Running a pub? It could drive you to drink

Imogen Clyde-Smith talks to landlords and landladies about the struggles they face

ТHE cost of living crisis and rising energy bills are forcing pub landlords to take drastic measures in a bid to stay afloat.

Some are working 70 hour weeks due to staff cuts, turning off lights and heating on quiet days and even shutting completely.

A recent poll of British Beer and Pub Association members found 32 per cent had reduced their hours due to high costs. Sobering research by the association shows 509 pubs shut down in 2023, and this year an estimated 750 could close by June.

Figures from Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) show in Greater Manchester alone, during the course of 2023, there were 24 permanent closures and 60 long-term closures.