CAMRA's National Chair has responded to the latest Business Insights and Conditions Survey from the Office for National Statistics – which showed that pubs were among the businesses hit hardest by increased energy costs.
Nik Antona said, 'It’s deeply concerning, but unfortunately no surprise that the ONS report energy prices as the main concern for 3 out of 5 hospitality businesses in November, even with the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme in place.
“The steps that these vital community hubs will be forced to take, such as cutting trading days or hours, offering a more limited selection of products, increasing prices, or even taking the difficult decision to let some staff go, are all sure signs that the Government needs to act now.
'That means using the Autumn Statement to cancel inflationary duty raises and announce support on energy bills and business rates beyond April next year.
“Over 8,000 CAMRA members have already called for the Chancellor to use Thursday’s Statement to safeguard the future of pubs, clubs, brewers and cider makers – and I urge everyone to add their voice by visiting camra.org.uk/budget2022/ to contact their MP about this important issue.”