UKH calls on gov to take action on business rates amid pub closures
The recent statistics showing that during first six months of 2023 a total of 383 pubs have closed down are a “stark reminder of the realities facing pubs”
UKH has warned the government that a commitment to extend business rates relief is essential to avoid further pub closures.
New government statistics show that 383 pubs were lost for good in the first six months of 2023. That’s the equivalent of two pubs per day.
Wales was the region that experienced the most losses, with 52 pubs closing down.
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “These figures are a stark reminder of the realities facing pubs. Businesses at the heart of communities are gone forever, loyal staff losing their jobs and one less place for locals to eat and drink – this is the real cost of the economic turmoil many are facing.
“Even with rising costs and interest rates, more pain is set to come with an almost billion-pound hike in business rates next April.”
Nicholls continued: “If the government wants to back the nation’s hospitality venues, not lose them, it needs to urgently commit to an extension of business rates relief and a freeze in the current multiplier.
“Inaction on business rates will sound the death knell for not just pubs, but other hospitality venues too, and that simply must be avoided at all costs.”
Recently, the British Beer and Pub Association has also called for an extension on business rates in order to prevent further pub closures.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Under the right conditions, our pubs have proven they are resilient, standing strong for centuries, but we really need the Government to lay foundations to ensure pubs can serve their communities now and in the future.”
