Nearly half of pub landlords are feeling uncertain about the future of their businesses in the coming year, according to exclusive research. Despite a boost in revenue from the World Cup, many publicans are struggling to stay afloat due to rising costs such as wages and energy expenses.
A survey conducted by Greenpeace in collaboration with Survation revealed that 47% of landlords lack confidence in the prospects for their pubs over the next 12 months, with an additional 19% feeling undecided. Among those expressing doubt, approximately two-thirds believe their pubs can only sustain current operations for less than a year, while 22% think they may survive for one to two years.
To cope with financial challenges, nearly half of severely affected publicans have tapped into personal savings, 18% have relied on personal credit options, and 7% have resorted to remortgaging their properties. These findings coincide with Greenpeace’s appeal for government assistance in alleviating the burden of high energy bills on pubs.
Concerns over escalating expenses have been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, with many publicans worried about potential energy price hikes linked to global conflicts. Despite recent peace negotiations, energy costs remain elevated following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pushing wholesale prices upward.
In response to economic pressures, a significant number of pub owners have implemented cost-cutting measures, including price increases, staff reductions, energy consumption adjustments, and salary reductions. Lily-Rose Ellis, a climate campaigner at Greenpeace UK, emphasized the vulnerability of pubs to volatile fuel prices and advocated for renewable energy adoption to lower operational costs.
Greenpeace is urging the government to extend its solar panel funding initiative from schools and hospitals to support pubs, leisure centers, and other community establishments. Local pub owners, such as Miles Lyster-Connolly from The Prince Albert in Stroud and Adam Roberts with two pubs in Chester, have taken proactive steps like installing solar panels to mitigate energy expenses and remain competitive in the market.