BII launches #NotJustaPub campaign

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has launched its #NotJustaPub campaign, calling on pubs and customers across the country to contact their local MPs to rally support for the sector ahead of the government's budget announcement this week. 

Inspired by BII member Emma Gibbon from the Plough Inn at Prestbury, who shared her passion for pubs and the local communities they benefit in a recent post on social media, the initiative aims to drum up support for the nation's vital but struggling pubs.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng will deliver the budget announcement on Friday (23 September). His speech follows Prime Minister Liz Truss's energy crisis statement on 8 September, where the PM announced emergency support for businesses with a six-month energy price guarantee. The recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has delayed any further communication on the matter, leaving operators across the nation guessing as to what their future holds. 

Pubs and bars across the country are calling for urgent clarity around the impact these measures will have on their businesses, as they face an uncertain winter of huge inflationary pressures and escalating energy costs, alongside chronic staff shortages and reduced spend in their venues.

Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, comments: "Our members, running vital social hubs at the heart of their communities, have weathered nearly two and a half years of closures and disruption through the pandemic and beyond. They are essential businesses, providing safe spaces for people to come together to celebrate, commiserate and connect with friends and family.

"In 2022, they are now facing an even bigger threat to their survival, with unprecedented energy costs and inflationary pressures crippling their businesses.

“We are calling on everyone who loves pubs, from licensees to local customers, to share their support for these integral pillars of our communities by getting involved in the #NotJustaPub campaign.

"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 government in no doubt about the vital importance of pubs to each and every high street, village, town and city in the UK.

"Without the support and investment needed from government, we stand to lose something incredibly special and unique – our Great British pubs."

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