Alan Davies, the landlord of The Trumpet Inn nestled near Ledbury, made a bold decision – a return to cash-only transactions. It wasn’t a nostalgic whim, but a calculated move to safeguard the future of his beloved pub.
Davies realized the fees associated with card payments were substantial. He discovered those very fees could cover the wages of an additional employee, a lifeline in a time of increasing financial pressure for small businesses.
The response was immediate and surprising. Cash payments surged by 45 percent, with many regulars enthusiastically embracing the simplicity and savings of a more traditional system. It felt like a step back in time, to a slower, more personal way of doing business.
“The banks aren’t doing anything for this money, it’s just pressing some buttons,” Davies explained, frustration evident in his voice. He saw it as a way to reclaim funds that could be reinvested directly into the pub and its staff.
The move coincided with a recent announcement of business rates cuts for pubs by Rachel Reeves, a measure intended to alleviate some of the financial burden on the industry. However, many landlords argue it’s simply not enough.
Despite the rate cuts, escalating costs – from energy bills to beer duty and staffing – continue to threaten the viability of pubs across England. The industry is facing a critical juncture, with many establishments at risk of permanent closure.
A few patrons initially questioned the incentive, suggesting it might be a way to avoid taxes. Davies quickly dismissed these concerns, pointing out that all transactions still flow through the pub’s tills and are fully accounted for.
Regular customer Dave Holloway wholeheartedly welcomed the change. “Any discount in the current situation is a good idea,” he said, appreciating the 30 pence reduction per pint. “Anything you can save is worth saving. It brings people into the pub.”
Industry leaders, however, remain skeptical. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, described the business rates cuts as “a drop in the ocean” compared to the systemic challenges facing pubs and music venues.
The story of The Trumpet Inn is a microcosm of a larger struggle. It’s a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of publicans determined to keep the heart of their communities beating, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
