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Hospitality sector sees ‘Burnham bounce’ in optimism after business rates move

A survey found 37% of pubs, bars, and hotels now expect the government to benefit hospitality and brewing, up from 18% before the business rates discount, but three quarters still cite taxes, led by VAT, as the biggest barrier.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

UK hospitality and brewing businesses reported a more optimistic outlook after the UK prime minister’s overtures and a discount on business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues, according to a survey by multiple trade bodies, shared with the Guardian.

The polling showed 37% of businesses in the sector now feel the government will benefit hospitality and brewing, which are collectively worth about £100 billion to the economy. That optimism is more than double the 18% recorded before the business rates policy was announced, a shift the trade bodies described as a “Burnham bounce.”

While the survey reflected improved sentiment, the groups warned significant challenges remain, with some venue owners saying the steps so far have done little to reduce rising costs. Three quarters of respondents pointed to tax, particularly VAT, as the biggest barrier for businesses, and 37% cited political instability as the second biggest factor.

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