LONDON, Aug 30 ― British pubs could be forced to close because of massive increases in energy prices, leading industry figures said today, urging the government to step in.
“In some instances, tenants are giving us notice since their businesses do not stack up with energy at these costs.” One pub tenant in the 2,700-strong Greene King group has seen a £33,000 increase in their energy bill this year, said chief executive Nick Mackenzie. Britain's cost of living crisis has seen inflation soar to 40-year highs, with a widening number of strikes over pay offers that fail to keep pace with rising prices.
The British Beer and Pub Association, an industry body, said energy price rises, caused by hikes in wholesale costs and a squeeze on supplies due to the war in Ukraine, could damage the sector more than the pandemic if nothing is done.