The only announcement of help is a five year support package on business rates, starting in Spring next year, by which time it will be too late for some publicans and pub businesses.

Greg Mulholland, Campaign Director of the Campaign for Pubs said:

“It is absolutely devastating that the Chancellor has ignored the existential crisis facing our nation’s pubs in the Autumn Statement. At a time when support is vital for many pubs and other hospitality businesses to get through the winter, the only support announced comes in next Spring and over five years. With exorbitant energy bills, spiralling costs, reduced consumer spending and now a wage rise for staff, Spring will be too late for many publicans and pubs. Far too little and far too late from a Government that seems content to see pubs close in communities up and down the country.

“Direct support is needed for pubs to get through the winter. To raise staff wages without any accompanying financial support will lead to fewer jobs, fewer hours and more pub closures as well as more unemployment in the sector. This makes no sense. We urge the Government to wake up before many valued pubs are closed and many communities lose their local”.

Dawn Hopkins, Vice Chair of the Campaign for Pubs (and licensee of the Rose Pub, Norwich) said:

“It’s incredibly disappointing that the Chancellor has taken no action in the Autumn Statement to help small businesses including pubs and small brewers, who are already in a downward spiral due to increased costs & decreased customer spending, with a very bleak winter ahead of them.

“I truly fear that pub closures will continue to increase with even the most robust operators struggling to cope, and we will lose even more of our beloved pubs from our communities if this government continues to ignore our calls for targeted support.”

ENDS