reduced price compared to what we pay." He added: "We're not happy about it, none of the tenants are happy about it but I think I'm one of the few people who will talk about it." Colin adds that he knows of tenants who have "lost everything" as a result of the increased cost of running their businesses. ITV News has spoken to a number of pubs in Jersey, both free houses and tenanted pubs, and found differences in the prices being charged, per keg for the same products by Randalls Jersey and the other island pub company Liberation. For example, for a keg of well-known Irish stout beer, tenanted pubs in Jersey told us they are paying between £280 and £290. But free houses said they are paying between £165 to £170. Despite these price discrepancies, it is not unusual for breweries, like Randalls Jersey and Liberation, to charge tenants more for their products. Often tied tenants are given reduced rent and support with running their business. However, there have been concerns over the perceived power imbalance between breweries and tenants, something which led to the introduction of the UK's Pubs Code in 2016. The code aims to give tied tenants more power in business negotiations as well as giving them more transparent information and allow them the right to purchase from other breweries at certain points in their tenancy. Both Jersey's government and its Licensing Assembly declined to comment on whether a similar scheme could be introduced in the island. In response to concerns raised by tied tenants, like Colin, both Randalls Jersey and Liberation sent us statements. Randalls said: "With regards to your request for a statement or interview relating to Randalls structure and pricing with relation to their tenancies. Please note that this information is commercially sensitive and therefore the company will not comment." While Liberation said: "Our valued tenants are incredibly important to us and we're rightly proud of what they and their teams deliver, adding essential vibrancy to Jersey's hospitality sector and the island's economy day in, day out. "Since the well-documented changes to Jersey's licensing laws, we have been reviewing what we offer tenants and are in the final stages of agreeing plans regarding product pricing, business support and an ongoing programme of site investment." Jersey's Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) told ITV News that reviewing alcohol pricing was considered in 2022. In a statement, it said: "This is an issue that was considered by the JCRA as part of its review of the Guidance on Alcohol Pricing and Promotions published in 2022. "One of the recommendations that fell out of that review was that the Authority would continue to monitor the position with tied pubs in the on-licence sector. "It wasn't feasible to investigate the issue with the Guidance in place. The Guidance was updated this year but there needs to be more time to assess the impact that change has on the sector from a competition perspective; it is something that the Authority will continue to keep an eye on and, if further action is needed, the Authority will consider that at the appropriate time.'
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Woman Asks Husband To Pick TV for Bedroom—Unprepared for What She Finds
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A couple online have proven that, when it comes to design choices, bigger is better—even if it is a bit shocking at first. When Lauryn Windham Franks, 35, decided to delegate the task of choosing a new television for their master bedroom to her husband, Colin, she anticipated a practical, perhaps aesthetically pleasing, choice. What she got instead was a screen so massive that it instantly became a sensation on TikTok, showcasing the disparity in their design visions. Franks told Newsweek about the hilariously large TV her husband brought home when she left him to his devices. "I left my husband in charge of picking the TV for our master bedroom because I was tired of making decisions," Franks captioned the video. "I was thinking more of a pretty frame TV, but okay." Photos from Lauryn Windham Franks' TikTok video of her husband laying watching television, left; and their child in front of the massive screen, right. Photos from Lauryn Windham Franks' TikTok video of her husband laying watching television, left; and their child in front of the massive screen, right. @laurynfranks/TikTok The couple, who have been documenting the construction of their custom home in Texas on TikTok, reached a point of decision fatigue. As Franks said, Colin had handled the structural elements of their home build, while she focused on the design. Given her lack of interest in researching televisions, though, Franks "truthfully didn't care what he bought—just like he didn't care what kind of furniture I bought." The surprise, however, was monumental—it was a 98-inch screen. Franks said that the video was "all in good fun," adding that "I laughed when I saw him, and told him I'm now really excited to watch my shows." The sheer scale of the TV resonated with countless TikTok users, many of whom shared their own experiences with gigantic televisions and surprising design choices. "'It's not that big,' he says as the TV takes up half the wall and is taller than your child," one person wrote. Another user highlighted the common issue of TV size versus viewing distance: "Y'all are also absurdly close to the screen for its size." Some related to the compromises, or surrenders, in shared living spaces. "We have a 75 [inch] in our room and 86 [inch] in the living room," one parent wrote. "'Bluey' is on them. I don't get to watch my shows anymore." The power dynamics of significant purchases also came to light: "My husband knows exactly what day before my period starts that I will agree to spend more money," a commenter shared. "That's how he knew what day we needed to go to Best Buy for this same reason—he admitted he knows 'the signs.'" Franks' TikTok is an entertaining look into their home-building process, from start to finish, including decorating, managing their eight acres, balancing work and family life, and Disney vacations. The unexpected master bedroom TV choice is just the latest chapter in the relatable journey of creating their dream home.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Nearly 130 venues to take part in 2025 Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail
