Imagine going to a pub, having fun with your mates, meeting new ones and really enjoying yourself but the following morning you could not remember much about your evening. We have all done it and we mostly laugh it off the following day – but what if the hangover became permanent and steadily over time it became worse and worse?
Well luckily this does not happen, but we are afflicted with a different type of hangover and this one is getting worse with the effects spreading into every community and corner of the country. Our pubs are closing at the fastest ever rate, our restaurants are restricting the days and hours they are open – but for them there is no cure in sight from this self-inflicted hangover.
Brexit benefits?
There were never was going to be any benefits of Brexit. but the clever advertising and marketing convinced so many; we were all drunk on the promised benefits and now the deep regret is taking hold.
Hospitality industry in rapid decline
New figures shown in the Independent reveal that the industry is in crisis due to Brexit:
“The net closure of almost 4,600 pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants in the year to 31 March 2023 – the 12 months that followed the ending of Covid restrictions – lays bare the devastating impact of staff shortages caused by Brexit as well as the cost of living crisis. The figure compares to just 678 closures in the year to March 2022 and amounts to an average of 12.6 closures a day, with independent family-run businesses taking the biggest hit.”
In addition to pubs and restaurants , more than 30% of night clubs have gone bust – half of them in the last 12 months. And with 142,000 unfilled jobs in the hospitality industry is this really a surprise?
Playing your cards right
As we are now in the lead up to the coronation, this story from Derby is just so typical of the difficulties faced by companies all over the UK. With its playing cards for sale in Buckingham Palace , and Westminster Abbey, Jeremy Shaw of Heritage Playing cards says his export business has been almost completely wiped out by Brexit.
But for a more complete picture of how Brexit is impacting business all-round the country , our sister publication, Yorkshire Bylines has the now famous David Davis dossier which has recorded and still counting 1,000 downsides to Brexit and still adding to the list .
Eurovision
Millions will be watching Eurovision from Liverpool on 13 May and many will be have having parties to enjoy this musical and cultural spectacular event. It’s a key annual highlight in so many households. As we enjoy the music, spare a thought for the musicians who can no longer travel freely around the EU or come here to play gigs and concerts. The big bands can more easily navigate the red tape and massive extra costs but it’s beyond most small bands.
Hangover recovery
In effect there are three stages to recovery from this hangover. The first stage for voters in England comes on Thursday 4 May. Our second and more important option comes in the next general election. After that the campaign to rejoin the EU must start in earnest.
It’s the best hangover cure ever!
A change of government and rejoining the EU.
Your pocket and your friends will thank you for it.
