Remember back when “Fancy a pint?” was an easy “Yes”? Nowadays, it’s hard not to pause and think, “How much is that going to set me back?”.
Our local pubs were once the beating heart of our towns.
They were the centre point of the weekend, to watch United, grab a couple of pints after work, or squeeze in a catch-up with long lost family members at Christmas.
These days, that way of life is under threat and it’s hard not to miss it.
The average price of a pint now has risen to £5.08 – with Londoners often paying much, much more – and the idea of buying a round is enough to make you not want to go out at all.
But with that thought comes less custom for the pubs, less income and as a result, closures.
We all know a pub that’s been locked up for good and forecasters are now saying that up to 9,000 pubs could close in the next 12 months alone.
Some are suggesting younger generations just aren’t interested in pub culture anymore, but I beg to differ.
With the right venues, people will come. The real issue for me lies in the challenges these establishments face: rising operational and energy costs, increased taxes and a lack of genuine support are all pushing landlords to raise prices, and so the spiral continues.
Beyond the economic implications, the impact on employment, particularly in our younger generations, will be devastating.
The hospitality sector is the third-largest employer in the UK and 40% of this workforce is aged under 25.
Whether venues are scaling back on opening times, splitting hours between staff or closing down, the result means throwing these young people to the wolves at a time when the cost of living is already unbearable for many.
Working in a bar or pub was once a rite of passage, yet here we are taking crucial jobs away from young students and early professionals when they need it the most. Even more worrying is the social impact closures will have.
I strongly believe we are at risk of an epidemic of chronic loneliness.
For thousands of elderly and isolated individuals, their local is a vital source of companionship and community. And I’d argue that every generation needs pub life. Those hours propping up the bar are how we socialise, meet new people, find life partners.
Sure, you can chat online, but it’s not the same. Vital, conversational life skills are being lost.
Earlier this month, I wrote to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressing my deep concern over the precarious situation facing independent and small businesses in our industry.
I highlighted that the hospitality sector employs 3.5 million people and contributes £54billion in tax receipts to the UK economy.
Yet the recent government decisions, and upcoming April tax changes, threaten its very survival.
I told her to act before irreversible damage is done, and urged her to give pubs a fighting chance – not even to thrive, but simply to survive. As someone who has made a career in this industry, and who hears from landlords everyday who are concerned for their businesses, it’s frustrating to see that – despite previous pledges of support – there appears to be little genuine concern in Westminster for the plight of hospitality.
Other European countries have recognised the importance of supporting theirs. Whether it’s through VAT cuts, better alcohol duties or licensing regulations, there’s a sense of proactive support for tourism and hospitality abroad, as well as a real recognition of the impact it has on a country’s economic growth.
Taking a penny off a pint in alcohol duties does nothing when costs are out of control, or when a glass of wine is going up by 8p, and pushing the punter further away.
Even now, in the buildup to the Spring Budget, we’re witnessing job losses, venue closures and stalled expansion plans.
In the last fortnight alone, I’ve heard of one pub chain who has put a stop to opening five new sites as a direct result of the upcoming tax changes, and another small group whose costs will skyrocket beyond seven figures due to the national insurance changes.
I’m no economist, but even I know that this isn’t the way to secure growth. The Chancellor has to do better or we risk losing our locals for good. Imagine our country without the great British pub.
I don’t want to, do you?
- Sacha Lord is night time economy adviser and chair of the Night Time Industries Association
