STORY: The pub “Red Lion and Sun” is located in a leafy suburb of London. Pubs like these are considered the pillars of social life in Britain. In view of drastically rising energy costs, many operators are now apparently on the verge of ruin. Because unlike private households, the purchase tariffs in business are not regulated. Manager James Cuthbertson’s energy bill used to be around 18,000 euros a year. It’s now 85,000 euros. “We signed this contract ten days ago. And it already looks like a real bargain. It sounds funny, but that’s just the situation.” “70 percent of publicans will not survive the winter unless something is done with prices. In fact, maybe I’m underestimating the percentage. I think more than 70 percent will either close completely or close for the winter.” Everywhere in the UK, landlords would now have to choose between price increases, staff cuts, shorter opening hours or complete closure.