PMA and trade associations lobby MPs to support Better Rates for Pubs

07-Nov-2013 - Last updated on 07-Nov-2013 at 08:46 GMT

Business rates can represent up to 10% of a pub's costs

The Publican’s Morning Advertiser (PMA) and a range of trade associations are calling for MPs to support the campaign for lower and fairer business rates.

The PMA, along with the British Beer & Pub Association, Campaign for Real Ale, Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and Business in Sport and Leisure, has written to all MPs in the House of Commons, urging them to support the Better Rates for Pubs campaign and sign the supportive Early Day Motion (EDM) 599 from Charlotte Leslie MP.

Rate relief

The letter calls for an extension of small business rate relief beyond April 2014, the promotion of the wider use of rural rate relief by pubs and local authorities, and for greater flexibility for pubs to apply for a review of the level of business rates following a material change in turnover.

The letter states: “We have united because business rates are having an increasing impact on the viability of pubs across Britain.

“Business rates can now represent up to 10% of a pub’s costs, highlighting the significant impact this tax can have on the running of a pub.”

It adds: “We would also be happy to discuss the issue with you further and provide a breakdown on the impact of business rates in your local pubs.”

'United'

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds commented:“In last year’s budget campaign we united, we sought the support of MPs and then we delivered a real benefit for the industry. We can do this again for business rates and this is the next step in efforts to campaign for Better Rates for Pubs.

“I also welcome the enthusiastic support for this campaign from the Publican’s Morning Advertiser and encourage local publicans to contact their MP – asking them to show their support by signing EDM 599.”

Complete the PMA survey to tell us your views on business rates here.

Letter to MPs

Dear XXXX,

Beating the Business Rate Burden – Better Rates for Pubs

We are writing to ask for your support in the campaign for Better Rates for Pubs and to demonstrate this by signing EDM 599 which highlights the campaign objectives. The campaign is a joint initiative from seven industry bodies; the British Beer & Pub Association, Campaign for Real Ale, Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Business in Sport & Leisure, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the Brewing, Food & Beverages Suppliers Association and the Publican’s Morning Advertiser. We have united because business rates are having an increasing impact on the viability of pubs across Britain. Business rates can now represent up to ten per cent of a pub’s costs, highlighting the significant impact this tax can have on the running of a pub.

The pub and hospitality sector has very much welcomed the introduction and extension of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). Indeed for pubs across the country estimates show a likely increase in costs of not extending SBRR of some £27 million – reversing many of the gains from prior Government support for the sector. With this vital support for small businesses due to expire in April 2014 we urge you to support the extension of this relief going forward. We would also be happy to discuss the issue with you further and provide a local breakdown on the impact of Business Rates in your local pubs.

Beyond the initial call for an extension of SBRR the campaign also calls for the promotion of the wider use of Rural Rate Relief by pubs and local authorities and for greater flexibility for pubs to apply for a review of the level of business rates following a material change in turnover – all areas we hope you feel able to support.

Yours sincerely

(Signatory bodies are PMA, BBPA, CAMRA, FLVA, ALMR, BFBI and BISL)