Several major pub chains in the UK have thrown their support behind a campaign calling for government assistance to save struggling pubs. JD Wetherspoon, Greene King, Stonegate, Young's, and Fuller, Smith & Turner are among the chains backing the campaign. The pub industry warns that without government support, up to 10,000 pubs could be forced to close in the coming year. Rising costs for beer, energy, menu items, and staff have already pushed the average price of a pint to a record £4.67, putting trade at risk.
Government Help Needed to Avoid Pub Closures
The UK's largest pub chains have joined forces to call for government intervention to save struggling pubs. They are urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to extend business rate relief and freeze alcohol duty in order to provide much-needed support to the industry. Without this assistance, the pub sector warns that thousands of establishments may be forced to shut their doors permanently.
Overburdened with Taxes
Pub owners argue that they are unfairly burdened with high taxes compared to other businesses. Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin points out that pubs pay two percent VAT on food sales, while supermarkets pay nothing. Stonegate boss David McDowall emphasizes that business rate relief has been a crucial lifeline for the hospitality sector. Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie adds that the cost of doing business continues to rise, making it difficult for pubs to stay afloat.
Freezing Alcohol Duty and Business Rates Relief
The pub chains are calling for a freeze on alcohol duty and an extension of business rates relief. Young's boss Simon Dodd believes that these measures will help revive struggling operators and breathe life back into high streets. Fuller, Smith & Turner's Simon Emeny stresses that an extension of business rates relief could be the deciding factor between pubs staying open or closing permanently.
Industry in Peril
The UK pub industry is facing unprecedented challenges, with rising costs and the impact of the pandemic threatening its survival. The support of these major pub chains adds weight to the campaign for government assistance, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent widespread closures.
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