Analysis by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) suggests that almost 2,000 pubs in Wales will benefit from the Welsh Government’s decision to further invest in and extend the high street rates relief scheme in 2019-2020. The move will see each high street business receive a £2,500 cut to their rates next year.

The analysis by the BBPA also found that the rates relief for pubs on the high street will be worth £4 million in total, with 500 pubs being taken out of business rates altogether.

Commenting on the new high street relief scheme in Wales, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:

“As a judge of this year’s Great British High Street’s competition, I had the pleasure to visit finalists in both Holywell and Cowbridge; both great examples of what good local partnerships can achieve, but there is so much more that we can do. The high street is an important part of any town or city. Of course, pubs are the heart of the community and an important part of the high street offer, but as an industry they face considerable cost pressures from a range of sources; particularly high beer duty, unfair business rates and VAT.

“These measures by the Welsh Government to not only extend, but also increase investment in the high streets relief scheme are most welcome. Nearly 2,000 pubs in Wales will benefit from the rates relief with 500 pubs being taken out of business rates altogether. For some pubs, it could be the difference between staying open rather than closing their doors for good.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 405 815

Nick Lawrie, Digital Communications Manager: 020 7627 9156/ 07824 359 013

Adam Beazley, Communications & Campaigns Officer: 020 7627 9155 / 07507 836 708

Notes to editors:

BBPA analysis based on data from the Valuation Office Agency found:

• 1,917 pubs will benefit from the new high street rates relief in Wales
• The new high streets rates relief in Wales will be worth £4,012,674 to pubs in total
• 500 pubs will be taken out of business rates all together from the high street rates relief changes

The British Beer & Pub Association is the leading body representing Britain’s brewers and pub companies. The Association is more than a century old and was originally founded as the Brewers’ Society in 1904. Our members account for some 90 per cent of beer brewed in Britain today, and own around 20,000 of the nation’s pubs.