Pubgoers group CAMRA NI calls for business rates cut to be matched
Responding to the announcement that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is cutting business rates bills in England by 20%, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said:
“It is refreshing to see a Prime Minister who gets how important pubs are to local communities and who wants to support them.
“But while pubs in England will get a 20% discount on business rates bills on top of the existing 15% discount already announced, businesses here feel left behind and are crying out for similar help so they can survive and thrive.
“Ministers must match Andy Burnham’s pro-pub stance and cut business rates bills in recognition of the importance of pubs in bringing people together and as vital parts of local economies.
“Pubgoers also desperately want to see the Communities Minister drag our alcohol licensing laws into the 21st century by ditching the ‘surrender principle’ so new pubs, bars, micropubs and brewery taprooms can open and provide a decent choice of venues including small and specialist pubs that are thriving in Great Britain.”
