Statement from Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association:
“The Government’s 1p cut on a pint is a false economy—an empty gesture that fails to address the real financial pressures facing the hospitality and night-time economy sectors. In reality, venues are seeing a severe erosion of margin, losing between 2.5% and 3.5% on liquor sales due to rising alcohol duty from 1 February, with manufacturers and brewers set to continue increasing prices.”
“This comes at a time when the industry is firmly in the grip of a cost of operating crisis. Soaring energy bills, rising wages, and escalating supply chain costs are making it increasingly difficult for pubs, bars, clubs, and late-night venues to remain viable. Meanwhile, tax hikes on spirits and wine—32p more on a bottle of gin and 54p more on wine at 14.5% ABV—are adding further pressure, pushing up costs for businesses and consumers alike.”
“The reality is that these measures will do more harm than good, pricing people out of venues and putting more businesses at risk. If the Government is serious about supporting the hospitality and night-time economy sectors, it must recognise the scale of the challenge and take meaningful action rather than relying on hollow rhetoric.”