The Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has commented on the Bank of England raising interest rates.
Emma McClarkin said, “The last thing pubs and brewers want to do is put prices up for loyal customers but are stuck between a rock and hard place.
'The cost of running their businesses has become completely unsustainable, the price of key ingredients and utilities are rocketing, and now their customers will, understandably, be tightening their belts even further following the news of interest rates rising.'
Emma went on, “If the Government wants to help our industry keep a trip to the pub affordable this Christmas, we need the beer duty freeze to be reinstated as soon as possible, and a wholesale look at the cost of doing business.
'Spiralling inflation is driving our pubs and brewers to breaking point and many more will be forced to shut their doors for good if urgent action isn’t taken to save them.'