MP joins pubs in calls for more aid

Bath publicans are urging more government support for the hospitality industry.

And Bath MP Wera Hobhouse says “a lack of post-pandemic support is dragging the hospitality sector through the mud”.

One pub, recommended by Camra (the Campaign for Real Ale) has been forced to raise its prices five times in one year.

Between January 2020 and 2021 there was a 10 per cent fall in the total number of hospitality businesses in the UK, with many still said to be at risk of collapse.

From January-march 2020 to October-december 2021, the number of workers in the sector fell by 90,000 or 3.6 percent. This compared to a 1.3 percent decline in jobs across all industries over this period.

In Bath, it is estimated that 6,000 people are employed in the hospitality sector across around 525 businesses. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of pubs dropped by 10 per cent across the community.

James King has been in the industry 22 years and his pub, The Salamander in Bath, has been lauded by Camra.

“We’ve been in the Good Beer Guide a good few years now. We like to maintain our standards,” he said.

James, inset, told us he had had problems finding an energy supplier this year and was forced to seek a new gas supplier through an energy broker.

When his contract was renewed in April, his bills jumped from £2,000 per month to £9,000 per month. This year his combined energy bills were expected to top £100,000 without government support.

Even with government help his bills are expected to be £5,000 £5,500.

“It would be lovely to see government support continue through beyond April,” he said.

James has been the licensee of the Salamander for six years, running the pub as a tenancy, rented from St Austell Brewery, on a three-year rolling tenancy.

“We’ve had to increase our prices five times this year,” he said. “I make sure all the team are on the ball to read customers’ reactions when we quote the new prices, but so far it’s okay. We’ve never sat in the most expensive pub category.

“In industries like hospitality where the margins are tight, I can see businesses folding right, left and centre.”

Toby Brett operates eight pubs and restaurants, among which, three are in Bath and he is also concerned about energy.

“The energy costs are an issue, and if people are squeezed at home, then luxuries like pubs are something they can cut back on,” he said.

“I’m not sure if the government should be bailing out everyone’s energy, but it’s very expensive isn’t it?” he said. “For a very small pub, I’m paying £25,000 a year.”

Toby is optimistic that his business will be helped by the 50 per cent business rates discount, which should be increased to 75 per cent according to last week’s Autumn Statement.

Unfortunately, due to administrative and bureaucratic problems, out of his eight businesses, only one has had the discount applied at all.

“If it’s not applied and if councils hang onto the money, it’s not helping anyone,” he said. “Rates are going to go up anyway.

“We’re all looking forward to a really good Christmas to help us through the winter,” he said.

Ms Hobhouse, said: “The pandemic has put the hospitality workforce in crisis.

“Brexit and a lack of pandemic support is dragging the sector through the mud. The government must reach out before the hospitality industry falls even further.”