"Business Rates Relief for Pubs Sparks Jubilation, but Calls for Permanent Solution Grow. In a major victory for the UK's pub industry, the government has announced a review of business rates relief for establishments deemed 'anti-social', with an initial win for pub landlords who will now benefit from a one-year cut in business rates. The move has been hailed by Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, as a 'brilliant start' to the new Prime Minister's tenure. Pubs, which create jobs and serve as community hubs, have long complained about the unfair burden of business rates, and the relief is seen as a crucial lifeline for an industry struggling to stay afloat. However, the question remains whether this one-year reprieve will be enough, with lobbyists now pushing for the relief to be made permanent and the broader business rates system to be overhauled."
Live, rolling coverage of business, economics and financial markets as government says it will review reliefs for ‘anti-social’ businessesBack on the business rates cuts, and pub landlords are – perhaps unsurprisingly – very happy. But lobbyists never stop: now they want the one-year relief to be made permanent.Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:For years and years, pubs have paid a disproportionately higher rate which has ground down their ability to keep the doors open, so we’re delighted that after working with Andy Burnham’s team prior to his election as Labour Party leader, he has swiftly acted on our concerns and provided new backing to our nation’s pubs as he promised.The local has and always will be more than just a place to get a pint; it creates jobs, it’s our nation’s living room, it’s the anchor of the high street, so this sorely needed discount will be celebrated by pubs up and down the country.This is a brilliant start to the new Prime Minister’s tenure, living up to the statements that he’s made before about pubs, pints and people.Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social clubs, bricks and mortar businesses that are also vital social institutions for their communities and desperately needs reform. Continue reading...
