This week Newcastle covered Hooters, Carabao Cup tickets, TV license changes, DWP checks, and new Europe travel rules.
Hooters is an American restaurant chain opening in Bigg Market, Newcastle. Some people don’t like it. Staff wear revealing uniforms with orange shorts. Some worry this could cause problems. Women’s Street Watch is concerned about harassment and objectifying young female employees, as the youngest worker is only seventeen.
The owner says Hooters creates jobs and that it’s a professional, trained environment. He thinks people are entitled to their own opinions and believes Newcastle people often dress provocatively. Women’s Street Watch supports Hooters’ workers but objects to Hooters’ business practices. It is unclear when Hooters will open.
Newcastle played in the Carabao Cup final, and tickets were very popular. Newcastle fans wanted to see them win; getting tickets was hard. Clubs sold tickets to season ticket holders first. Ticket prices ranged from £20.50 to £150. Newcastle got 31,939 tickets.
Big fan zones showed the game, including Times Square and NX. People were warned about ticket scams. Many online posts falsely advertised tickets, so be careful and avoid getting scammed.
The TV licence fee keeps changing, and people are canceling their licenses. The fee increased to £174.50 in April. People must pay even when using streaming apps. Some want ads on BBC to scrap the TV fee. It is unclear what will happen with the TV licence.
The DWP is checking bank accounts, targeting four main groups: big businesses, COVID fraudsters, criminal gangs, and benefit cheats. The DWP found £9.7 billion in overpayments and is firm about stopping fraud, and may remove driving licenses in serious cases.
Traveling to Europe has new rules affecting UK citizens. EES means the end of passport stamps. Data will be stored digitally in many countries and will improve border security.
EES scans fingerprints and faces. ETIAS is a visa waiver for some and costs £6 for ages 18-70. It is free for kids and those over 70. You must apply weeks before your trip. The changes start in November this year.