Hospitality Venues face closure if rates relief ends

Pubs and restaurants are warning of closures and a tough Christmas ahead if Rachel Reeves's budget this week raises taxes and ends a Covid-era relief on business rates.

- Jasper Jolly

Businesses across the economy are bracing for higher taxes, which could dent consumer spending.

However, hospitality firms are particularly worried because of the scheduled end next spring of the business rates relief, which could mean the tax bills charged on their properties will quadruple. Rates relief was introduced in 2020 for pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes when the government ordered all hospitality to close during the pandemic.