'Tax hikes will shut hundreds of pubs'

PUB chiefs have demanded urgent tax relief to help avoid widespread closures and job cuts after holding an emergency meeting.

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Industry leaders have said they are “petrified” over the impact of impending tax hikes announced as part of last month's budget.

The British Beer and Pub Association has called on the Government to introduce 30% business rates relief specifically for pubs to help protect the future of businesses across the UK.

Pub bosses have warned that higher business rates could lead to as many as 15,000 job losses and hundreds of closures.

In last month’s Budget, the Chancellor announced a current 40% discount for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses which is capped at £110,000 per business will end on March 31 next year.