Channel Islands' night-time economy struggling in cost of living crisis amid high alcohol prices

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Many people in the hospitality sector point to the high cost of alcohol as a major threat to the industry's survival. Credit: PA

A Guernsey bar manager says the cost of living crisis is proving detrimental to the Channel Islands' night-time economy.

Jake McCombe, manager of JB Parker's Bar and Wine Cellar in St Peter Port, says the number of people going for a night out on the town has decreased markedly since the Covid pandemic.

Mr McCombe told ITV News: "Hospitality has definitely changed, especially in Guernsey post-Covid, and with the cost of living crisis our costs go up all the time.

"You can notice on the weekend there is much less footfall in town. Usually, you would see streams and streams of people but sometimes it could be an empty street or it could be a Thursday and packed. It's completely unpredictable.

"You can see people are much more careful about what they spend and when they spend it."

He added: "I'm very good friends with the managers or owners of most of the local restaurants and bars and they feel the same pinch.

Mr McCombe also says that the cost of alcohol has gone up significantly, causing many to think twice about going out.

This is not the first time the cost of living crisis has hit the night-time economy in the Channel Islands.

In November 2023, Guernsey saw taxi fares rise by 7.67% due to the high rate of inflation. In real terms, it means a ride now costs an extra 30p per mile for passengers.

Jersey also saw its taxi prices rise by roughly 12% in July 2023.

Rojo, a popular nightclub in St Helier, will close after a 12-hour farewell party on Saturday 27 July after being in business for almost 20 years.

The club's owners say going out for a drink is now unaffordable for many.

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