Punch calls for rural rate relief

Punch Taverns says it is focusing on small and rural pubs in attempts to get reductions on business rates.

These pubs have been hit hardest by the smoking ban, said property and strategy director Neil Griffiths. Applying for rate relief for pubs undergoing refurbishment is another priority, he said.

Griffiths said: "Our business rates service helps rural pub licensees apply for rate reduction of up to 50%."

He said many such applications had been successful, but exact figures were not available.

Griffiths pointed out that pubs closed for a short time to undergo changes can get rate reductions for up to three months. "It is something that is important for us to achieve for the licensees," he said.

The MA asked pub operators about experiences of the rate relief process after it was highlighted at the Community Pubs Inquiry in Westminster earlier this month.

Kate Hempsall, spokeswoman for Bedford operator Charles Wells, said around three quarters of its 250 pubs are receiving some form of assistance.

"The biggest impact of the smoking ban has been on the wet-led pubs and we offer assistance of how to get rate reductions because of it," explained Hempsall.

Rob Jones, director of Lincolnshire-based Bateman, predicted turmoil when the 2010 ratings list is made public next year.

"No doubt the rates will be increased to add more pressure for pubs," he said.