Commenting on the Welsh Government's announcement that pubs will receive a 30% discount on business rates bills in the next financial year from April 2027, Chris Charters, Director of CAMRA Wales said:
“It is refreshing to see a First Minister and Welsh Government recognising the importance of pubs and social clubs to local communities and giving them extra support so that more can survive and thrive. This builds on their existing plans to introduce a ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help local people save their pub.
"Ministers should now cement their pro-pub stance by introducing much needed planning protections to stop pubs being converted into restaurants, shops and takeaways against the wishes of local people.
“The UK Government also need to act in their upcoming Budget to cut VAT and alcohol duty charged on pints served in pubs to encourage pubgoing and make sure our locals can compete with cheap supermarket alcohol."
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