BBPA boss explains how money going into tills ‘goes straight back out’

The knock-on effect to the supply chain including brewers and farmers could see 5,600 jobs lost in all, it is feared.

The British Beer and Pub Association has called for a business rates cut for pubs to try to mitigate the damage.

It comes after The Sun’s Save Our Sups campaign demanded an overhaul — pubs got 75 per cent relief during Covid but this was reduced to 40 per cent this year — as well as a cut to beer duty.

They also face new employment costs, an increase in employers National Insurance and a new EPR packaging tax.

BBPA boss Emma McClarkin said: “Pubs are trading well.

“But most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes.

“For many it’s impossible to make a profit, which all too often leads to pubs turning off the lights for the last time.”

Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director of Star Pubs, part of the HEINEKEN UK group, said: “Pubs are under enormous pressure.

“The cumulative impact of layer upon layer of costs over recent years has squeezed margins tighter than ever.

“Star Pubs has committed £40m of investment into our estate this year and we firmly believe that well-invested pubs can and will thrive.

“However, the Government needs to work with us in relieving the cost burden to ensure that we can keep bringing out the best in the Great British pub which are at the heart of communities up and down the country.”

The Treasury insisted the Government was “pro-business” and backed boozers.

It said pubs were getting business rates relief and a 1p cut to alcohol duty.

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