Pub chiefs beg: Give us a tax break before more are lost forever

PUBLICANS have appealed to the Chancellor to give them a triple boost in today's Budget because they are going out of business in record numbers.

- Robert Kellaway

Drinkers are opting to stay at home to save cash as the price of a pint climbs higher - rising more than 8% in 2023 to £4.80.

The British Beer and Pub Association reports 10 pubs closing their doors every week with more than 1,000 lost in the past two years.

The BBPA wants to see lower taxes in the form of VAT and business rates, lower beer duty and better training available for potential staff.

UKHospitality added to the calls on the Chancellor as it reported the closure of 2,958 pubs, bars and restaurants in 2023 alone.

Since the start of the pandemic 17,090 licenced premises including restaurants have gone to the wall, their research by CGA/NIQ revealed.