28-05-2025
Northamptonshire drinks manufacturer says pubs are at breaking point as industry calls for change
An alcoholic drinks manufacturer has called on the government to take urgent action to stop British pubs from closing during a "perfect storm" of financial turmoil.
Philip Saxby of Saxby Cider in Irchester, Northamptonshire, said he wants to see "meaningful tax breaks" for pub landlords.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, the industry employs over 1 million people - but six pubs in England and Wales closed for good every week in 2024.
Mr Saxby told ITV News Anglia: "Prices are going up, pubs are therefore having to put their prices up more, people are not going out so much, the amount of pubs is shrinking all the time.
"So we're basically at a place where our prices are higher, and our customer base is getting smaller - that's not a good situation for anybody.'
Joanne Ellis, landlady at The Red Lion in Bozeat, Northamptonshire, has felt the strain ever since the increase in employer's National Insurance contributions.
She said: "I think the pressure is relentless, you have to keep on top of everything."
She is now working more hours in the kitchen and behind the bar because she can't afford to pay her staff.
Ms Ellis added she is having to get creative to get more people through the door on top of the bingo and quizzes she already runs, adding: "I'm going to have to do more events, we'll have to put on more bands which is costly again.
"I'm thinking of doing fancy dress parties. If things like that weren't happening, I think people would just stay at home, it is easier isn't it, to just stay at home."
The BBPA has called on the government to mitigate employment cost rises and modernise the business rates system.
