CAMRA National Chairman has made comment regarding the news that Marston’s has agreed to operate SA Brain’s 156 pubs on a leasehold basis.
Nik Antona said, “While we still need to see the detail of this deal, at first glance it appears a positive move. We hope this means that Marston’s will continue to run the pubs as beloved locals, securing their future for the communities that use them and the people they employ.
“Restrictions over the last year due to COVID-19 have put a huge pressure on the hospitality industry. It’s clear that there has not been enough support to protect even a well-established business such as Brains - never mind smaller pubs, breweries and cider producers across Wales.'
Antona concluded, “This could be the first of many hospitality businesses forced to take drastic action to survive. The UK and Welsh Governments must work together to provide the industry with further financial support now - or we anticipate that there will be even more job losses and closures.”