The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed the government’s announcement of a 20% business-rates reduction for pubs, clubs and eligible live-music venues across England from April next year.
The measure is expected to save a typical pub approximately £1,100 next year and will represent an annual government commitment of around £100 million.
The inclusion of clubs is particularly significant for the night-time economy and follows several weeks of engagement between the NTIA and the new Prime Minister’s team.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said:
“Having worked closely with the new Prime Minister’s team over recent weeks, it is encouraging to see a positive outcome from genuine engagement with the sector. The inclusion of clubs alongside pubs and live-music venues is particularly important and demonstrates a broader recognition of the vital economic, cultural and social contribution made by the night-time economy.
“The announcement of a 20% business-rates reduction across England from April next year is a significant and welcome intervention. With a typical pub expected to save around £1,100 annually, and the government committing approximately £100 million a year to the policy, this has the potential to provide meaningful relief to businesses facing sustained cost pressures.
“This is the third major policy announcement in as many days from the new government. Together, these interventions have undoubtedly begun to shift confidence across the sector and created renewed optimism that our concerns are being heard.
“We are still awaiting the full details and eligibility criteria, which are expected to be announced at the autumn Budget. We will also seek clarity on the proposed exclusion of the largest live-music venues and continue to press for the final scheme to provide the broadest possible support.
“The government is undoubtedly making the right noises. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue and ensuring these commitments translate into tangible and inclusive support for businesses throughout the night-time economy.”
The government has said the policy will be funded through a review of tax reliefs currently available to businesses it considers not to make a positive contribution to local communities, with vape shops cited as an example.
It has also announced plans to take stronger action against businesses selling through online marketplaces that fail to comply with their tax obligations.
As the announcement is still developing, the NTIA will review the full policy and eligibility criteria when they are published and assess their likely impact across the sector.
