Labour has finally confirmed a support package of business rate relief for pubs, as the hospitality industry weathers a storm of rising operating costs and declining footfall.
From April, pubs will have their bills frozen for two years.
The long‑anticipated announcement has sparked backlash from live music venues and hotels, which say the wider hospitality sector faces the same pressures as pubs.
The package includes the relaxing of licensing rules for venues for hospitality venues ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Jon Collins, CEO at music venue operator LIVE, said: “The decision to protect pubs while penalising the venues that bring customers through their doors is a self-defeating policy.
“Operators are already facing business rates increases of up to 400 per cent, putting venues of every size under severe financial strain and risking closures, job losses and higher ticket prices for fans.
Operationally, this will mean job losses and higher ticket prices. Even then, this policy will deliver fewer shows and reduced investment.
When an arena show happens, local hospitality benefits immediately; when shows are lost, that spending disappears. It makes no economic sense.”
During the announcement, Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Pubs haven’t had the support they needed for many years.”
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