The UKSA warmly welcomes the Drinks Trust’s latest campaign highlighting the harsh reality of financial insecurity for working people trying to make a living in Britain’s hospitality sector.
The campaign aims to raise £1 million to help those struggling in the sector, as new polling from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation finds that 22% of working-age adults will experience poverty this year. Which means, as many as 1 in 5 of our industry colleagues could face financial crisis in 2025.
Testimony from our members supports this. Many anticipate this year will be the toughest yet for their businesses. Responding to the government’s increase in alcohol duty, one of our members in the South-West of England told us: “We fear for smaller distillers. This duty hike could mean having to lay staff off to meet the demands of an increase tax burden”. Another member from the South-East of England said: “It feels like we’re being squeezed on all sides at the moment”.
At a time when our members will soon face yet another alcohol duty hike this February, we’re proud to support independent distillers who, despite tough economic conditions, remain passionate about growth and innovation.
Multiple alcohol duty increases, coupled with rising NICs contributions and a decline in consumer spending, has left our British hospitality industry needing support more than ever.
The UKSA continues champion the British hospitality sector and support independent business owners, including:
- Neema Rai, Westminster-based founder of Thamesis Dock (Find out more)
- Ben Martin, Co-Founder of the Carlton Tavern in North London (Find out more)
- Andrew Scott, Founder of Cocktails in the City (Find out more)
- Liam Hirt, Founder of Circumstance Distillery in Bristol (Find out more)
- Ben and Kate Marston, Founders of Puddingstone Distillery (Find out more)
- Stephen Russell, Co-Founder of Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent (Find out more)
- Alex MacDonald, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of North Point Distillery in the Scottish Highlands (Find out more)
At a crucial time for our industry, the UKSA will continue to advocate on behalf of people up and down the country working to support our iconic spirits sector – the backbone of our hospitality industry. Want to join us? Get in touch via contact@spirits.uk
To find out more about The Drinks Trust’s campaign, click here.