Andrew RT Davies says Vale pubs are facing a “perfect storm” that may lead to the closure of many of the county’s best-known watering holes.
Mr Davies visited Hare and Hounds in Aberthin, where he spoke to owner Sarah Watts-Jonesand heard about how energy rates, national insurance increases and staff costs are putting pressure on the business.
The South Wales Central MS is travelling around the Vale of Glamorgan and visiting local pubs to hear about the struggles they are facing.
Last year, 289 pubs closed across England and Wales, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. 19 of those closures were in Wales.
Commercial real estate adviser Altus puts the number of closures in 2024 at 34 per month on average.
At Hare and Hounds,Sarah Watts-Jones explained that financial pressures on pubs can lead to shorter opening hours and less work available for employees.
In April, Welsh pubs were dealt a fresh blow as changes to employers’ National Insurance landed the average British pub with an extra £4,000 bill.
Pubs have already been grappling with higher business rates, energy bills and borrowing costs.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
“Pubs across the Vale and indeed across Wales are facing a perfect storm of high taxes, energy costs, and changing habits.
“That’s why I’m travelling around our county to hear from our pubs about the challenges they’re facing and the measures that need to be taken at a government level to stop this worrying trend of pub closures.
“If we don’t put in place a suite of measures designed specifically to save our pubs, we will lose some historic institutions that aren’t just a place to enjoy a drink, but are also community hubs, wage payers and centres of entrepreneurial activity.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Photo attached: Andrew RT Davies outside the Hare and Hounds, Aberthin.