Rural pubs ‘could shut for good’ if lockdown goes on
SIX in 10 rural pub landlords believe they will go out of business if lockdown restrictions are not sufficiently lifted until the summer, a survey has revealed.
The threat to Britain’s traditional way of life caused by the restrictions has been underlined by the Countryside
Alliance poll of pubs in which landlords believe they are on the brink of shutting their doors for good.
While 70 per cent think they will be able to survive if restrictions are lifted by April – when the vaccine should have been given to people in the most vulnerable groups – that number drops to 37 per cent if tough rules are kept in until June and a mere 21 per cent if delayed until July.the top issue for help was a demand for business rates and VAT on beer to be scrapped or reduced.
One respondent said: “We need positive help,vat to stay at five per cent for at least two years, rates to be cut by 50 per cent for the same length of time.”
The survey of 80 rural pubs from all around the UK also reflects fury at what many landlords see as unfair rules being imposed on them by the Government.
The response showed 92 per cent want to scrap the rule that customers have to order a substantial meal to be allowed to buy a drink when pubs reopen.
Mo Metcalf-fisher, of the Countryside Alliance, said: “Pubs are at the forefront of their communities up and down the countryside and their loss would be both catastrophic and irreversible.
“When the Government addresses the matter of easing lockdown, pubs need a clear roadmap and sufficient, practical advance warning.”