This week, the Express revealed the results from our recent rural pubs survey. The responses can only be described as incredibly concerning reading.
The key findings in brief:
Some 80 landlords and pub owners from across the country took part in the survey, which was shared on social media and through the Alliance's rural business network.
70% of respondents think they will be able to survive if restrictions are lifted by April, when it is hoped that the vaccine should have been given to people in the most vulnerable groups. However, when asked about being required to remain closed until June, the number drops to 37%.
When asked for what more could be done to aid their business, the top request mentioned was for business rates and VAT on beer to be scrapped or significantly reduced.
One respondent said: "We need positive help, vat to stay at 5% for at least 2 years, rates to be cut by 50 % for the same length of time." Another warned: "This is causing severe mental health/isolation issues in rural areas."
92 % want to scrap the rule that customers must order a substantial meal to be allowed to buy a drink when pubs reopen. Respondents indicated that this requirement had an overall adverse effect on customer footfall. Despite many pubs trying out different menu items, it was felt that their efforts had been in vain. The impact was underlined with 57% reporting that regulars stopped coming to their pubs when the rule was in place and 82% saw a reduction in overall footfall.
Landlords also revealed that the bulk had spent staggering sums- between £1,000-5,000- on installing features designed to comply with and aid COVID-19 safety guidance: including outdoor heaters, hand sanitising stations and personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.
Last week, we revealed that some 80% of pub owners support allowing their premises, which in most cases are currently unused, to be used in the vaccine rollout.
A BBC investigation has revealed that there were more than 500 outbreaks, or suspected outbreaks, in offices in the second half of 2020 - more than in supermarkets, construction sites, warehouses, restaurants and cafes combined.
A Countryside Alliance spokesman said: 'Rightly much of the government's focus is on rolling out vaccinations across the country. It is only through doing this that we can seriously pave the way for returning to normality. Understandably, the underlying anxieties and hurt caused by Covid-19 across the pub industry remain very much alive. Pubs are at the forefront of their communities up and down the countryside and their loss would be both catastrophic and irreversible.
He added: 'When the government address the matter of easing lockdown, pubs need a clear roadmap and sufficient, practical advance warning. Rules such as having to purchase substantial meals for example, need to be scrapped as this appears to be having an adverse effect on customer flow, something many pubs just can't afford. Financial security in the event of prolonged periods of closure is also key to their survival.'
Considering the views expressed by rural publicans, the Countryside Alliance is calling on the government to:
Earlier this week, Bromley Council announced that it had ringfenced £1million to help independent pubs, including sports and social clubs.
The Council announced it recognised that these local businesses have been amongst the most severely impacted and have had access to limited support. Grants range from £3000 for the smallest premises, up to £10,500 for larger premises. Details for those wishing to apply can do so here.
An Alliance spokesman added: ' The move by Bromley Council is one that should be welcomed and ideally replicated by local authorities up and down the country. When this lockdown ends, these vital facilities which mean so much to so many, need to still be standing.'