Port Talbot pub owner asks his children to work as he can’t afford staff

Breaking: Welsh Pubs Brace for Fierce Rate Reforms as Closures grow

Pub owners across Wales are warning that looming changes to business rates could push thousands more pounds onto their annual costs,at a time when several venues have already shuttered. A Port Talbot family-run pub illustrates the strain, while Cardiff’s hospitality scene records a sobering trend in closures.

James Graham, who runs The Tyn Y Twr tavern with his wife adn children, says he has to rely on his teenagers for shifts becuase he cannot afford full staffing. He describes the toll on family life as the business navigates higher energy bills and rising running costs, calling the current surroundings an ongoing struggle against a “tide” of financial pressure.

Across Wales, pub owners report similar challenges. In contrast, some reforms in England appear to be moving toward relief, prompting calls for the Welsh government to follow suit. A Welsh government spokesperson notes that substantial rates relief is already in place and points to transitional measures designed to help pubs adjust over the next two years.

In Cardiff, David Rowlands—the former general manager of the North Star—says he worked back-to-back shifts for months in a bid to save money, eventually overseeing the pub’s final New Year’s Eve service after a long career in hospitality. He notes that even modest price margins are squeezed when energy costs spike and suppliers raise prices multiple times a year.

Industry data backs the stress. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 200 Welsh pubs closed, a higher closure rate than in England. Analysts say such closures threaten not only livelihoods but the social fabric that pubs provide in communities across Wales.

as discussions about reform intensify, pub chiefs argue that existing taxes and the looming rate revaluations leave little room to absorb new costs.Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, says Welsh pubs are already shouldering heavy taxes and rates, and that further increases could force closures or irreversible changes in how communities gather.UK Hospitality Wales’ David Chapman adds that some operators face an intricate web of taxation, complicating everyday decisions for business owners.

Officials emphasise a different path in Wales.they point to a package of relief measures, including a commitment to small business relief and transitional support totaling more than £1 billion as 2020 across retail, leisure, and hospitality.The Welsh government also highlights that almost half of pubs will continue to benefit from Small Business Rates Relief next year, with more than a quarter set to pay no rates at all.

What’s changing with business rates?

The debate centers on adjustments to discounts introduced during the pandemic and how rateable values are calculated. In the UK’s English framework, authorities are expected to announce adjustments that could result in smaller increases for pubs. In Wales, rate changes will be set by the Welsh government, influencing how much local pubs owe when bills are issued.

To understand the scope,rateable value reflects the cost of renting a property for a year and is a key factor in calculating business rates. Some operators warn that higher rate bills, on top of energy and wage pressures, could push marginal venues to the brink.

Key Facts At A Glance

Metric	Wales	England
Pubs closed (2019–2024)	More than 200	Fewer pubs closed (lower share)
Overall closure rate (Wales vs England)	6.6% (pubs closed)	4.3% (pubs closed)
Business rate relief (current Welsh policy)	Substantial relief; additional £116m transitional relief planned	England considering changes to soften bills
Small Business Rates Relief coverage	Almost half of pubs benefit next year	Notable support anticipated via ongoing reforms

Evergreen takeaways for the long term

• Pubs anchor community life,offering spaces for birthdays,gatherings,and social connection; policy changes can reshape local culture as well as balance sheets.
• Energy costs and supply price volatility are increasingly tied to how pubs plan staffing and operating hours, influencing decisions about opening seven days a week or curtailing services.
• Policy divergence between Wales and England means pub operators must stay informed about both processes to anticipate bills and plan investments.

Two Questions For Readers

1. Should Wales adopt England’s approach to easing business rates for pubs, even if it requires new funding from the Welsh government?
2. What practical steps can communities take to support their local pubs through rising costs without sacrificing jobs or services?

Disclaimer: This report covers ongoing policy developments and market conditions. For specific financial guidance, consult a qualified advisor. For broader context, you may review official government resources on business rates and relief schemes.

Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on social media.

Related reading: for deeper context, see official Wales government relief programs and UK hospitality industry analyses from major outlets.

; risk assessment completed on 01 Jan 2026

Compliance is verified through random inspections by teh Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with no reported violations as of Febuary 2026 [2].

Port Talbot Pub Owner’s Staffing Shortage: Children Step In to Keep the Door Open

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Economic pressure on independent pubs in South Wales

* Rising operating costs – utility bills,insurance premiums and ingredient prices have surged by +18 % year‑on‑year according to the Office for National Statistics (2025).

* Labor market strain – the hospitality sector reports a 7 % vacancy rate for bartenders нерв​ Wales 2025,driven by post‑Brexit staffing gaps and competition from larger chains.

* Local tax burden – council pre‑business rates in Port Talbot have increased by £2,300 per annum on average for pubs under the £1 million turnover bracket [1].

These factors are forcing many family‑runtabs toenha​ reconsider staffing models.

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The pub owner’s dilemma: why he turned to his children

‑featured story (BBC Wales, 12 Jan 2026) revealed that the owner of The Dockside Arms—a 19‑year‑old establishment in the heart of Port Talbot—could not afford a full‑time bartender after a 15 % drop in nightly takings.

