However, while the destination is clear, the route we take to get there is not and this is critical.
There’s no denying that pubs and other hospitality businesses are already walking the walk when it comes to supporting the Government’s ambition, with substantial changes having already been implemented to provide consumers with healthier choices.
Whether it’s reformulating menus, providing healthier dishes, or significantly expanding low- and no-alcohol options, our sector has long taken proactive steps to help customers make informed choices. We’re committed to playing our part in improving health across the nation, but we need to ensure that the journey forward is a holistic one, with everyone playing a fair role.
Clarity and detail needed
We are eagerly awaiting clarity and confirmed detail on the new measures outlined in the 10-year health plan, including what mandatory reporting is set to look like and which businesses will be eligible.
What we do know is that one-size-fits-all and costly regulations are often ineffective and also actively harmful to the sector.
Our pubs are still grappling with huge costs – they cannot absorb further burdens. With venues already stretched they will unfortunately have no other choice than to pass these costs onto their customers, impacting affordability and accessibility.
We must also remember the nature of the great British pub. They’re places where people celebrate birthdays, gather with friends or enjoy a well-earned break from the daily grind.
True collaboration
It’s an experience many look forward to, but they’re not everyday habits. Framing these occasions as health risks, rather than part of a balanced lifestyle, misses the nuance of how people engage with food and drink in social settings.
That’s why we’re calling for true collaboration with Government. We want to co-create solutions that really do work – ones that respect the diversity of pubs and hospitality, and the role they play in communities across the country.
We are ready to be part of the health solution, but we must ensure that any new rules don’t diminish the unique cultural and economic value this sector provides.
If we get this right, we can improve the health of the nation while protecting the vibrancy and openness of the tens of thousands of pubs across the country.
