PUB OWNERS and licensees in Droitwich have expressed concerns about the future of their venues amidst soaring energy prices.
It comes after a survey by the Morning Advertiser, the latest trade and business news for pubs, found almost three-quarters of venues were ‘unlikely to survive the winter’ unless government action was taken.
The research showed more than 60 per cent had seen utility bills increase by 100 per cent, 30 per cent reported a 200 per cent rise and eight per cent said theirs had gone up by 500 per cent.
And, after the energy price rise cap increase last Friday, 80 per cent of licencees surveyed said they would not be able to afford the extra energy costs.
Dave and Carley Webb, who have been at the Star and Garter for 21 years, pay £1,000-a-month towards energy bills but fear this winter that will rise to £3,000.
Dave said: “Paying that now is tough, and there is no way in this planet can I afford it if it increases, so I would have to be walking away.”
Their pub manager, Elaine Tesho said – to match the winter rising costs – the business would need to sell pints at £10 – a price no-one could afford to pay.
A graphic created by Ryan Smith.
Heating, beverage costs, and wages are among the overheads, and the living costs have affected customers’ spending habits, hitting revenue.
Unlike households, businesses do not have an energy price cap which leads to concerns about costs in the winter months.
The Barley Mow, celebrated its 25-year anniversary in January, but is are unsure if it will see another.
Jeanette Gardner, who owns the building’s lease, said the venue would struggle and was not sure how long they could continue.
Resident owners could also lose their homes as well as their businesses.
Simon Berry, who owns the Gardeners Arms, described it as a ‘battle with no solution’, adding just ten per cent of his revenue came through the pub with the rest gleaned through takeaway trade – a business venture introduced to recoup losses caused by Covid.
The Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), which also covers Droitwich, found many landlords and brewers concerned about what the future held.
A spokesperson said: “We would encourage everyone, if they can, to support their local pub and help them survive and still be there for us when the current crisis eases.”
Claire Fellows, licensee at the Old Cock Inn, said: “It is hard, especially with winter approaching.
“We have plans for a darts team and are organising free events to get people to come down.
“We very much have the philosophy that the local pub should be at the heart of the community and that’s what we strive to do.”
