A shocking act of vandalism has left the owner of a York restaurant, Clucking Oinks, devastated and frustrated. In a mindless display of destruction, a vandal smashed the window of the historic building, which dates back to the early 1700s and is Grade II listed. This incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, captured on CCTV footage, and was witnessed by the baker who discovered the damage while dropping off buns. The video shows the vandal walking past with two others, stopping, and smashing the glass for no apparent reason, seemingly just for the thrill. Mike Brand, the owner, expressed his anger and disappointment, stating that the hospitality industry is already struggling with a lack of support, and such acts only add to the challenges. This is not the first time the shop has been targeted; it's the second time someone has smashed the window, and Mike knows the repair costs will be significant. The incident comes at a particularly difficult time for the industry, with a pending hike in business rates and a general decline in trade. Mike, who has worked in hospitality for a decade, believes the government's lack of support is exacerbating the problem. He highlights the constant rise in taxes and the government's failure to address inflation, particularly in the food sector. The vandalism has not only caused financial damage but also emotional distress, as Mike circulates the video on social media, leading to an email confession from someone claiming to be the culprit. The author admitted to being drunk and offered to pay for the damage, but Mike remains cautious about the situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the hospitality industry and the need for support and understanding from the government.
