Paisley’s pubs are fighting for survival as they face “astronomical” energy prices this winter.
Businesses across the hospitality sector have told the Express they may not be able to withstand the soaring cost of energy as they try to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some outlets are facing price hikes of 700 per cent as electric and gas costs go up next month.
Energy regulator Ofgem confirmed last week that gas prices for the average household would increase by 40 per cent to an average of £3,549 per year.
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But the cap does not apply to commercial premises.
Jacqueline McCaig, from the Old Swan Inn in Smithhills Street, is about to see her gas bill increase seven fold.
She said: “My electric deal isn’t up until next year but my gas has just been renewed from 3p per kw to nearly 22p.
“It’s absolutely terrifying.
“I don’t know how we will get through this. I’m still repaying debts from covid and now this. Who knows what it will do to our industry.
She added: “The government are wasting time doing absolutely nothing and all the current proposals aren’t going far enough.”
“The future is very scary”, Jen Sloan from The Cave admitted.
“We are going to be struggling big time. We have just had renewal quotes for our electricity and they are astronomical.
“They will be four times what they were last week.
“We are going into winter and we have to have the place warm for people coming in but how do we do that 24/7 with the prices the way they are.”
Jen, who runs the New Street bar with her husband Steven, said the pressure of managing another crisis so soon after covid is causing massive anxiety for all business owners.
She said: “I panic about it all the time. I am always thinking are we going to get through this.
“I have no doubt that we will see lots and lots of businesses close and that’s a real fear for me at the moment.”
For Jen and the team at The Cave, the impact of the cost-of-loving crisis on customers is also a concern, with punters less likely to spend in bars and restaurants when they too are struggling to make ends meet.
It’s the main concern for Tommy McGrory who runs Paisley’s renowned Bungalow music venue.
While he hasn’t received his energy prices for the winter head, the pub manager says he’s worried about the impact the crisis will have on cash-strapped music lovers.
Tommy told the Express: “Will people prioritise going out at the weekend or are they going to be sitting in the house putting a heavy jumper on and sitting in a sleeping bag?
“We don’t know how it’s going to pan out. It’s all about people, if they’re struggling with their energy costs, are they going to be able to come and watch a band at the Bungalow?”
He added: “We’ve not had a rise in our costs yet, it’ll probably happen next month, so at this moment, we don’t really know what we’re facing.”
Paisley businesses are speaking out as pub giant Brewdog confirms it is closing six venues as a result of spiralling costs.
James Watt, founder and chief executive of the company, said it was “heartbreaking” to witness the impact of the crisis on the hospitality sector.
He warned that many more businesses will close unless the UK Government comes up with a credible package of support.
Colette Cardosi, chair of Paisley First is also calling on the authorities to take urgent action.
She said: “Our town centre businesses are still recovering from the covid pandemic and are now bearing the brunt of rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis.
“The hospitality industry in particular has seen energy bills rocket with no indication during the summer that support is on the way.
“It’s crucial that small local businesses are given financial support to help them through this crisis.”
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