PUB landlords in the St Austell area are calling on the government ahead of the Budget to show backing for their industry.

In recent weeks, the sector has been alarmed by talk of possible changes including increases in alcohol duty and business rates alongside a potential smoking ban in pub gardens.

Those in the industry say that if the current 75 per cent relief on business rates is removed, it would cost the average pub an additional £12,000, which would have a damaging impact.

Alex and Tanya Williams have run the Polgooth Inn, near St Austell, for almost 14 years and say they have never had it this hard.

Tanya said: “Our takings are up this year, yet we are not benefitting from it because of extra costs like energy and the increase of wages.

“It doesn’t make sense that people are walking in and seeing a really busy pub - which is great - but for us we’re not making any money from it, and it’s an incredibly disheartening situation to be in. It’s everything – it’s the wages, the rates, the duty, we’re so nervous about what the future holds.

“The situation is starting to get a lot of us down. I love what pubs are at their core; they are community, good food, good beer. Pubs mean a lot to so many people and they are not recognised enough for what they bring. It would be really nice not to have to fight for our pubs to stay open and let us do what we’re good at.

“We need reduced taxation to a level which can support us.”

Mark Holden, who has been a landlord for 15 years, runs three St Austell Brewery pubs in Cornwall under the Inn Cornwall brand, including the Victoria Inn at Roche.

He said: “We’ve already had to adjust the price point of our beer three times in the last 18 months, and there are concerns about the energy crisis increasing further too.

“Add to that the beer duty increases, there’s only so much we can do with every impact which has come our way. Ultimately that cost goes onto the guest, but it’s too much too quick.

“The ideal Budget announcement would be to continue the discounted business rates. If that stayed, I would have confidence to further invest in our businesses, increase employment and potentially look at growth. Right now we don’t have confidence to do that.

“It’s relentless and exhausting having to navigate constant change. The UK business sector as a whole needs stability.”

St Austell Brewery chief executive Kevin Georgel wants to see a cut in beer duty, business rates reform and a pledge to keep the 75 per cent business rates relief.