Hundreds of pubs across the city could shut forever if the government doesn't step in and put a price cap on energy bills, the British Beer and Pub Association has warned.
A letter was sent by the British Beer and Pub Association warning the government that the hike in energy prices could cause "irreversible damage" and pubs could "close their doors for good".
Some pubs have seen their electric and gas bills double compared to pre-pandemic levels. The Baltic Fleet, Wapping Dock is one of the hundreds who are "tightening their belts" and making cuts to get by.
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Owner of the Baltic Fleet, Simon Holt, 55, from the Wirral said: "It is concerning, everything is going up, including our suppliers. We don't know how it will affect spending for the year. It is just uncertain. It will be a question of tightening one's belt like we had to do during the recession.
"You just have to try and save money where you can and reduce expenditure, for example I am trying to hold less in stock. Every little helps, it is just human nature. Coming into the winter, it is just about being pragmatic, keeping stocks down, tightening one's belt and not letting it show.
"I think worrying is the biggest enemy, you have to throw off the stress and worry and project a positive outlook. It won't make it better but it will help you seem happier when the punters come in."
Simon's energy bills were around £12,000 per year before the pandemic and are now on target to cost £24,000 per year. This is despite shutting down his kitchen and saving money on the electric costs of running the kitchen.
The British Beer and Pub Association sent an open letter to the government. It said: "Without swift and substantial intervention from the government there is no doubt we will witness a huge number of pubs close their doors for good leaving individuals without jobs during a cost of living crisis and communities without their social heartbeat."
The letter was signed by six of the biggest pub chains in the country including Greene King which has more than 100 pubs across the city. It said their businesses are 'witnessing price rises causing irreversible damage.'
Ofgem confirmed bills for an average UK household will rise 80% in October with a new price cap of £3,549 but this cap does not apply to businesses.
Businesses are already struggling across the city following the pandemic as many goods prices have soared. No action on bills will take place until Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss starts work as the UK's prime minister next Tuesday.
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