Warning that time could be called on more pubs

BUSINESS rate changes threaten to call time on more pubs, restaurants and hotels next year, triggering a fresh wave of closures across Wales, an industry chief has warned.

- By CHRIS HAINES ICNN Senedd Reporter

David Chapman, executive director for trade body UKHospitality in Wales, told the Senedd's economy committee his industry faces 'enormous' pressures.

He questioned why hospitality businesses were excluded from the Welsh Government's plans to cut rates for retail businesses on high streets in town and city centres.

Mr Chapman said: "We'll end up with us seeing rises in rates from next April worth nearly £7,000 to a pub, £15,000 to a big restaurant and about £50,000 to a hotel. That, on top of all of the other circumstances, will compress and possibly reduce our ability to carry on."