Next week, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presents her first Budget. This will be a momentous event for the hospitality industry.
Over the past few years, our pubs, bars, and taprooms have had a pretty miserable time. The venues that are still open face:
- A reversion to full business rates charges when relief ends in March
- High costs of ingredients and utilities
- Competition from supermarkets and other retailers who can sell beverages cheaper.
Now, Labour needs to balance the books, and no-one’s in any doubt that that’s going to require some tough decisions. And many interest groups will be putting forward their thoughts on where the Chancellor should spend and where she should save.
It is, however, not overplaying the situation to say that our pubs are in crisis.
With a week to go, Beer Today is highlighting the campaigns aimed at the Chancellor, from the consumer and trade organisations. It’s all fuel to hopefully see the best deal possible for the sector come next Wednesday.
The Budget 2024 section on Beer Today is open to more contributions and opinion pieces. Drop me a line at darren@beertoday.co.uk to take part.
Come on, Chancellor — help our pubs and brewers survive and thrive!
It’s Beer Today’s 20th anniversary this month!
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