Trade bodies call on Government for further pub support

UK Hospitality, the BBPA and the BII have called on the Government to introduce further measures to support pubs through the coronavirus crisis.

In a joint letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak, the trade bodies urged Government to implement an extended flexible furlough to the end of 2020, as well as a removal of the £51k rateable value cap on grant eligibility.

It also called for improved accessibility and eligibility to loans, and additional support for brewers, including on beer duty and access to grants and rates relief.

The letter said: “There are few things more cherished than the British pub. The current crisis casts an existential shadow over the future of these national treasures and we are calling on the Chancellor to act, before many of them – and their valuable jobs, social benefits and economic contributions - are lost to us for good.

“We know that pubs, hospitality and brewers can be crucial in driving economic recovery. We thank the Chancellor for his support thus far but urge him to enable venues across the country to play their role by opening in a safe fashion, when the time is right.

“Surviving the crisis can only happen with further support from Government, allowing pubs to not only pull through but deliver future prosperity.”