Pubs and restaurants warn of closures if taxes rise and business rates relief ends

Pubs and restaurants are warning of closures and a tough Christmas ahead if Rachel Reeves's budget this week raises taxes and ends a Covid-era relief on business rates.

A survey by NielsenIQ found that 54% of businesses surveyed would reduce employment and 51% would cancel planned investments if business rates were reintroduced.

The British Beer and Pub Association and other lobby groups are urging the government to make the business rates relief permanent to support hospitality businesses.

Without continued business rates relief, hospitality sector tax bills could quadruple, raising significant concerns about potential job losses and site closures.

Read at www.theguardian.com