A landlord who has to shut his pub has made one last plea: “Drink us dry!”
The Coore Arms in Scruton, near Northallerton, will shut at the end of today (Friday).
Publican Mark Brown issued the challenge, and all drinks are half price.
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He wants a good send off after taking the decision to shut the pub “with great sadness”.
“After long conversations with the bank and accountants the conclusion was to close with immediate effect,” he said in a message on social media.
“The truth is stark: we are making no money. Our operating costs have risen dramatically, and the recent government budget has placed additional burdens on hospitality businesses that we simply cannot absorb.
“The increase in minimum wage, employers’ National Insurance contributions, alcohol duty combined with rising energy costs and the ongoing pressures on small businesses, have created an environment where survival is no longer possible.”
He said he had tried everything to keep the pub open. “I have drained every last ounce of my own money to keep the place going but we have reached the point where continuing would mean pouring money into a venture that grows more unsustainable by the day.
“I understand that many of you will feel disappointed by this news and I, and the team share that disappointment deeply, I ask only that you understand that this closure reflects circumstances beyond my control, not a lack of commitment or care.”
Mark said invited people to come and say goodbye, adding that the pub is not able to take card payments tonight.
