The head of the UK's biggest pub company has warned that boozers could go bust if the sector isn't given a boost in next week's Budget.

David McDowall is CEO of the Stonegate Group, which oversees almost 4,000 pubs, including many in Watford and the surrounding area.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, he painted a bleak picture of the future for a sector that he says has faced a "barrage" of challenges in recent years.

He said: "The industry feels like its on a cliff edge from the pandemic to the inflationary situation and the continuing cost of living crisis. 

"Someone running their local pub these days probably makes about 12 pence for every pint that they serve."

Business rate support for pubs is set to expire on April, with no word on whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves will choose to extend the relief in next week's Budget.

Stonegate's CEO has expressed fears that pubs could close.Stonegate's CEO has expressed fears that pubs could close. (Image: PA (stock image)) Currently, pubs can claim 75 per cent relief on business rates up to £110,000.

Mr McDowall has warned that pubs could see their business rates quadruple in the Spring, fearing that many of his boozers "don't have any more to give".

Stonegate are currently marketing several pubs in the area that are looking for new landlords during this turbulent period for the sector.

These include the Dick Whittington in South Oxhey and the Fox and Hounds in Rickmansworth.

They've recently reopened Watford's Avabar (formerly The Horns) and the Halfway House in Rickmansworth.