Cambridgeshire landlord hopes next government doesn't lead pubs 'in danger of ruin'
Voters will have their say in the general election this week
Last updated 2nd Jul 2024
A pub landlord in Cambridgeshire has said there is still faith that the hospitality sector can thrive once the next Government is in power.
Daz Swindell runs West End House in Ely, which runs without more modern pub attractions such as televisions for customers, a pool table or dartboard.
It comes as campaigners call for the next Government to give more support to pubs, such as a review on business rates.
"The uniqueness of being a traditional British boozer, we are getting visitors who are coming in and stopping at air B&Bs, finding us and saying how much they love the place," Daz said.
"We have had an increase in footfall, and a reduction in duties would help us become more able to compete with supermarkets."
Pledges made to help pubs
An open letter to political leaders from around 80 pubs and breweries in the UK has bene written calling for a cut to beer duty.
In the letter, the British Beer and Pub Association said current beer duty alongside energy costs is leading to 12p being made by pubs on an average pint in the UK.
The Campaign for Pubs group has also made pledges to whoever's in power after the upcoming general election, including a review of the business rates system and an energy cap.
"If whoever gets into power starts looking at increases in duty, VAT, it will kill an already struggling hospitality industry," Daz said.
"There isn't a day go by without a pub closing its doors for good; if we continue like that, it's a whole industry that's in danger of ruin."