Richard Hammond, who runs the Queens Head in Ampthill, Bedford, said the health lobby was “totally eroding pub culture”.
“We’re constantly judged by the rotten 2%, the worst in the industry. We’re not all irresponsible hooligans. We do fantastic things for the local community, for anyone and everyone. I’ve been told by priests that there’s more Christian spirit in my pub than in the church.
“We provide for disabled people, we support lots of charities, we help people who have been ill or suffered setbacks in their relationships. Things are starting to pick back up now, but January was a challenge.”
The new guidelines recommend men and women drink no more than 14 units a week and say that there is no ‘safe’ level of drinking.
Dame Sally recently said that whenever she drinks a glass of wine, she questions whether she wants to raise her risk of breast cancer.
Both the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the British Beer & Pub Association have expressed concerns at the guidelines.
The Publican’s Morning Advertiser ran a successful #TryJanuary campaign, calling on licensees to put on new drinks and dishes, and encourage consumers to try something different.
Charlie McVeigh, founder of the seven-strong Draft House group, said customers were getting on board with the campaign. “People want to support pubs and will come if you offer them something different,” he said.