BII unveils #notjustapub campaign

20-Sep-2022 - Last updated on 20-Sep-2022 at 08:54 GMT

Warning issued: 'Without support and investment needed from Government, we stand to lose something incredibly special and unique – our great British pubs,' says BII boss Steve Alton

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has launched a campaign to call on pubs and their customers to write to MPs, repeating calls for Government support for the sector amid warnings of a threat to businesses' survival if the Government does not intervene to tackle rocketing energy costs.

The #notjustapub campaign has been inspired Gloucestershire licensee and BII member Emma Gibbon from the Plough Inn at Prestbury.

It is urging pubs and customers alike to write to local MPs, asking them to raise the need for wide-ranging support for the sector, ahead of new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s rumoured mini Budget in the next few days.

While Prime Minister Liz Truss announced support for firms last week (8 September), which included the six-month energy price cap guarantee and was criticised by a number of trade voices for lacking detail however, no further information has been announced as of yet.

Clarity required

The BII demanded urgent clarity around the impact the measures will have on pubs that are facing an uncertain of huge inflationary pressures and escalating energy costs as well as staff shortages and reduced spend in venues.

The trade body’s members have weathered almost two and a half years of closures and disruption through the pandemic and beyond, according to CEO Steve Alton.

He added: “They are essential businesses, providing safe spaces for people to come together to celebrate, commiserate and connect with friends and family.

“The unique role that pubs play in our communities cannot be overstated. At their centre, the beating heart of pubs across the UK are the licensees who bring these venues to life, alongside their teams, delivering an experience like no other industry can.

“When the pandemic swept across our nation in 2020, our pubs went above and beyond, serving their communities, providing food and vital supplies, caring for the vulnerable members of society and raising thousands of pounds for charity.”

Survival threat

This year has seen the sector face an even bigger threat to its survival, with unprecedented energy costs and inflationary pressures crippling businesses, Alton said.

He called on everyone who loves pubs, from operators to customers to share their support for the industry by getting involved in the #notjustapub campaign and warned of the consequences if the Government doesn’t step in.

The BII boss said: “Write to your MP, asking them to take the plight of these essential local businesses to the Chancellor and share your passion for pubs on social media, to leave [the] Government in no doubt about the vital importance of pubs to each and every high street, village, town and city in the UK.

“Without support and investment needed from Government, we stand to lose something incredibly special and unique – our great British pubs.”