CAMRA responds to the announcement of independent review of how pub and hotels are valued for business rates in England
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman, said:
"This is another promising step from the new Government. Our pubs have suffered for far too long under the current ratings system, which punishes bricks and mortar businesses, and creates the ridiculous situation where global giants pay less per square metre for warehousing than a licensee does for their pub.
“An independent review is a great way to look at this, and we will definitely be taking part on behalf of beer drinkers and pubgoers. As always, the real difference will be dependent on the results. Hopefully, there will be fundamental changes to the out-of-date ratings system and publicans will have the certainty and incentive to grow their businesses.
"We hope the right stakeholders will be involved to make sure that the best outcome is found for publicans and pubgoers.
“Ordinary drinkers want their locals open, busy, and at the centre of communities. Tackling our unfair business rates system will help if the review delivers lower and fairer bills."
