85% of pubs fear they’ll pull their last pint this Christmas without government intervention
Punters are looking forward to the festive season, as pubs fear the worst.
A hospitality group has claimed over 85% of pubs will need government intervention to survive past Christmas.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), released in the past week has showcased the “tide of unprecedented challenges” as the cost of living crisis continues to grow.
The report, which represents over 600 bars, 10% of Scotland’s trade operators, reveals that 87% of outlets need government support to remain in operation.
Covid debt, Brexit, rising costs, staff shortages and the increase to energy costs, are all attributed to the reasons on why so many pubs are in trouble.
SLTA managing director, Colin Wilkinson, said the survey reinforced the urgency of government support for the sector. He said: “With a tsunami of rising costs and low consumer confidence we urgently call on local and national governments to help us through the winter.
“We must protect the jobs that outlets provide directly and the associated jobs in the wholesaling, brewing/distilling and food-producing sectors.”
World Cup and Christmas to cause boost
With the World Cup, being this winter, due to it being hosted in Qatar, coupled up with the Christmas season it can only see an influx of punters to occupy seats.
Julie Dunn, Operations Director at Dunns Food and Drinks, said: “The hospitality industry will be looking forward to an extra boost after a difficult few years.
“We only have to go back to last Christmas to be reminded of how quickly things can change when the toughest COVID restrictions were brought back in at the last minute.
“We’re also not naive to the current cost of living crisis. Inflation, energy price spikes and the shortage of labour are all impacting businesses – including our own – up and down the country.
“With the World Cup and the prospect of a more ‘normal’ Christmas, we feel there’s plenty to be positive about in comparison to 2021 and we’re hopeful for our greatest ever festive season.”
