Hospitality venues removed from list of mandatory return points under revised Deposit Return Scheme

26-Apr-2024 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2024 at 09:14 GMT

Hospitality venues will no longer be required to host a return point under the Government’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the roll out of which has been further delayed until 2027.

It had previously been feared that hospitality venues would be required to act as a return point once the DRS comes into force, with trade body UKHospitality warning back in 2021 that such a move would place a 'disproportionate burden' on many businesses in the sector.

However, an update published yesterday (25 April) by the Government reveals that this will not be the case, although venues can voluntarily host a return point if they wish.

In a statement, UKHospitality has described the decision as a ‘significant victory’ for the sector.

“I’m delighted to see this new phase begin with changes that are good for hospitality businesses, most notably not requiring hospitality venues to host a return point,” says Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality.

“This was a key ask of UKHospitality and such an approach will avoid unnecessary complexity and cost for businesses.”

The introduction of a DRS, which would see people incentivised to recycle by way of small cash deposits on single-use items, has been mooted for several years.

Governments across the UK have now committed to pursuing ‘aligned schemes’, with the UK Government and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland confirming that the DRS will be launched across the country in October 2027; two years later than previously planned.

There will be three separate schemes: one covering England and Northern Ireland, and others in each of Scotland and Wales.

“I’m pleased that all governments across the UK have listened to the concerns of UKHospitality and will be pursuing schemes that ensure maximum alignment and interoperability across the UK,” continues Nicholls.

“The collaboration between governments to reach this point has been positive to see and should act as a blueprint of how to work together on other common areas of concern.

“We support the delay until 2027 and it is recognition of the significant amount of work that still needs to take place to make these schemes work.

“Hospitality already has one of the best recycling records in the economy and we can do even more, so I hope all governments across the UK will continue to work with us to make these schemes work for businesses, consumers and all of our sustainability objectives.”

A joint policy statement on the DRS can be found here.