Hexham readers are reacting to the prediction that 70 per cent of pubs are 'unlikely' to survive the winter months unless something is done to 'ease' the cost of energy prices.

The concern comes from when Industry bodies UK Hospitality, Night-Time Industries Association, Music Venue Trust, The British Institute of Innkeeping and The British Beer and Pub Association, wrote to the prime minister, Boris Johnson, the Chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi and the Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng cautioning that thousands of jobs are at “grave risk”.

Businesses all over the UK have seen energy prices skyrocket over the past year and, unlike consumer energy bills, there is no price cap on commercial energy costs.

Hospitality operators have claimed they are facing annual bill increases “in the region of at least 300%”.

It comes as soaring household bills mean that many customers are tightening their belts, placing more pressure on hospitality venues.

The sector is also being significantly challenged by rising labour costs as they struggle to fill growing vacancy numbers.

Pub worker Karen Ridley said: "I agree with this concern of pubs not able to stay open due to the energy costs increasing.

"I work in a pub kitchen and due to rising electricity costs we have had to close the kitchen through the week.

"We now only doing food friday to sunday which has lost me 2 days worth of shifts and other staff losing hours too.

"It is a shame but people are not coming out as much as they used to."

Richard A Wright said: "Unfortunately, nothing will be done and the prices will continue to increase like it always does each year."

Phil Charles Scandle agrees and adds: "I saw this problem coming. It was predicted years ago."

Depsite some clear worries over pub and hospitality industries with the rising costs, some readers feel there are more pressing matters or vulnerable people to be concerned about.

Karen Ridley said: "Pubs closing is the least of our problems. Lives matter.

Dave Buch agrees and expands further: "There are lots of our elderly and vulnerable who will die this year.

"So I think that that is far more important than the death of a pub.

"People cant afford food and heat, but be awful if they couldnt visit a pub for a pie and a pint.

"Food banks are struggling to cope and wont be there for lots this year

Louise Oliver also agrees by stating: "The issue is probably the same for all small shops and retail not just pubs."

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, added that there should be “an energy price cap for small businesses” as she warned that publicans were already cutting back hours and trimming back menus in an effort to offset surging energy costs.

Northumberland resident Stephanie Jayne adds: "Something needs to be done. How they expect people to live without energy and heating? 

Louise Oliver believes that the increase of energy prices has been predicted for years, she said: "I think the increase in cost is because they can’t meet demand, they’ve talked about blackouts coming for years. 

"I believe that they have only put the price up and to make people use less and they can meet demand again.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality said: “Hundreds of hospitality businesses across the country are staring into an abyss of closure and possible failure, leading to thousands of job losses.

“It’s now or never for Government help and support if this vital sector is to survive the extraordinary threats pushing much of it to the very brink of existence.”