Pubs now paying nearly £270m more a year for electricity than in 2020 as industry groups call for PM to get bills down

PUBS are together paying nearly £270million more a year for electricity than in 2020, industry figures show. Campaigners warn the average boozer is spending nearly £6,000 more per year on leccy. The average British pub has been hit by a £6,000-a-year electricity bill hike Credit: Getty Industry groups are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to get bills down to save our sups Credit: POOL/AFP via Getty Images And needs to sell an extra 1,240 extra pints per year – at current prices – to cover the hikes. Industry groups are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to get bills down to save our sups. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Electrify Britain is urging the government to remove levies and infrastructure costs from electricity bills and put them into general taxation. CEO Camilla Born said: “We agree with the new prime minister that Britain deserves better. “Making electricity cheaper – and rolling out the heating and cooking systems that run on it – would give our pubs more security, and help guarantee their place in our towns and villages long into the future.” On a visit to Essex last month, the PM said cutting business rates for pubs was a “first step” to helping businesses. Pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England will be given a 20 per cent cut from April. Chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Andy Burnham made a good start with cutting business rates bills for pubs in England. Most read in Money “Support with electricity bills in the upcoming Budget would be a brilliant follow up which could save licensees more than the rates cut and help keep the lights on and the doors open in locals up and down the country.” Government spokesperson said: “We understand that pubs are feeling the pressure. “That’s why we have prioritised support for pubs, social clubs and live music venues through a 20% cut in business rates – saving thousands of locals over £1,000 a year. “This is on top of providing a tax break on poured pints and capping corporation tax. “As has always been the case, the Chancellor will set out decisions at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on proposals.” Comment now