Heatwave brings problems for pubs

While the hot weather has brought soaring profits for many pubs, licensees have also been experiencing some unexpected problems.

The continuing sweltering summer temperatures mean many customers are choosing the beer garden over a seat inside. In turn this has led to a rise in the number of complaints from residents living near licensed premises.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, said: "The hot weather has been causing problems for licensees and it should be approached as a matter of caution to avoid disturbances.

"We would tell people to check the conditions of their licences, as people aren't necessarily allowed to stay out until closing time in the beer garden. We've also advised people to issue notices asking customers to consider their neighbours in residential areas."

Customers looking to quench their thirst with a drink full of ice are also facing disappointment.

Dave Craddock, licensee at Vics Bar in Newquay says that the increase in demand for Magners, served over a pint of ice is causing them to suffer shortages. He said: "We've been selling a lot of Magners and our ice dispenser can't cope. Now all our staff have all been designated pubs to target to ask for more ice to help us cope!"

And while drinks sales are buoyant, some licensees are reporting falling food sales. Wendy Deary, licensee at the Pig and Whistle near Totnes, Devon said: "The hot weather has affected us negatively as people aren't coming out for Sunday lunch, but come down instead for the evening and don't tend to eat."

Mavis Harris, licensee at the Swan and Railway has found the same problem. She said: "The very hot weather has kept people away. The daytimes have been really quiet-people are just too hot to come in and eat."

Refrigeration and cooler units, which are designed to cope with temperatures of up to 28 degrees have also been failing as temperatures topped the scale at 35 degrees last week leaving some equipment struggling to cope.

Andy Moore, managing director of refrigeration company Flowrite, says their business is booming during the hot weather. He is advising licensees to get maintenance checks on their equipment.