Pubs fear they may have to close for good without more energy bill support, industry bosses warn
Many pubs and breweries across the UK will be forced to shut their doors for good unless they receive further energy support, industry bosses have warned.
In a new report by Frontier Economics, produced for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), calculations showed energy bills returning to their regular rate after the government’s bill relief scheme ends in March would put pubs and brewers at a loss of 20% on average.
It showed energy costs are the biggest threat to their viability and “would be even more lethal” when the relief scheme ends.
This comes on top of cost inflation across other parts of their businesses, including on food and drink, key commodities and wages.
Gemma Gardener, who runs The York Hotel, a pub with rooms in Morecambe, said: “Not only are our energy bills extortionate, but our supplier has also added on extra unexpected charges outside our standard rates as well, from a £2,000 installation fee to doubling our daily hire charge unexpectedly.
“We have tried to switch suppliers but been rejected, and the only reason we’re able to keep going is because our pub company is helping us through.
“We’re struggling with our bills but so are our customers as well, and so we’re being squeezed at both ends.
“We’ve even started offering free food to encourage customers to come in and buy drinks.”
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Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “A long-term guarantee that energy costs and contracts will be fair and reasonable come the spring cannot come soon enough for our pubs and brewers.
“This report demonstrates the unique position our sector finds itself in, vulnerable to cost inflation across the entirety of its supply chain and acutely conscious of declining consumer confidence and wanting to avoid increasing prices for struggling customers.”
Sustained pressure
Tim Black, associate director in Frontier Economics’ retail and consumer, said: “Recent economic shocks of COVID, Brexit and the war in Ukraine have put sustained pressure on businesses.
“Our analysis shows the pub & brewery sector is facing a combination of surging costs – primarily energy but also raw materials and wages – and falling demand, as consumers reduce their spending in the face of severe cost-of-living pressures.
“While there are different impacts across businesses and uncertainty on the outlook, the underlying economics of the sector makes absorbing these shocks incredibly difficult – and some firms will struggle to survive.”
A 19-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a dog in Bristol, police have said.
Two people – a man and a woman both aged in their 20s – have been arrested and remain in police custody.
Neighbourhood Inspector Terry Murphy said: “A full investigation is now well under way to establish the full circumstances of the events that led to her death.”
At 7.19pm, police received a report from the ambulance service of the incident inside a flat in Cobhorn Drive, Bristol.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the victim died at the scene.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act, including being in possession of a prohibited breed of dog.
An XL bully. File pic: Alexandre Bauer/iStock
A neighbour paid tribute to the victim, saying she “seemed a lovely girl” and had only lived in the property for a few weeks.
“I was up all night awake trying to process this,” the neighbour, who did not want to be named, said.
“I am shocked. I just can’t believe it’s happened and she hasn’t been there that long.”
Initial reports suggested the dog may be an XL bully, but confirming the breed will form part of the police assessment process, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
It was sedated and seized by officers.
Floral tributes left near the scene. Pic: PA
The neighbour said she had seen the dog on a lead with its owner and was certain it was an XL bully.
“I do feel so sad for the dog owner,” she said.
“She did mention the dog wasn’t great with men, fine with women and children.
“I feel for her so, so much. It wasn’t her fault.”
She added: “I genuinely feel that this was one of those freak accidents and wasn’t her fault – that’s how I feel.”
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Avon and Somerset Police inspector Terry Murphy said: “As part of this work, Cobhorn Drive was closed last night and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding about our need to do this,” said Inspector Murphy.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including neighbourhood officers, and if you have any concerns please do speak to them.”
In February 2024, it became a criminal offence to own the XL bully breed in England and Wales without an exemption certificate.
Anyone who owns one of the dogs must have had the animal neutered, have it microchipped and keep it muzzled and on a lead in public, among other restrictions.
The government moved to ban XL bullies followed a series of attacks on people and other dogs.
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