Drinks Trust offers energy grants

Industry charity The Drinks Trust has opened applications for its Energy Crisis Fund, a grant scheme for hospitality workers struggling to pay gas and electricity bills.

The sector is currently facing a combination of rising prices, increasing energy costs and the ‘prospect of recession’.

A recent survey carried out by trade groups UK Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and Hospitality Ulster showed 35% of hospitality firms expect to be operating at a loss, or to be unviable by the end of 2022.

Ross Carter, The Drinks Trust chief executive, said: “The support we can offer is thanks to the generous support of industry business and organisations who have understood the acute hardship faced by many of our colleagues.

“We could encourage more businesses to do the same, and join our donors and us in delivering what support we can.”

The Drinks Trust said it has fundraised more than £150,000 (US$180,919) with the help of industry businesses, to support the drinks arm of the hospitality sector.

Pernod Ricard UK has donated £100,000 (US$120,592) to the initiative, while Decanter and The Distillers’ Charity have both made pledges of £20,000 (US$24,118).

Pam Rowan, human resources director at Pernod Ricard UK, added: “We are acutely aware this year continues to be a tough year for many and it’s important to us that we continue to support those in the hospitality industry.

“We have been long supporters of The Drinks Trust’s work and we know this significant contribution to the Energy Crisis Fund will have a positive impact on those who need a helping hand this winter.”

The Energy Crisis Fund will be distributed in grants of £350 (US$422) per person, and applications are now open.

Applicants will be assessed and prioritised based on their financial circumstances.

Last year, the charity introduced three new patrons to the organisation to help it reach new audiences.