Business Rates help to protect pubs welcome – but duty freeze ‘missed opportunity’: CAMRA

Chancellor should have cut tax specifically on pints in pubs to boost pub-going says consumer group 

Commenting on what today’s Autumn Statement means for pub-goers, pubs and breweries CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: 

“Extending the 75% discount on business rates bills for pubs in England for another year beyond next April is very much welcome – and much needed for pubs facing rising prices and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.  

“The Chancellor admitted that temporary measures like this couldn’t go on forever, so it is vital that the Government urgently reforms the grossly unfair business rates system which penalises pubs and puts their future at risk. 

“CAMRA is calling on the Scottish and Welsh Governments to commit, now, to offering similar help for pubs with the burden of business rates. We’d also like to see the UK Government find a way to help with business rates for the beer and pub sector in Northern Ireland if there continues to be no Executive ministers in post to do so. 

“Freezing all alcohol duty until August 2024 is certainly to be welcomed. However, this is a missed opportunity to give targeted help to protect the nation’s pubs, social clubs and taprooms by cutting tax on draught beer and cider served in pubs instead of an across-the-board freeze in all alcohol duty.  

“Reducing the tax burden specifically on pints in pubs must be extended in the future to keep pub-going affordable and to help keep pubs open and at the heart of both community life and local economies by giving them a fighting chance of competing against cheap supermarket alcohol.”