London pub voucher scheme operator CityStack is calling on people to make use of their local pub at least once a week throughout this Dry January.
Megha and Gaurav Khanna, landlords of the Gladstone Arms in Borough, London
Publicans face a number of challenges as the year gets under way. These include soaring beer and rent costs, business rate rises, and costly energy bills.
Traditionally, establishments contend with a sharp drop in footfall due to Dry January, poor weather, and customers reassessing their leisure budgets — all while managing the same overheads. Sadly, many struggle to stay afloat amid these obstacles.
“The significant drop in footfall between the last quarter of the year and the first is always difficult for small businesses like independent pubs, as they still have operating costs to cover,” said CityStack founder Alison Boutoille. “Many don’t make it through this quiet period.
“This is why we urge every Londoner to visit at least one independent pub per week, even if they are participating in Dry January. There are plenty of offers for teetotallers — snacks, roast, soft drinks, and alcohol-free beer.
“If every Londoner made the effort to visit an independent pub once a week, it would greatly help these businesses survive this challenging time.”
The CityStack concept means Londoners can purchase a £25 stack of beer mats (called the London Pub Collection) and receive £100 worth of food and drink at great independent pubs across the city.
