Rising energy bills aren’t only affecting individuals, many of whom are facing the catastrophic decision between eating and heating. They’re also impacting hospitality businesses, whose bills aren’t capped.
The industry is still recovering from the pandemic restrictions of the last two years, and now high energy costs may force pubs and bars across the country to close their doors for good, according to leading campaigners.
Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) group, said businesses are facing a five to six-fold increase in their bills – and that the cost of a pint will need to increase by around ‘£15 to £20’ for pubs to match the increased running costs and survive the cost of living crisis without any government support.
If venues hike up the price of drinks, it could drive customers away and force establishments to shut down. The warning comes after BrewDog was forced to close six bars as a result of the energy crisis.
‘What you can say with surety is you can’t possibly pass on these energy increases and you can’t increase the pint by 500 percent [on a £5 pint],’ said Stainer. ‘It just isn’t viable for pubs to pass [price hikes this big] on to consumers because people wouldn’t come drink at pubs anyway.’
Industry leaders are calling on the government to address the rising costs immediately if they want to avoid ‘real and irreversible’ damage.
ICYMI: BrewDog is shutting three of its London bars because of the energy crisis.
Plus: TfL’s cable cars are getting a serious glow-up next month.