Energy rises to shut more pubs

ROCKETING energy prices are threatening to put thousands of struggling pubs out of business.

Ten per cent of the country’s 45,000 landlords believe their pubs are no longer viable and face closure. And more than half now have debts in excess of £40,000 for rent arrears and government loans, according to research by the British Institute of Innkeeping.

Latest figures show 2,500 pubs went bust or closed – some permanently – during the pandemic.

David Hage, 48, who runs three pubs near Nottingham, says his gas bills are set to double.

He added: “The figures are frightening.” Keris De Villiers, 41, has been forced to give up one of three pubs she runs in Wandsworth, South West London. She said: “If we tried to hang on to it, it would jeopardise the others.”

Steve Alton, of the BII, said: “One in 10 believes their business will cease trading shortly. This shows how publicans are really up against it.”