Pub chiefs beg: Give us a tax break before more are lost forever
PUBLICANS have appealed to the Chancellor to give them a triple boost in today’s Budget because they are going out of business in record numbers.
Drinkers are opting to stay at home to save cash as the price of a pint climbs higher – rising more than 8% in 2023 to £4.80.
The British Beer and Pub Association reports 10 pubs closing their doors every week with more than 1,000 lost in the past two years.
The BBPA wants to see lower taxes in the form ofVAT and business rates, lower beer duty and better training available for potential staff.
UKHospitality added to the calls on the Chancellor as it reported the closure of 2,958 pubs, bars and restaurants in 2023 alone.
Since the start of the pandemic 17,090 licenced premises including restaurants have gone to the wall, their research by CGA/NIQ revealed.
Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, also wants to see lower employer National Insurance to reduce the cost of employing staff.
She said: “The stark closure figures we’re seeing underline the seismic challenges facing hospitality businesses.
“It is now a case of supporting the sector or losing many businesses for good.
“It’s clear that endless price rises and an ever-growing tax burden has left businesses on the cliff-edge and has deterred investment.
“Venues have had no choice but to use their cash reserves to pay bills, keep the lights on and help people remain in jobs, instead of investing in and growing their businesses.
“This is unsustainable. Cities, towns and villages are being robbed of vital assets that are essential to our local economies, but more importantly to the wellbeing of local communities.
“With the right action from Government, this can be a short-term blip and the sector can fulfil its potential in driving economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs. “Measures to help reduce business rates and wage bills will help businesses immediately, while a lower rate ofVAT will benefit the nation, businesses and consumers for decades to come.
“I urge the Chancellor to act now to protect businesses that truly deliver back to communities.”
Miles Beale, chief executive of theWine and SpiritTrade Association, added: “We are urging the Chancellor to cut alcohol duty at the Budget which would ease some of the pressure on our beleaguered hospitality sector.
“In August we saw the largest alcohol duty hikes in almost 50 years which has resulted in a fall in sales, price increases and a loss of almost £600million in Treasury coffers. “Cutting alcohol duty will help reverse the downward trend, support the struggling hospitality sector and boost revenue to the Treasury.”