We are waiting. Still waiting. What will the government’s concessions on business rates be for hospitality, retail, and leisure?
For some, the wait is irrelevant. One of the highest profile closures recently has been The Weighbridge Inn, Burton on Trent.
“The Weighbridge has long been a part of the Burton on Trent community, welcoming locals, serving pints with a smile, and being a cosy spot for connection and conversation,” said Chris Towland, on The InBurton Insider website. “It’s never easy to say goodbye to a local favourite, especially one with such heart behind it.
“We’d like to thank the whole team for everything they’ve brought to the town over the years. It’s clear they’ve created not just a pub, but a place full of memories and friendships.”
The longer we wait to hear about their plans on business rates, the longer the feeling lingers that Labour simply don’t care about pubs. I can’t believe this is true, but they’re doing nothing to challenge this now widely-held view.
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And now there are rumours that any announcement will be a temporary support package rather than permanent relief. And specifically targeted at pubs, rather than hospitality and retail as a whole.
It’s not just the pubs, of course. Berkshire’s Phantom Brewing Co is heading into administration, as is Gen!us Brewing, which supported research into motor neurone disease while operating. Great Taste Award-winning Silver Rocket Brewing, in Sussex, has also announced its closure. There are more, and there will be more to come.
Every pub that closes, every independent supplier that calls it a day — whether a brewer, snack supplier, or whatever — kills a part of our community structure. With minimum taxation and regulation, pubs boost our economy, care for our communities, and give sanctuary to those who need it.
We’re getting closer to April all the time. Pubs need help, but they also need to be able to plan. And while the waiting continues another pub door slams closed for good.
