Pub landlords in Keswick should receive COVID-style grants to help them survive a cost of living timebomb.
That’s demand from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who are calling on the new Prime Minister to address the growing crisis in the hospitality industry as a matter of urgency.
Hugh Price, who lives in the town and is a member of the West Cumbria branch, says around 15 per cent of small businesses are expected to fail due to expected huge increases in energy costs, with pubs on the frontline.
“Only generous Government intervention on the lines of COVID-type grants, plus a business rates holiday could prevent the permanent closure of many pubs,” he said.
“Businesses are not protected by the energy price cap and pub owners must shop around for the best deals on gas and electricity when contracts need renewing and 500 per cent increases are not uncommon.
“In addition to that, the price of coal has doubled in the last year.”
This week, the boss of one energy company warned that the UK faces a “dramatic and catastrophic winter” as energy prices soar.
And Philippe Commaret, EDF’s managing director for customers, called for extra government intervention, including a VAT cut for small businesses as prices jumped to record levels.
Prices for gas and electricity, already soaring after the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, have increased even further following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with household bills predicted to cost an extra £1,000 this winter.
“There is no respite in sight and it is a thankless and time wasting task for pub owners having to troll the energy market,” Hugh said.
“Pubs with catering kitchens will be especially hard hit, and we can expect many closures and job losses in the hospitality sector nationwide.”
