Pubs are on the rocks as they slash opening hours to insulate themselves against soaring energy bills
- Christmas and New Year should be the busiest and most profitable time of year
- But millions of people are now bunkering down at home in order to save money
- At the same time, strikes on the rail network are keeping workers out of cities
Thousands of pubs are cutting trading hours or shutting their doors to protect themselves against soaring energy bills.
Industry research found that 86 per cent – almost 4,500 – are considering reducing trading hours this winter.
The same number are looking at closing one or two days a week, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Thousands of pubs are cutting trading hours or shutting their doors to protect themselves against soaring energy bills
Christmas and New Year should be the busiest and most profitable period of the year for the wider hospitality industry, but millions of people are bunkering down at home to save money.
At the same time, strikes on the rail network are keeping workers out of city and town centres, which is further hitting trade with the loss of office parties.
Such is the cost of living squeeze and worries about energy bills that some pubs are becoming so-called ‘warm spaces’ to help people survive the winter.
BPPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: ‘Couple soaring inflation with a severe labour shortage and businesses are being pushed to breaking point.’
Pubs are benefiting from a cap on energy tariffs but this only runs until March 31. Further help has not yet been announced.
Christmas and New Year should be the busiest and most profitable period of the year for the wider hospitality industry, but millions of people are bunkering down at home to save money
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