Energy help will keep wolves from the doors of UK’s pubs and breweries: CAMRA

Commenting on the announcement of help for businesses with energy bills CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said:

“Today’s announcement of help for businesses for six months is certainly welcome and will help beloved pubs and breweries keep the wolves from the door this winter as they grapple with the crisis of rising costs.

“Without any help licensees were facing bill increases up to 400% or 500% – that’s the equivalent of the price of a pint rising to £15 or £20 pint, which would obviously be unviable for businesses and totally unaffordable for consumers.

“CAMRA is encouraged to hear the new Prime Minister mention pubs as one of the businesses that may need extra help beyond this initial 6-month period. This will certainly be the case, and now that the principle of a cap on energy costs for businesses has been established, we want to see the scheme apply to the hospitality sector for the same duration as the domestic bill support scheme – two years.

“We look forward to working constructively with the Government to make sure we also see a comprehensive support package announced for the UK’s world-renowned pubs, social clubs and brewers. This should include introducing the promised new, lower rate of duty on draught beer and cider served in pubs and clubs as quickly as possible – as well as cutting VAT and help with business rates to make sure the beer and pubs sector can survive this winter and thrive in the years to come.”