The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has called on the Government to help local pubs by cutting their business rate bills.
The Government introduced a one-off £1,000 discount scheme for some pubs in the last Budget, but CAMRA says this does not go far enough and has launched a campaign calling on ministers to increase the business rate relief available to £5,000.
The campaign follows new research conducted by YouGov on behalf of CAMRA, which found that the public overwhelmingly supports an urgent tax break for pubs.
More than two-thirds (69%) of people who expressed an opinion agree with the argument that pubs should receive tax relief as they provide safe places to drink responsibly.
CAMRA will also be asking attendees at this week’s Great British Beer Festival in London to back its campaign.
‘Taxes now make up more than a third of the cost of a pub pint,’ said CAMRA’s national chairman, Colin Valentine.
‘Despite the fact that pubs currently account for 0.5% of turnover of the UK economy, they are still paying 2.8% of the business rates. This is frankly unsustainable, and it is the consumer that will ultimately pay the price - whether it's when their beloved local closes down or when the price of their pint goes up.
‘It’s clear that most of us believe that pubs need our help and recognise the vital role that they play in local communities,’ added Mr Valentine.
‘From celebrating a special occasion to meeting up with friends after work, pubs are an integral part of many people’s social lives. Business rate relief is urgently needed in order to ensure their continued survival.’