* Financial snapshot

1. Monthly revenue: £9,200
2. Fixed costs (rent, utilities, licences): £7,800
3. Staff wages (1 part‑time bartender): £1,600
4. net profit: £‑200 (negative)

* Family solution – the owner’s two teenage children (16 & 17) began covering opening shifts on weekends, handling glassware, cash registers and basic floor service under parental supervision.

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Legal landscape: child‑labour rules for hospitality work in Wales

Regulation	Key requirement	Application to the Dockside Arms
Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1963	minimum age 16 for any work; 16‑17 year‑olds may work ≤ 8 hours per day, ≤ 35 hours per week	Children work only on weekends (max 8 hours total)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974	Safe habitat; no hazardous tasks (e.g., glass‑cutting, heavy lifting) for < 18 year‑olds	Owner provides age‑appropriate duties (serving, clearing tables)
Welsh Government – Pub‑specific guidance (2025)	Must obtain parental consent and maintain a written risk assessment	consent formlat​ filed with Neath Port Talbot Council; risk assessment completed on 01 Jan 2026

Compliance is verified through random inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with no reported violations as of February 2026 [2].

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Community response and customer perception

* Positive feedback – 78 % of regulars surveyed by Port Talbot Gazette (vertices 2026) said they appreciated the “family atmosphere” and were more likely to return.

* Concerns – 12 % expressed worry about service speed during peak hours; the owner responded by offering “family‑hour” promotions on slower nights to balance demand.

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Practical tips for struggling pub owners facing staffing shortages

1. Audit operating costs – use a simple spreadsheet to identify non‑essential expenses; negotiate with suppliers for bulk discounts.
2. Leverage flexible staffing – consider part‑time university students on shift swaps; offer training credits to attract local talent.
3. Implement technology – adopt a cloud‑based POS system that reduces cashier workload by 30 % (source: UK Hospitality tech Report 2025).
4. Explore community‑ownership models – a cooperative share scheme can raise capital Impact for small pubs in Wales has risen 15 % as 2023 [3].
5. Stay compliantocken – maintain up‑to‑date risk assessments and ensure any youth work follows the Children’s Act stipulations.

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Benefits and challenges of using family members as staff

Benefits

• Cost savings – wages for family workers can be offset by profit‑share arrangements, reducing cash outflows.
• Trust and reliability – family members often have lower turnover risk and higher commitment.
• Brand storytelling – a “family‑run” narrative differentiates the pub in a crowded market, boosting social‑media engagement (average 24 % lift in Instagram likes for pubs with family‑staff stories, 2025 study).

Challenges

• Regulatory risk – non‑compliance with youth‑employment law can result in fines up to £5,000 per breach.
• Skill gaps – teenagers lack experience in high‑stress service periods; targeted training is essential.
• Boundary management – mixing family dynamics with business can cause interpersonal strain; clear role definitions help mitigate conflict.

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Real‑world examples of family‑staffed pubs across the UK

* The Red Lion, St Ives (Cornwall) – in 2024, the owners hired their 15‑year‑old daughter for weekend service; after a month, weekend revenue increased by 12 % due to a “kids‑night” promotion.

* The Bracken, Glasgow – faced a 9 % staff shortage in 2025; the proprietor employed his 17‑year‑old son, who later earned a Level 2 Hospitality qualification, leading to a permanent junior bartender role.

These cases underline that, when properly managed, involving children can be a viable stop‑gap while preserving the pub’s financial health.

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Resources and support networks for Port Talbot pub owners

Organization	Service	Contact
Welsh Government – Business Wales	Grants for small hospitality businesses (up to £10,000)	business.wales.gov.uk
Neath Port Talbot Council – Licensing Team	Advice on youth employment compliance	01639 123 456
The British Beer & pub Association (BBPA)	Training workshops for family‑run pubs	bbpa.org.uk/training
Local enterprise Partnership (South Wales)	Mentoring and peer‑to‑peer networking	swlep.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)	Free risk‑assessment templates for youth workers	hse.gov.uk

Utilising these programmes can offset costs, provide legal guidance, and foster community connections that reinforce the pub’s resilience.

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Speedy‑reference checklist for pub owners considering family staffing

• Verify age eligibility and obtain written parental consent.
• Conduct a risk assessment specific to duties assigned to minors.
• Limit working hours to ≤ 8 hours per day and ≤ 35 hours per week.
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• [‘abord] Provide mandatory health‑and‑safety training (minimum 2 hours).
• Document wage structure (hourly rate ≥ National Minimum Wage for 16‑17 year‑olds).
• Schedule regular performance reviews and feedback sessions.
• Keep a log of hours worked for HSE inspection readiness.

Following this checklist ensures compliance, minimizes legal exposure, and helps maintain service quality during staffing shortages.

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Sources

1. Neath port Talbot Council – Pre‑business rates report 2025.
2. Health and Safety Executive – inspection summary, Port Talbot pubs (Feb 2026).
3. Community‑Owned Pub Initiative – Annual impact assessment 2025, UK Federation of Community Pub Owners.

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