Trade associations join forces to launch 'Better Rates for Pubs' campaign

21-Oct-2013 - Last updated on 23-Oct-2013 at 09:25 GMT

The BBPA is one of the signatory bodies of a new pub business rates campaign

A range of trade associations have joined together to launch a campaign on business rates called‘Better Rates for Pubs’

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA), Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association (BFBI) and Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) have joined together to challenge the burden of business rates on Britain’s pubs.

The group has written to Chancellor George Osborne MP calling for an extension of Small Business Rate Relief beyond April 2014 in the Autumn Statement.

The letter follows the Parliamentary motion put forward in the House of Commons today calling for the same extension of business rate relief.

Brigid Simmonds chief executive of the BBPA, said: “The end of relief is a ticking time bomb which will cost Britain’s pubs £27 million, something they can ill afford. Business rates can be up to ten per cent of a pub’s costs. Let’s hope the Government builds on the excellent decision to cut beer duty, with more tax policies that help small businesses like pubs.”

Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA, said: "The burden placed by business rates on many pubs is too high and action is needed to address this. An extension of small businesses rate relief would be a positive first step.”

The campaign is also supported by the ALMR, which has previously raised the issue of business rates.

Letter to the Chancellor:

Dear Chancellor,
Beating the Business Rate Burden – Extending Small Business Rate Relief
The pub and hospitality sector very much welcomed your previous decisions to extend SBRR. With this vital support for small businesses due to expire in April 2014 we, the five bodies and associations that represent, or have a strong interest in the success of the pub sector, are writing to urge you to extend this relief going forward.
Following your historic decision to cut beer duty and a good summer, pubs are beginning to see new opportunities. The potential for a significant increase in costs on our smallest outlets could prompt a new and unwelcome phase of business failure. Indeed for pubs across the country estimates show a likely increase in costs of not extending SBRR of some £27 million – reversing many of the gains from prior Government support for the sector.
Any assurance in your Autumn Statement, that this relief will be continued to the end of this Parliament would prompt an extremely positive reaction from the wider sector and, we are sure, would prompt a toast to you in pubs across the land.

Yours faithfully
(Signatory bodies are BBPA, CAMRA, FLVA, BFBI and BISL)