Brexit: Small pub operators among those in favour of leaving EU

The study by William Reed/HIM revealed small foodservice operators were particularly keen to leave with 46% planning to vote out against the whole industry average of 39% to leave and 37% to remain.

• The PMA500 will be discussing the EU Referendum at its next multiple operator club in London 26 May 2016. To attend the event, email Joanna Horton.​​

William Reed conducted a survey amongst suppliers and retailers throughout the hospitality industry on their thoughts regarding ‘Brexit’ - Britain’s exit from the European Union - and how it would affect them along with their businesses.

More than a quarter (26%) of those asked believe that should the UK quit the EU, their company would face a moderate or serious recruitment crisis.

Half of people questioned thought that by leaving the EU this would reduce the red tape by either a little or a lot.

When asked their opinion on the impact of food and drink prices would be, should Brexit happen, 41% of people stated they thought it would increase.

28% of those surveyed admitted that between 1 and 20% of the trade that their company did was with the EU as well as 38% said they imported goods and services from the EU.

Out of the 525 people asked, the results were particularly close when the participants were asked their own personal attitude towards the EU referendum.

The results follow a survey conducted last year by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser​ for the General Election 2015 that revealed one-fifth of PMA readers were planning to vote for UKIP​.