Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget, such as higher National Insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage, come into force in April.
“Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities.”.
The British pub industry is facing a crisis, with around six pubs closing every week in 2024, resulting in approximately 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
It urged the Government to overhaul the current business rates system of property tax for high street firms, including pubs, to help ease the burden on the sector.
“Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.
