Energy crisis ‘existential threat’ to UK pubs, says BBPA

The BBPA has said the energy crisis represents an “existential threat” to UK pubs, after the latest CGA report showed that 13,000 hospitality businesses have shut since the start of the pandemic.

Inflation in energy bills, wages and other costs caused a net decline of 4,809 licensed premises last year, a higher tally than 2021.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “These figures show how out of control costs and suppliers are. They are decimating hospitality and destroying the places we love.

“After multiple lockdowns we thought we’d come through the worst time , but eye-watering energy bills have gone beyond that in terms of pushing publicans to breaking point. This crisis is forcing people to give up their businesses, and in some cases, their homes as well if they live above their pub.”

She added: “If the Government won’t reconsider increasing energy support for businesses beyond April it must crack down on the suppliers who are taking advantage of the market and introduce longer-term support for our sector by lowering the unfair tax burden on pubs and brewers.

“Failure to intervene now will only help this trend of closures to continue with hundreds, if not thousands, more pubs lost in communities in every neighbourhood across the country.”