The British Beer and Pub Association has called for 30 per cent business rates relief for pubs as landlords say the Budget has left them ‘petrified’
Pub bosses have convened an urgent meeting to demand immediate tax relief from the government to prevent widespread closures and redundancies. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has pressed Labour to implement 30 per cent business rates relief for pubs to safeguard the struggling sector’s future.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled long-awaited reforms to the contentious business rates system during the Budget, reducing rates for certain retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
However, property revaluations mean pubs will still face steeper rates, with trade organisation UK Hospitality projecting an average £1,400 increase in bills next year.
City pubs are set to witness their rateable value – which dictates landlords’ payments – surge by an average of 16%, or £16,836, next year, based on City AM analysis, with publicans dreading even sharper rises by decade’s end, as reported by City AM.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive, declared: “This Budget left publicans petrified and many fearing there is no way they can survive these sky-high bill increases or keep their home.
“The situation is so grave that it requires immediate action, as the very existence of thousands of pubs is at stake.
“Without urgent intervention, communities will lose their pubs at an alarming rate, and take with them livelihoods and jobs.
“A 30 per cent pub-specific relief is the simplest, fairest and fastest way to protect Britain’s locals, and we want to work with government so we can ensure the sector survives.”
In a surprising turn of events, publicans nationwide have started barring Labour politicians from their establishments. They argue that the tax alterations will disproportionately damage the hospitality industry and drive more pubs out of business.
The campaign, led by Wonky Table lobby group founder Andy Lennox, has resulted in stickers stating “No Labour MPs” being plastered on the windows of hundreds of pubs and restaurants. Posters claiming that due to the Budget only one in 10 pubs is now profitable have also been displayed, with the message: “We’re not serving them until they listen.”
Lennox, who also operates a chain of restaurants and pubs, told City AM: “Nobody wants to go down this route, but when you’re not listened to and are completely ignored, what else can we do?” He added: “We can’t strike because none of us can afford to strike, we can’t close because none of us can afford to close, so this is the only option we really have left.”
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