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Pubs Face Tax Crisis: Closures Loom
12 Dec
Summary
- Pub chiefs demand urgent tax relief due to impending budget tax hikes.
- Higher business rates could lead to 15,000 job losses and hundreds of closures.
- Pubs seek 30% business rates relief from April next year to survive.
Pub industry leaders have issued a stark warning of potential widespread closures and significant job losses, following an emergency meeting to address looming tax increases.
Pub chiefs are 'petrified' by the impact of tax hikes announced in the recent budget. They specifically highlight concerns over the ending of a 40% discount on business rates for hospitality businesses, which is capped at £110,000. While a new system will be introduced with a lower multiplier, experts suggest that combined with increased rateable values, many pubs will face substantial annual bill increases, potentially rising by an average of 63% or around £6,000.
To combat these challenges, the British Beer and Pub Association is urgently calling for a 30% business rates relief package specifically for pubs, to be implemented from April next year. This intervention is deemed critical to prevent the loss of thousands of jobs and the closure of community pubs, ensuring the survival of these establishments.
