Why are UK pubs demanding tax relief?

Pubs are demanding tax relief due to significant increases in business rates following the recent budget, which they fear will lead to closures and job losses.

What is the British Beer and Pub Association asking for?

The British Beer and Pub Association is requesting a 30% business rates relief specifically for pubs, starting from April next year.

How many jobs are at risk for UK pubs?

Pub bosses warn that higher business rates could lead to as many as 15,000 job losses across the United Kingdom.

Home / Business and Economy / Pubs Face Tax Crisis: Closures Loom

Pubs Face Tax Crisis: Closures Loom

12 Dec, 2025

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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.