Sacha Lord – Rachel Reeves must act now to save pubs, we are at risk of an epidemic of chronic loneliness
17 February 2025
Sacha Lord, chair of the Night Time Industries Association, has said he strongly believes “we are at risk of an epidemic of chronic loneliness” if more is not done to save the local pub. Writing in the Daily Express, Lord said: “For thousands of elderly and isolated individuals, their local is a vital source of companionship and community. And I’d argue that every generation needs pub life. Those hours propping up the bar are how we socialise, meet new people, find life partners. Sure, you can chat online, but it’s not the same. Earlier this month, I wrote to the chancellor Rachel Reeves expressing my deep concern over the precarious situation facing independent and small businesses in our industry. I told her to act before irreversible damage is done, and urged her to give pubs a fighting chance – not even to thrive, but simply to survive. As someone who has made a career in this industry, and who hears from landlords everyday who are concerned for their businesses, it’s frustrating to see that – despite previous pledges of support – there appears to be little genuine concern in Westminster for the plight of hospitality.
Taking a penny off a pint in alcohol duties does nothing when costs are out of control, or when a glass of wine is going up by 8p, and pushing the punter further away. Even now, in the build-up to the spring Budget, we’re witnessing job losses, venue closures and stalled expansion plans. In the last fortnight alone, I’ve heard of one pub company that has put a stop to opening five new sites as a direct result of the upcoming tax changes, and another small group whose costs will skyrocket beyond seven figures due to the national insurance changes. I’m no economist, but even I know that this isn’t the way to secure growth. The chancellor has to do better or we risk losing our locals for good.”
