(ANSA) - LONDON, FEBRUARY 13 - The crisis of British pubs and bars continues, having already gone through the tough period of the pandemic.
The number of those forced to close almost doubled last year as high living costs and record inflation hit operators and consumers.
A total of 512 establishments went out of business compared to 280 in 2021, according to a study by audit group UHYHacker Young.
“Energy prices have soared and hit corporate pubs hard throughout the winter after the government removed support for corporate energy bills,” the study reads.
Furthermore, "the cost-of-living crisis, including interest rate hikes, has had an impact on consumer habits, making them less likely to make 'non-essential' purchases, including a drink or a pub meal".
And the union protest of the railway workers who have organized several strikes in recent months has also played a role in the crisis of the premises, often paralyzing rail transport in Great Britain.
(HANDLE).