Archive · 7 Jan 2026
UK Pubs Seek Tax Relief Amid Rising Costs
UK pubs and hotels are asking the government for help with their taxes.
The government changed how taxes are calculated, and this means pubs and hotels will have to pay more.
The groups representing these businesses had a meeting with government officials to ask for lower taxes.
They say that without help, many businesses might have to close.
The government says they are already helping by making some taxes lower and giving businesses time to adjust.
Some pub owners are even protesting by not letting certain politicians into their pubs.
UK pubs and hotels are seeking tax discounts to offset rising business rates.
Lobbyists met with Treasury officials to push for a reduction in business rates specific to pubs.
The government's budget changes include a revaluation of business properties, leading to increased bills for hospitality businesses.
Without changes, a typical pub could see a 76% increase in business rates by 2028/29, and hotels could see a 115% increase.
The government has defended its measures, pointing to transition relief and other support measures.
- Who
- UK pubs and hotels, Treasury officials, Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- What
- Discussions on tax discounts and relief for the hospitality sector
- When
- Talks held on Tuesday, budget changes announced in November
- Where
- UK
- Why
- To alleviate the financial burden of rising business rates on pubs and hotels
- Stakeholders
- UK pubs and hotels
- Government Body
- Treasury officials
- Key Figures
- Emma McClarkin, Dan Tomlinson, Keir Starmer, Tom Wells
- Tax Changes
- Business rates revaluation and multiplier reduction
- Projected Tax Increases
- 76% for pubs, 115% for hotels by 2028/29
- Government Support
- Three-year transition relief, licensing changes, alcohol duty cuts
- Protest Actions
- Banning Labour MPs from pubs