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21st December 2023

BII reacts to the decisions on business rates relief in Scotland and Wales

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) is disappointed that the devolved Governments of Scotland and Wales have decided not to pass on the full business rates relief announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement for 2024.  Recognising the invaluable contribution of pubs in high streets and communities across the UK, he provided vital support for many licensees via a 75% business rates relief to allow pubs across the country to weather the exceptional trading pressures that they are facing.

Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, commented ‘Our members pubs across the whole of the UK are facing exceptional trading pressures through high energy bills, food & drink bills having risen by 40% over the last 24 months and rising staff costs.  These short-term pressures are threatening the viability of many pubs and also holding back vital investment that would drive further growth in the sector.  The early notice of business rates relief for 2024 is a vital element of a package of investment in pubs that is critical to unlock their full potential.  Our nations pubs hold a unique place in all our communities providing a welcoming and accessible place for all, supporting vital skilled local employment and suppliers, in addition to being at the heart of economic growth.  We would ask the Scottish and Welsh Governments to urgently re-evaluate their decisions and provide the full level of business rates relief across the UK.’

BII Licensee of the year 2023 finalist Tommy Fox, MBII who runs ‘The Barrelman’ in Dundee is urging fellow Scottish publicans to support a petition asking for parity with their English counterparts and the granting of a 75% rate relief for bars, restaurants and hotels.

Sign the petition here: https://bit.ly/Scottish-Parity

Notes to the editor:

About the British Institute of Innkeeping:

The BII is the leading independent licensee support organisation for individuals working in hospitality, with over 13,000 individual members running premises across the UK – predominantly tenanted, leased, managed and freehold pubs. The organisation provides expert helplines, online business support, and guidance on key industry issues, and savings on a range of supply deals for its members, keeping pubs thriving in the heart of every community.


For further information please contact:

The BII Team

Membership@bii.org
Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, GU51 2UZ

Web: www.bii.org

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