THE REDDITCH and Bromsgrove branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have expressed their concerns about the future of pubs in the two towns.
It comes after the Morning Advertiser, which reports on the latest trade and business news for pubs, found almost three quarters of venues were ‘unlikely to survive the winter’ unless government action was taken.
The research showed more than 60 per cent had seen their utility bills increase by 100 per cent, 30 per cent reported a 200 per cent rise and eight per cent said theirs had gone up by 500 per cent.
And, after the energy price rise cap increase last Friday, 80 per cent of licencees surveyed said they would not be able to afford the extra costs.
Unlike households, businesses do not have an energy price cap which has led to concerns over costs in the winter months.
A spokesperson for RBCAMRA told the Standard: “We’ve been hearing from many of our local landlords and brewers who are worried about what the future holds, especially as many of them are still trying to recover from the impacts of lockdown during the Covid pandemic.
“CAMRA, on a national level, is lobbying the Government to urgently give pubs and breweries support with rocketing energy bills and rising costs.
“We are also fighting for a cut in VAT for food and alcohol served in pubs and clubs, as well as proper reform of the business rates system to remove the current unfair burden on pubs.”
He added many pubs in Redditch and Bromsgrove were doing all they could to boost business, including holding beer festivals in the coming weeks.
Issuing a rallying call to people, he added: “This is great way to support your local pub, as well as trying some excellent beers.
“So we would encourage everyone, if they can, to support their local pub and help them survive and still be there for us when the current crisis eases.”
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid said: “The rise in energy prices for both households and businesses is extremely challenging, and I recognise how difficult a time this is for many people”
“I am a proud supporter of the pub industry and I know the Government will be looking very closely at this issue. This is certainly something I will be raising with Ministers on behalf of my constituents and local businesses.”
