As the leading independent support network for licensees for nearly 40 years, the BII has always been at the forefront of representing the essential roles they play and the good their pubs do for their communities. As part of our call to any future Government, we ask that the great contribution pubs make to charity, to the well-being of their customers, to mental health, to the support of local sports teams, to reducing the feeling of loneliness and the many other ways they provide a safe haven for so many, is recognised and rewarded.
Mike Clist CEO commented, “Now that the main party manifestos have been released, we hope that any future Government will acknowledge and appreciate the good pubs do within their communities and pledge to carry out a total reform of the business rate system. The present system is broken with pubs paying nearly 3% of the countries rates bill whilst only representing 0.5% of business turnover. We do however recognise that reform will take time and therefore also call for further rate concessions whilst the reform process is carried out”.
“As the third largest employer in the UK, please support the incredible hospitality businesses that provide something that just can’t be bought online. Something that can only have an impact face-to-face, bringing real human connections to people who otherwise may have little social interaction.”
Mike’s “My Shout” piece in the Morning Advertiser from earlier this year was shared over 800 times and struck a chord with many in our industry and beyond.
https://twitter.com/BIIandBIIAB/status/1198873960114343936
Notes to editors:
The BII is the leading independent licensee support organisation for individuals working in hospitality, with over 8,000 individual members running premises across the UK – predominantly tenanted, leased, managed and freehold pubs.
The organisation provides free helplines, online business support, and guidance on key industry issues, face-to-face networking opportunities and savings on a range of supply deals for its members. It is the only organisation of its kind to represent the individuals working at the front line of licensed retail.
For all Press Enquiries please contact:
Molly Davis – Communications and Marketing Executive
07539 377752