MPs blame regulator, Government for a lack of support for hospitality

THE Government's energy industry watchdog has been accused of being “asleep at the wheel” as South Devon hospitality businesses face an existential crisis.

- by GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter guy.henderson@reachplccom

Two local Liberal Democrat MPs highlighted the plight of the local licensed trade during a House of Commons debate on alcohol duty.

Torbay MP Steve Darling told fellow MPs: “We need the Government to wake up, smell the coffee and recognise the challenges that our hospitality industry faces.

“It is in crisis mode, so it is not prepared to invest or take a chance by improving its offer, and it is hunkering down and hoping for the best.

“Torbay’s tourism and hospitality industry has still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

“The outrageous second invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago caused a shock in our energy costs.