The closure of a town brewery with the loss of several jobs is being blamed on the Government, writes Phil Hill.
The owner of Nuttycombe Brewery, in Wilveliscombe, has vowed to pay staff wages up to date and redundancies, and settle suppliers’ bills ahead of shutting tomorrow (Wednesday, April 30).
Simon Brown, operations manager at the Ford Road premises, said the business had become unsustainable following a massive slump in sales.
He added: “It’s effectively the Government’s fault to a great extent for the way they’re treating the hospitality industry.
“Lots of pubs are wondering what’s going to happen with the employer’s National Insurance increase.
“Since Christmas sales have declined so badly. It’s not just us - other breweries across the country have said the same thing, in particular sales of cask ale.
“People aren’t sure of their jobs and everybody is tightening up. They can’t afford to go to the pub, while the price of beer at the pump has gone up.
“We’ve had four months of really bad sales since Christmas and it’s just not sustainable.”
The business owner, Ross Nuttycombe, a publican of 20 years from Watchet, attempted to make savings without shedding staff, but things reached a point where “all of a sudden it just doesn’t stack up”.
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Staff at Nuttycombe Brewery, which opened three and a half years ago, were informed of the decision to close.
And the news has been relayed to customers on Facebook, with a post saying: “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of our voluntary decision to close Nuttycombe Brewing Ltd.
“After careful consideration and reflection, we have determined that this is the best course of action for us at this time.
“We have cherished every moment of serving you and being a part of this wonderful community.
“Your support and loyalty have meant the world to use, and we are deeply grateful for the relationships we have built over the years.”
The post appealed to people to settle any outstanding invoices and added: “Various factors have contributed to this choice, and we believe it is the right step for our future.”
Last year, Nuttycombe Brewery opened a tap room in its premises, named Hancock’s Dray, a tribute to the former Hancock Brewery, founded off Golden Hill by William Hancock in the early 1800s.
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