‘An all time low’: UK hospitality bosses say industry is fighting for survival

The sector is facing many challenges, not least the cost of living crisis that could push the price of a pint to 7

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Adrian Forte, owner of The Duck, a bar and restaurant in Bournemouth, describes the current circumstances in which his venue has to operate as unprecedented.

I've been in the business for 40 years, and I've never seen such a perfect storm," he says. First Brexit, causing all these staff shortages, then Covid, and now the cost of living crisis. We feel like we are being squeezed on all sides."

In over 30 years I've not known it to be this difficult. It's very, very challenging, and our sales just don't make up for our outgoings any more."