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Worcester pub landlord closes business and urges government support for hospitality
Overview
Jon Dean, landlord of The Alma Tavern in Worcester, has closed his pub after seven years due to crippling costs, rising taxes, and changing customer drinking habits. He has urged the government to introduce further tax cuts for the hospitality sector to prevent more venues from closing.
Key points
- Jon Dean closed The Alma Tavern in Worcester, resulting in the redundancy of 14 or 15 staff members.
- Dean cited rising energy bills, employer's national insurance contributions, minimum wage increases, VAT, and business rates as key factors behind the closure.
- Customer drinking habits have declined significantly due to cost-of-living pressures, with patrons visiting less frequently and spending less.
- The Treasury stated that pubs already benefit from a 20% cut in business rates, tax breaks on poured pints, and capped corporation tax.
- UKHospitality and various industry figures have called for further backing and reduced VAT in the upcoming Budget to protect the sector.