Star Pubs & Bars extending up to 50% rent reduction for L&T pubs

Lessees and tenants will benefit from the same rent reductions they received in October during November with a 30%, 35% or 50% reduction, depending on individual circumstances and Government support they have been eligible for.

In addition, rent concessions will be reviewed on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future, it also announced.

Star stated this brings its total investment in rent reductions to £27.8m since pubs closed their doors at the end of March.

Continued review

The operator of around 2,500 pubs said it would continue to review rents in areas where there are strict local measures where pubs are closed.

Star also said it had cancelled rent for its Aberdeen, Bolton and Leicester pubs while they were under localised lockdown restrictions.

Furthermore, from 9 October, the pubco is also cancelling rents for more than 100 pubs in Scotland’s 16 day central belt lockdown.

Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens highlighted how the latest Government restrictions for the on-trade are affecting customer confidence.

Major blow

“We’re committed to helping our licensees through these uncertain times and reducing rent is central to the support we are providing," Mountstevens said.

“The introduction of the 10pm curfew and additional restrictions in many areas are impacting consumer confidence and are a major blow to licensees who have worked so hard to get their pubs safely back up and running.

“Alongside the whole industry, we’re urging the Government to put further financial assistance in place to offset these measures and to clarify their plans as a matter of urgency in order to bring some much-needed certainty to the hospitality sector and prevent further business closures.”