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UK business rates relief boosts pubs, gyms say they are excluded

The 20% discount on business rates, on top of January emergency relief, would save the average pub more than £1,000, according to tax experts.

Reported · Written up by our desk · North America

UK Hospitality and pub owners welcomed a new business rates cut for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues after Andy Burnham announced the support as part of a rapid series of policy announcements, with industry figures saying it signaled stronger backing for the sector.

According to the BBC, tax experts said the 20% discount comes on top of emergency business rates relief rolled out in January, and would save the average pub more than £1,000. Industry owners tied the need for the help to cost pressures including employer National Insurance increases, higher minimum wages, inflation, and the wider cost of living.

Not all High Street businesses were satisfied. Some operators said they would miss out on the package, including Ruth Dawson, who said her Huddersfield fitness centre faces a business rates bill she called damaging and one of the biggest threats to keeping the business operating.

Keith Bott, who runs Titanic Brewery and nine pubs, said the measure was a step toward a fairer tax system and criticized how other types of businesses, including online retailers operating out of warehouses, pay much lower business rates. Bott also urged further changes such as cutting duty on draft beer to encourage sales made in pubs.

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