There's sure to be something for everyone in the town between Friday and Monday. Nearly 130 venues are taking part in this weekend's Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail. There's sure to be something for everyone in the town between Friday and Monday – whether that's Rapunzel in MacLellan's Castle, window displays or the flower festival at the parish church. Organiser Colin Saul said: 'We have 128 studios and venues consist of houses, gardens, studios and installations at various points. 'There's the usual mix of highly skilled artwork, some of which is on the wall, and just anyone who wants to join in. 'Soaperie Gardens becomes very, very busy because we've got about 30 gazebos. 'They're a fairly good starting point but what we want people to do is follow the art and craft trail map, which takes you all around the town – not just the high street but the extremities. 'Around the trail there's always opportunity to take part in art, including eco art next to the castle. 'Most of what goes on is free and it's always totally inclusive.' There will be music going on around the town as well as performances from a group of Morris dancers. New for this year include a tremendous Lego exhibition called Boatshed Bricks in St Andrew's Church Hall and a model railway display in the community centre. And Colin will once again be welcoming people to his display at Greengate. He said: 'It's not a garden, it's an experience, and people are often blown away by it. 'We'll be having music and teas, coffees and cakes. 'I look forward to meeting people at Greengate, whether it's their first time or they've been before. 'There's lots of old favourites but plenty of new ones. There's plenty to do and I'm sure people could come back again for a second day.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Widow in tears as Ryanair refuse to refund dead husband
Yvonne Shields' husband, Colin Shields, booked his flights to Venice, Italy, last year and was meant to fly out in September to represent Scotland at a powerchair football match. Colin was tetraplegic after he had an accident 14 years ago and needed two essential carers to accompany him on the flight, whose tickets he paid for. But when Colin tragically passed away due to a brain bleed in April 2025, Yvonne contacted Ryanair customer support to notify them and request a refund. Colin was meant to represent Scotland at a powerchair football match. (Image: Kennedy News and Media) The 44-year-old said she was told she could not get a refund for the carers' tickets as it was against Ryanair's policy despite Colin having paid for them. She was promised a refund of only £258 for his ticket but claims she has not even received that either. When Yvonne got back in touch to chase the refund, she was reportedly told they could not disclose any information unless they spoke to the original booker - despite being informed the 'booker is dead'. The mum said she even provided Ryanair with Colin's death certificate and proof that she is the will executor, but they still refused to speak with her and ended the chat. Ryanair have since apologised for the ordeal and said that she was 'regrettably incorrectly advised wrongly' by their customer service agent. Yvonne, from Glasgow, Scotland, said: "He was captain of the Scottish power football team and they were playing against other national teams. "He is tetraplegic so he couldn't go by himself and he had two essential carers. He often travelled with carers. "He booked them through a company, it's not like it's personal carers, we don't know these people. He paid for their tickets too, it was all through him. "Colin passed on April 12th and I contacted them in April. I filled out the form to get a refund for Colin and the caters. They authorised part of the refund but they didn't send it. "I sent the death certificate and proof I am the will executor. They said a refund would come in the next 24-48 hours. "They said their policy is to refund only Colin's ticket, not the carers'. But I've not had it, there's nothing. "I emailed them to say I haven't received the refund and it's been over 48 hours. They said that they have to speak with the booker. "My sister contacted them and said the booker is dead. It's so upsetting and trivial. I told them back in April that he passed so there should be no reason why they can't refund it. "I can't get in contact with these carers because the contract ended, but they didn't pay for the tickets, Colin paid for the tickets. "They said 'I can't disclose any information with someone not tied to the booking', even though they were discussing it with me in the past. "They said 'we would need the passengers to contact us to process', but I don't have passengers to contact. "They said there's nothing else we can help you with and ended the chat" Yvonne said the lack of empathy and understanding from Ryanair is frustrating and caused her to burst into tears. The mum-of-two said it is a lot for her to deal with while also handling grief and feels like she is 'bashing her