The Chublican: Licensees’ lifestyles laid bare in health survey

The survey of 680 publicans (509 male and 171 female) found the average male licensee is 5ft 10in and weighs 205lb (14st 9lb), resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 29.4. The average female licensee is 5ft 4in and weighs 167lb (11st 13lb), resulting in a BMI of 28.7.

The NHS considers a BMI of between 18.5 and 25 as a healthy weight; between 25 and 30 as overweight; and over 30 as obese. The UK’s average adult BMI is 26.2, according to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Unhealthy lifestyle​

When asked how they perceived their weight, only one-third of licensees said they believed they were a healthy size: 63% said they were overweight and a similar number were unhappy with their weight. One in 13 described themselves as obese.

The study — commissioned by Channel 5 for its new TV show Go Hard or Go Home​​ — showed many hosts lead an unhealthy lifestyle. One-third of publicans claimed to do no exercise; a similar percentage said they do not eat healthy foods.

Some 18% of male licensees drink more than 40 units of alcohol per week; 54% drink more than the recommended maximum of 21 units per week. Among female licensees, 7% drink more than 40 units per week; 46% drink more than the recommended maximum of 14 units a week.

However, 10% of licensees said they were teetotal. More than 25% say they work more than 80 hours a week; and 60% work more than 60 hours a week.

'Wake-up call'​

Tim Hulme, CEO of the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping), said: "This news should act as a wake-up call for our industry. Too often, licensees put their wellbeing behind that of their families and customers, in order to run their businesses.

"On the back of this research, we will explore ways in which healthcare for licensees can form part of our membership offer."