Salisbury pubs warn they could close without more government help

There are fears escalating costs could put more out of business

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 1st Mar 2023
Last updated 1st Mar 2023

Pub owners in Salisbury are battling to stay open in the face of rising energy and food costs, with one local landlord calling the situation a 'perfect storm'.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) claim that as many as 2,000 pubs across the country could shut their doors if the governments Spring Budget fails to deliver support.

Earlier this week, the Boathouse at Millstream Approach said they were going to shut their doors 'for the foreseeable future' due to rising costs.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Salisbury, owner of the Old Ale and Coffee House on Crane Street, Ed Turner said:

“We’ve got a hugely increasing cost. Food prices are up 20% and drink prices are going up by double digits because of the pressures they (the producers) have on wages and transport.

“Minimum wage has gone up, the plan for that is for that extra money to slip back into the system, but at the moment it’s being taken up by personal energy bills.”

The BBPA has estimated 288 million fewer pints will be sold in 2023/24, with a potential 25,000 jobs set to be put at risk.

Owner of the Old Ale and Coffee House, Ed Turner, has raised his concerns about the pub industry's future

Turner told GHR that while his pub has not reduced wages, they have reduced hours, adding:

“We have to pay more to get good people, because good people are becoming fewer.”

And while costs are eye-wateringly high, with yearly energy bills more than double to as much as £45,000, Turner refuses to compromise on the quality his pub provides.

“It’s about really good, freshly cooked food, which is what we’ve always offered, and what we think sets us apart from the rest.”

Asked what the government should be doing to aid independent pubs and restaurants, Turner said:

“I think it’s the same as the general public - help with energy bills.

“My energy bills have gone up 25-grand in cash. I can’t put that on a pint of beer or a plate of food.”

The BBPA has called on the Chancellor to provide support in the form of a freeze on duty rates and an increase in the discount for draft beer sold in pubs.

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