Government called on for more support to safeguard future of 12,000 pubs

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to introduce beer duty cuts as well as continue the reduction in VAT and extend the Business Rates holiday, saying that these measures are “critical to enable pubs and brewers to play their vital role in reinvigorating local communities and the national economy”.

The BBPA is also asking for the Government to review the effectiveness and necessity of restrictions post lockdown, warning that the country’s pub sector faced many closures if it doesn’t get the long-term support it needs.

“As our sector enters this second lockdown, we are fearful for the future,” says BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin.

“Sector member research estimates as many as 12,000 pubs are at risk from permanent closure unless the Government provides a longer term support package for the sector.

“Countless breweries and suppliers to pubs are also at very real risk of closing for good due to this second lockdown its longer impact.

“As we enter this second lockdown, it is clear more support is going to be needed so our sector can get over this latest hurdle of a second lockdown and the inevitable further hit on consumer confidence.”