Star invests a further £4m in rent reductions

Star Pubs & Bars is to invest a further £4m in rent reductions for its leased and tenanted pubs in September and October.

The company’s previous rent support was due to come to an end at the end of August, once pubs were open and trading, but it has instead opted for a tapering reduction rate through to October.

Its 50%, 75% and 90% rent reductions will reduce to 40%, 55% and 70% in September, and then to 30%, 35% and 50% in October, bringing Star’s total rent support package to £25m.

“We have invested heavily in helping licensees through these difficult times,” said Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars. “Throughout, we have been transparent and consistent with the rent reductions that we have offered.

“We hope this latest tapered rent relief will help licensees plan ahead as much they are able to, and we will continue to review our overall support as we have done since the beginning. Now seems the right time to offer tapered support as the feedback from our estate has been encouraging overall with consumer confidence growing and many licensees trading near to pre-lock down levels.”