Pub customers could soon be charged £20 a pint unless pubs are given support for their energy bills.

Pubs and breweries will face major financial losses, make no profit and many will be forced to shut if the energy bill relief scheme is not extended for them beyond 31 March 2023.

The research by Frontier Economics for the British Beer and Pub Association is gloomy reading and says, “pubs and breweries will be forced to close their businesses if they do not receive help with energy bills”.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona fears the future of many pubs will be unsustainable.

Nik said: “This report clearly shows just how the perfect storm of rising costs, soaring energy bills and customers tightening their belts is putting the future of the UK’s beloved locals – and the breweries that serve them – at risk.

“Without help, pubs will be operating at a 20 per cent loss which is frankly unsustainable. Pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers are in an impossible position. If the government doesn’t extend support with energy costs when the current scheme finishes in April next year, we expect to see massive price hikes or pub closures to stem the costs.

“Just this weekend we have seen more small brewers shutting up shop. This has devastating effects on consumer choice. Pubs are cornerstones of our communities, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. We can’t risk thousands of our locals closing for good because they can’t afford to pay their energy bills.

“That’s why CAMRA is calling on the government to commit now to extending energy bill support for hospitality businesses beyond April to save our locals.”