A popular artisan food and drink store has blamed 'crippling' tax and falling footfall for a sudden pre-Christmas closure.
Mmm...and Glug has been selling high end drinks and ingredients in Newcastle since 2008, moving in 2017 from the Grainger Market to a shop on Grainger Street.
But now owners Simone and Ian Clarkin say "the numbers simply don't add up" as high business rates combine with threats to footfall, including the city's Christmas market and the clean air toll which is set to hit the city .
Under current plans, a toll-zone will enforce fees on high-polluting coaches, buses, and lorries. Private cars are not yet set to be affected by the scheme, but that could change.
The pair also said they had had issues with an "inflexible" landlord.
In a statement posted on Twitter on Saturday, the owners said: "Due to the inflexibility of our overseas-based landlord and the UK's crippling business rates we have reluctantly decided to close mmm....and glug.
"It was costing us around £100,000 a year simply to open our doors - before we bought any stock to sell, paid our employees, plus other costs, such as insurance and energy.
"That, along with falling city centre footfall, possible future congestion charges and a massively expanded Christmas Market, means that the numbers now simply don't add up.
"We have spent 12 hard (but oh so enjoyable) years bringing great ingredients, food and drink to the region.
"Without our wonderful customers, amazing producers and hard-working employees none of that would be possible - and we are sorry to let you all down with our decision.
"We hope to be back in the future. Until then, can we once again thank you for your wonderful support."
