How pubs can fight back against taxation

By Nikkie Thatcher

- Last updated on GMT

Fight the good fight: The on-trade has long suffered from government taxes that seem to avoid hitting supermarkets - but a campaign group bids to help
Fight the good fight: The on-trade has long suffered from government taxes that seem to avoid hitting supermarkets - but a campaign group bids to help
Pubs are still facing strong headwinds of financial pressures from all angles but campaign group Long Live the Local are fighting the battle to put the on-trade back on a level playing field.

While pubs are continuing to close left, right and centre, changes in taxation can help alter this, the group said.

Programme director David Cunningham said: “These closures are, in part, driven by high and sustained operating cost increases such as employment costs, food and drink inflation and disproportionately high taxes including beer duty, business rates and VAT.”

Boosting profits

On a more positive note, he also said pubs looking to thrive should ensure their customer service is at the top of its game, alongside offering a strong food and drink serving to boost footfall and profits.

Pubs that have succeeded at this are The Morning Advertiser​’s Great British Pub Awards finalists for 2019.

With new categories such as Best Pub Manager and Best Local, this year’s title of the best pub in the country is up for grabs.

Get 3 issues of The Morning Advertiser ​​​​for just £12​​​​ ​​​​with this exclusive offer and be the first to see the latest advice and tips on how to build a stronger pub, as well as interviews with those at the top of the pub trade.

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