Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite the Government’s clear intention to support pubs with permanent business rates reform - which we welcomed - these lower multipliers are vastly insufficient. The Budget has missed a clear opportunity to meaningfully reduce the disproportionate burden on pubs. There’s little to raise a glass to because bills for most will go up overall and, therefore, it will become harder for pubs to stay open which will risk jobs, the hearts of communities, and drive growth. 

“Not only will there be higher bills, many pubs will pay rates for the first time at next year’s revaluation process, despite measures to cap these bills. It is an understatement to say there is more work to be done to ensure that brewers and pubs, which are vital for jobs and neighbourhoods, can thrive.

“It would be remiss not to mention how damaging beer duty rises and higher wage bills will be for the cost of doing business and the subsequent higher prices for consumers, which is why Government must better support Britain’s brewers and pubs who can deliver growth. Following this Budget, it is now more important than ever that people support their local.”