Government announces support package for pubs

Just hours after the Tameside-based group behind the Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands appointed administrators, the government has announced a support package including business rates and licensing reform for pubs. 

Almost 600 jobs have been lost after the administration of The Revel Collective, although rescue deals safeguarded a further 1,582 roles. The locations of the closed Revolution sites include two in Manchester at Oxford Road and Parsonage Gardens.

Support for pubs and live music venues

Pubs will get a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, as well as a review into the method used to value them for business rates. 

Pubs have faced significant pressure as their numbers have fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010, a roughly 15% reduction and amongst the highest across hospitality overall. The sector has also raised concerns around the way they are valued for business rates purposes.

As many grassroots live music venues serve as pubs and vice versa, they will also be included in the support package. 

£10 million of funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years has been upped from £1.5 million for one year announced last April. The additional funding aims to help over 1,000 pubs provide extra services for local communities, including creating community cafes, village stores and play areas to help pubs bring locals and families together and boost their footfall.