Witney pub says the industry is being 'taxed out of existence'
The Three Horseshoes says rising costs mean a busy pub no longer guarantees profit.
Pub owners in Oxfordshire are warning that the industry is being “taxed out of existence” - and say without urgent change, many venues could disappear within just a few years.
The call comes as hospitality businesses across England urge the government to slash VAT for the sector from 20 percent to 20. They say rising costs, soaring energy bills and higher national insurance contributions have combined to wipe out profit margins.
The Three Horseshoes says rising costs mean a busy pub no longer guarantees profit, with earnings on a pint there dropping to just 12 pence - compared to 84 pence five years ago.
Tommy, a co-owner there said: " If we keep getting taxed the high amounts we are, there's a realisation that pubs - which are community hubs, they're not just about buying a pint - there's a really good possibility that they won't be here in five to 10 years time."
"For us as an industry, and myself and Mike being the licensees of the year - gives us somewhat of a voice to shout about it now, from the rooftops."
"We do a lot of charity work, and without the Great British Pub - which is a fabric of our society, those charities and foodbanks and local community things don't get the support. The pub is more than just a beer."
Co-owner Mike says they've been forced to make some difficult decisions: " We cannot save anymore money, we've gone from 29 members of staff down to 19 - by cross training our staff. We're at that ceiling now."
"A busy pub doesn't mean a profitable pub because we cannot make anymore savings."
"1,100 pubs have closed in this country since the budget last October. 89,000 jobs have been lost in hospitality since the budget last year."
We've approached the Government for a comment.