Why are so many bars and restaurant owners saying survival looks impossible?

Increased costs following the recent labour budget are raising viability concerns with many in the hospitality sector.

Transcript

00:00Many in the UK hospitality sector are voicing concerns about survival since the recent Labour

00:08budget. Bars and restaurants fear rising costs due to proposed tax hikes, wage increases

00:14and stricter environmental regulations. While some welcome policies focusing on sustainability

00:20and workers' rights, others warn they could strain an already struggling industry. These

00:26changes come at a time when many businesses are still recovering from the economic challenges

00:32of recent years. Industry leaders argue that without targeted support or exemptions for

00:38smaller establishments, the new policies could push many operators to closure. Supporters

00:44of Labour's agenda point to the need for fair pay and environmental action, but critics

00:51highlight the need to balance these aims with measures to protect the long-term viability

00:56of small businesses.