PUBLICANS fear the closure of pubs caused by soaring energy bills, as seen this week in Shaftesbury, is “only the start” of another crippling period for the industry.

Following the announcement that The Fontmell pub in Shaftesbury would cease trading after its utility bills increased by £58,000, pub landlords and operators say more must be done to protect an industry “we can’t do without”.

In an open letter to the government, six pub and brewing groups called for support packages and a cap on energy prices for businesses.

Such calls were echoed by John Chambers, East Dorset branch chair of the Campaign for Real Ale, who said: “We are seriously concerned that pubs that just managed to survive the pandemic will not cope with the increase in fuel prices.

Bournemouth Echo: Pressure mounting on the hospitality industry. Picture: PixabayPressure mounting on the hospitality industry. Picture: Pixabay (Image: File)

“A couple of retirements have been brought forward. We’re sure that’s only the start. Without government assistance and support a lot of pubs face an uncertain and grim future. Once a pub closes it’s difficult to bring it back.

“And the impact on the local community when a pub closes is profound in terms of social isolation in particular.”

Barbara Cossin, who has co-run The Langton Arms near Blandford Forum for more than 30 years, feels staffing issues are further compounding hospitality industry woes.

Bournemouth Echo: The Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton near Blandford ForumThe Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton near Blandford Forum

She said: “So many hospitality places are closing their doors because they can’t get staff here in England. They need help from the government to motivate British people to work or encourage workers from abroad to return to the UK post-Brexit.

“And they need to do something soon otherwise we’ll lose one of the most pleasurable life experiences.

“Let’s stand by and support our hospitality staff, some of the most hard-working professionals we have but still entirely undervalued in this country.”

Martin Burzon, owner of the centuries old New Queen Inn near Sopley, described the predicted rate of pub closures as “quite terrifying”.

Bournemouth Echo: Martin Burzon (R) outside The New Queen InnMartin Burzon (R) outside The New Queen Inn

He told the Echo: “Our energy bills have pretty much doubled up from a year ago, but as we get into our quietest time of the year I think the worst is still to come unfortunately.

“I can’t see any more help coming from the government if I’m honest, it’s going to be small family run businesses like us who will suffer the most. We all really appreciated the furlough scheme of course, but this is different.

“Every household is going to feel this, not just businesses. So I think this winter will be harder than most. I can’t think of anything worse than not being able to pay my bills or my hardworking staff, but that could be the situation soon.”