The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has welcomed Chancellor George Osborne’s autumn statement, citing particularly business rate changes.
Head of communications, Tom Stainer, said: “With 31 pubs closing every week, the Chancellor’s extension of small business rate relief and an additional £500 business rates reduction for most pubs in England is great news for pubgoers.
“Business rates are a significant burden on pubs and so these announcements will help keep pubs open, boost investment and ensure consumers continue to benefit from great pubs.
“The review of business rates also provides an opportunity to address the disproportionate tax burden on pub beer sales compared to supermarket beer sales.”
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said: “I am very pleased to see that small business rate relief has been extended for a further year today. The increase in the retail relief to £1,500 is more good news, that will benefit 64% of pubs. Overall, over 70% of pubs will receive retail relief.
“For pubs, the current business rates regime makes up 10% of costs. As well as getting bills down, we need to make it easier for pubs to appeal their rates bills and make the system more responsive to changing business conditions. The Government is certainly giving increasing attention to this important issue for pubs.
“I also welcome the removal of national insurance payments for apprenticeships for those under 25. The pub industry can create many jobs and careers for young people quickly, with around 45 per cent of the country’s 600,000 pub employees under 25. Making it easier to create more apprenticeships is good news.”
