MP Andrew Snowden demands urgent action after shock closure of Lancashire favourite Guy's Thatched Hamlet
Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has renewed his call for urgent Government action to support pubs after the shock closure of one of Lancashire’s best-known hospitality venues.
Guy’s Thatched Hamlet, the canalside pub near Bilsborrow which had traded for 46 years, confirmed this week it has ceased trading.
The popular family venue employed dozens of local people.
Mr Snowden said the closure shows why he recently challenged Ministers in Parliament to do more to support pubs and restaurants across Lancashire.
Speaking in the House of Commons last week, he warned that rising National Insurance costs and looming business rate increases were putting many more pubs at serious risk of closure.
He highlighted the role pubs play in communities and name-checked several Fylde venues, including The Queens Hotel in Lytham, the Coach & Horses in Freckleton and the Hand and Dagger in Treales.
In response to his intervention, hospitality minister Chris Bryant MP joked about Valentine’s Day dinner offers, prompting criticism from Mr Snowden that the issue was not being taken seriously enough.
Mr Snowden said: “Our pubs are the heart of communities right across Fylde.
“They create jobs, support local suppliers and give people places to meet and socialise. But they have been hit from all sides in recent months.
“Changes to National Insurance have hammered small businesses and now many pubs are facing massive increases in business rates on top. The Government has made a partial U-turn, but it only helps around six percent of businesses. For the vast majority, the pain is still coming.
“The average independent pub will still be paying around £5,300 more in business rates. That is on top of higher wage bills and higher energy costs. Many simply cannot absorb that.”
He added that recent concessions on business rates only came after sustained pressure from Conservative MPs.
“This limited change did not happen by accident. It happened because Conservative MPs kept raising the issue and kept forcing Ministers to listen. But we are still a long way from where we need to be. Pubs and high street businesses deserve proper support, not warm words and wisecracks.
“I will keep fighting for our pubs, restaurants and high street businesses, and keep pushing the Government to recognise the real impact their policies are having on our local economy.”