Writing for The Times, Anand, who is the founder and chair of RedCat Hospitality, stressed pubs are “much more than a place for a pint”, describing them as “bastions of Britishness”.
However, he warned around 20,000 pubs had been lost since the turn of the century, as financial pressures mean customers are visiting their local less frequently.
“With pubs, it’s a simple case of ‘use them or lose them’”, the former Greene King boss wrote.
Over-taxation
“If we all chose to support our local pub where we live and where we work, more of them might just make it.
“We need to support and use pubs because if we don’t, we will lose many more of them, and with it the great British pub habit.”
He also highlighted the economic importance of the sector, adding hospitality contributes around £17bn a year in taxes for the Treasury, despite being subject to “severe over-taxation”.
“The lack of Government understanding and support for pubs and the broader UK hospitality sector is incredibly challenging, especially post-Covid. No wonder people in this business decide it’s just too difficult and throw in the beer towel.”
He added when a rural or suburban pub closes, the community often mourn its loss. Though he argued some had likely not supported the business as much as they could have done.
Fighting chance
Despite the “constant pressure” and difficulties faced by pubs, many within the sector continue to thrive, Anand continued, sharing his own experiences in the on-trade over the festive season.
He wrote: “Over the Christmas and New Year break I spent time in a couple of pubs that were doing a roaring trade.
“Everything was just right: the beaming, welcoming staff smiles, the log fires, the lighting, families and dogs all looking very comfortable and at home, a bar with delicious selection of beers, wines and cocktails, and a great menu with appetising dishes, sensibly priced.
“These pubs were, of course, delivering what the local and visiting customer cherishes most. But, as importantly, these punters had chosen to spend their valuable time and money with them instead of the alternatives in the area. Such businesses, if well run, have a fighting chance of making a living.”