head on a brick wall.' Yvonne said: "I burst into tears because I have quite a lot to deal with right now since Colin passed. It's a lot. "It's not like you're getting this clean slate to start again. I constantly have to deal with things. "I've got two kids as well, 14 and 17, and it's dealing with their emotions as well. "The fact they're not even giving me the money back is infuriating. It's like bashing your head on a brick wall. They're trying to speak to someone that isn't here, it's an unreasonable request. "It's frustrating, it's devastating, you feel like you're nothing. We've dealt with so much because of his disability. Things are always that little bit tougher, harder." Colin was paralysed from the chest down after an accident in 2010 and developed a condition called autonomic dysreflexia, which meant his blood pressure could soar and cause a stroke if not treated - which is what led to his brain bleed. Yvonne said: "Colin had an accident 14 years ago, a month before our youngest was born. It's just constant battling and I feel tired, I feel drained, sometimes I want to just ignore it but my sister says 'you're not ignoring this, they stole from you.' "It's the lack of empathy, lack of understanding, it's not a box-standard person going on a flight, it's a disabled person. "If you had a family member who died, surely you would think it's all cancelled." Recommended reading: A Ryanair spokesperson said: "Mr Shields was due to travel from Edinburgh to Venice on 16 Sep' 25 but passed away prior to this flight. "Mrs Shields attempted to submit a refund request (26 Apr) and was advised to submit a death cert and proof of executorship. "On 30 Jun, Mrs Shields was informed that a refund (£257.58) was issued and was regrettably incorrectly advised by a customer service agent who wrongly believed that the other two passengers on the booking were not entitled to a refund. "Our Customer Service Department would be happy to further assist this passenger to correct this customer service agent's error and assist this passenger with their refund." Ryanair admitted that the customer service agent also incorrectly informed Yvonne that the refund of £257.58 would be sent to her husband's Ryanair wallet, instead of the card used to pay for the booking.
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Family with baby 'left to sleep on street' due to Glasgow council phone outage
Homeless Project Scotland believes if they had not been there, then the woman would have been "forced to walk the streets of Glasgow all night" with her young children. A mum and her two children were left to " sleep on the streets" as she could not get in touch with Glasgow City Council for help during their phone blackout. The mum-of-two was forced to take her family to a homeless shelter after being removed from a temporary accommodation. She arrived with her children at Homeless Project Scotland's night shelter on Glassford Street at around 9.30pm on Monday, July 28. The team were shocked to see she was in the company of her six-year-old daughter and seven-month-old baby, reports Glasgow Live. Founder of the charity, Colin McInnes, believes if the volunteer-run shelter had not been there, the woman would have been "forced to walk the streets of Glasgow all night". Glasgow City Council's phone lines were down on Monday evening, meaning she could not get in touch for help. Once volunteers managed to make communication with the council, the woman and her two children were safely picked up and placed back in temporary accommodation at around 12.30am, Colin confirmed. He says the incident came after the council's Health and Social Care team failed to inform the hotel that the family required an extended stay, leaving her on the streets of Glasgow. Posting on X, Homeless Project Scotland wrote: "Glasgow City Council phone lines were down. No support was available. If our volunteer-run shelter didn't exist, this newborn and their mum would have been sleeping on the streets of Glasgow. "This is the harsh reality. This is why we fight to keep our shelter open. Because when the system fails, we step in." A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: 'We regret there was a period of time last night when the public could not make contact with council services. Alternative contact details were communicated, and the issue was resolved promptly.' Glasgow City Council warned locals that its telephone systems were down yesterday as Community Alarm calls were going unanswered. The City Council's Community Alarm telecare service enables people with disabilities, health problems and elderly people to summon assistance in an emergency. Users wear a pendant with an emergency button that allows calls to be made from anywhere in the home to 24-hour call handlers who can then call relatives, police or the fire brigade to assist. Call handlers could see the calls coming in but could not answer them, the council said, with all incoming calls affected. The council said it would contact family members and send responders out to check on the well-being of Community Alarm users. In a statement shared to social media, the council said: 'Please note our telephone systems are down. All incoming calls to council services are affected. 'Our alarm receiving centre can see calls coming in but can't answer them. This includes calls from service users with a Community Alarm – we will make contact with family members and will send responders out to check on their well-being. 'The Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work Services are contacting all relevant partners to provide alternative details for any urgent social work needs. Further updates to follow.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
