British hospitality 'freewheeling off a cliff edge' amid Tory inaction on energy crisis, expert warns
30 August 2022, 12:54
Sasha Lord issues stark warning on future of British hospitality
The Night Time Economy Adviser for The Mayor of Greater Manchester phoned in to tell James O'Brien the extent of the crisis facing the hospitality sector as energy prices soar.
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Pubs and brewers across the UK have warned the government that countless businesses could face closure before Christmas as many see energy price hikes upwards of 300%.
Sasha Lord, adviser to Andy Burnham on the night time economy, phoned in to LBC to tell James O'Brien that the industry is "just desperate."
"The fear, anxiety, the stress is running – not just in Manchester, but across the whole of the UK."
The Night Time Economy Adviser to the Mayor of Greater Manchester warned that the hospitality industry is "freewheeling into a cliff-edge" as the government stand idly by without providing any support.
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"Is there a plausibility to the explanation that 'we can't do anything until we're in Downing Street'?" James wondered, pointing out that Liz Truss and Nadhim Zahawi have eluded to this sort of argument when criticised in the past.
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Mr Lord rejected the idea, stating that the whole affair from government has been "an absolute circus."
"Anyone in my sector could have told you what was coming."
Parting ways at the end of the call, Mr Lord warned James that "seven out of ten pubs will not make the winter if nothing is done."
"The oil in the fat fryer is more expensive than petrol – it is an untenable situation."
