Expert Sounds Alarm on Potential Crime Surge and Mental Health Crisis
Party official Sacha Lord has raised concerns over the increasing number of British pubs closing down, warning that it could result in a rise in crime and mental health issues.
Call for VAT Cut to Prevent Further Pub Shutdowns
Lord, the Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester and founder of the Manchester Warehouse Project, has urged for a reduction in taxes for pubs to prevent more closures.
Public Survey Reveals Impact of Pub Closures
A recent poll by Censuswide showed that half of Brits have noticed a decrease in pubs in their local areas, with nearly a fifth linking the closures to increased antisocial behavior.
Loneliness and Social Impact Highlighted
Concerns over loneliness were among the key issues raised, with a quarter of adults expressing worries about losing their local socializing spot due to closures.
Stats Show Record High Rate of Pub Closures
With two pubs shutting down every day, the rate of closures is at its highest in a decade, resulting in over 6,000 hospitality venues permanently closing across the UK in a year.
Industry Pushes for Further Tax Relief
While the Chancellor has extended a freeze on beer duty, pub owners are calling for more substantial measures such as a VAT cut to support the struggling sector.
Quote from Sacha Lord
Lord emphasized the significant role pubs play in communities, not just as places to drink but as social hubs for people of all ages. He highlighted the detrimental effects of pub closures on loneliness, mental health, and potential crime spikes.
