Pub landlord at The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury, Matt Lewis, has slammed Rachel Reeves’s latest Budget, calling it “insulting”.
Mr Lewis issued a bleak warning, as he told GB News that we will “see more pubs closing” in the new year.
Speaking to The People’s Channel: “Well, I think so. It’s the Friday before Christmas normally you wouldn’t be able to get near a bar, but clearly you can.
“That’s a sign of what’s coming in the future. This is going to happen up and down the country, and it’s only going to get worse. We’ll see more pubs closing. Frankly, this is probably as good as it gets.
“In the last Budget, we saw increases in business rates, the national minimum wage and alcohol duty. What was my reaction? It was insulting. The last two Budgets have been insulting.
“In the first one, they came out and said they were giving us one penny off a pint. That’s ridiculous.
“Anyone who understands the struggles pubs are facing knows that means nothing. Then, in the same breath, they put up National Insurance, lowered the threshold and increased the minimum wage.
“Now, in this Budget, they’re telling everyone they’re going to extend licensing hours and make it easier to open pubs.
Matt Lewis blasted the Budget as an ‘insult’
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GB NEWS
“I’d love to know which pubs they spoke to, because no pub is saying that what they need is more time to sell alcohol. Most can’t even afford to open for the full hours they’re already licensed for.
“What the industry actually needs is urgent action. Cut VAT, cut duty, and give pubs a real chance to survive.”
In last month’s Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised “permanently lower tax rates” for more than 750,000 retail, hospitality, and leisure properties.
But the relief will be paid for by higher rates on properties valued at £500,000 or more and many pubs will fall into this bracket when they are revalued next year.
Pubs will lose their 40 per cent rate relief from April, adding to the financial pressure on struggling businesses.
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GETTYAt the same time, pubs will lose their 40 per cent rate relief from April, adding to the financial pressure on struggling businesses.
This will be replaced by a five per cent discount to the multiplier that calculates their bill, much less than they had hoped for.
Pubs and bars across England and Wales could be allowed to stay open for longer under new Government plans to overhaul what ministers describe as “outdated” licensing laws.
A fast-tracked review will examine whether venues should be given greater freedom to serve food outdoors and put on more live music, with the aim of stripping away what the Government says are unnecessary restrictions.
Landlords, residents and local groups will be invited to contribute to a four-week call for evidence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the move was about “cutting red tape” and driving footfall to help stimulate economic growth.
However, opponents have warned that loosening alcohol licensing rules could fuel antisocial behaviour in town centres.
Sir Keir said pubs and bars were “the beating heart of our communities” and insisted the Government was committed to helping them succeed.
“When our local pubs thrive, so does the economy,” he added.