Booze industry demands urgent action from Chancellor to save pubs - UK hospitality crisis looming

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

In a bid to safeguard their business, the UK's pubs are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to implement measures that will halt impending price rises.

Price Rises and Lost Revenue: A Disaster for the Treasury

A study indicates that increasing taxes on alcohol may lead to a loss of approximately £35 million for the government due to reduced sales at local bars.

The people who run businesses that make and sell intoxicating beverages are asking Chancellor Reeves to honor her commitment made during the election campaign, which was to keep the price of these drinks affordable and reduce their tax burden when she presents the Budget.

Industry Leaders Unite to Save Pubs

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, has labelled the 10.1% hike in excise duty on Scotch Whisky as "a disaster" that has hurt business and penalised consumers.

The UK Spirits Alliance recommends lowering alcohol duties to benefit businesses and address the government's significant fiscal deficit.

'Brits love our locals. Let's back our landlords to keep our pubs going.'

Rachel Reeves

British pub owners are calling on Chancellor Reeves to act swiftly, cautioning that inaction might result in the decline of the nation's pubs due to exorbitant price increases imposed on consumers during the previous year.

The Sun's Save Our Sups Campaign Gains Momentum

Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously joined The Sun's Save Our Sups campaign and pledged to back Britain's pubs, with Wetherspoons throwing its weight behind the initiative.

'A year on and it's clear the 10.1 percent hike in excise duty on Scotch Whisky has been a disaster.'

Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association

Ben Marston from Puddlington Distillery has said that the increase in excise duty was something they had to pass on to customers, highlighting the impact of tax hikes on ordinary punters.

As the UK's vibrant hospitality sector teeters on the brink of disaster due to crippling price rises, industry leaders are sounding the alarm and imploring Chancellor Reeves to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further economic damage and preserve the nation's beloved pubs.