One in three pubs and restaurants have slashed opening hours as they attempt to cut back on energy costs according to a government survey.

The Business Insights and Conditions Survey from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals pubs were among the businesses hit hardest by increased utility costs.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said the survey's revelations should not be a surprise.

“It’s deeply concerning, but unfortunately no surprise that the ONS report energy prices as the main concern for three out of five hospitality businesses in November, even with the government’s energy bills support scheme in place. 

“The steps that these vital community hubs will be forced to take, such as cutting trading days or hours, offering a more limited selection of products, increasing prices, or even taking the difficult decision to let some staff go, are all sure signs that the government needs to act now.”

CAMRA wants to see support for energy bills and business rates beyond April next year. Nik called for the chancellor to safeguard the future of pubs, clubs, brewers and cider makers.

British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “These new figures highlight the extreme pressure that extortionate energy costs continue to have on our pubs and brewers and the tough decisions they are being forced to make to keep serving their communities.

“Many have already taken drastic measures, reducing trading hours or even days on which they open and we’re not even into the coldest months yet. These rising costs are compounded by inflation on key ingredients, severe staffing shortages and a cost-of-living crisis that is leading customers to see a pint in their local as an unaffordable luxury.

“We desperately need the chancellor provide relief to the cost of doing business, but we also need clarity and certainty for our pubs and brewers that energy support will continue beyond the initial six months."

The figures published demonstrate clearly how vulnerable the industry is, with 50 pubs a month currently closing their doors for good, without some long-term guarantee many more will not be able to survive what is set to be a very difficult winter.