Brits say pub tax is unfair - and 3 out of 4 young voters could make it an election issue

• 72% of adults say the current business rates deal for pubs is unfair 

• 55% of voters – rising to 73% among 25- to 34-year-olds – would back a party that pledges to cut pub taxes, turning rates reform into a potential election lever 

• The British Beer and Pub Association says the Government must use next Budget to fix mounting costs pressures, by delivering meaningful business rates reform

Britons believe the tax system is failing the nation’s pubs, as new polling shows that nearly three-quarters consider business rates unfair – and more than half would  back a political party that cuts pub taxes. 

Almost three-quarters of adults (72 per cent) say the system is unfair even after learning about the government’s temporary forty-per-cent relief. 

The new poll, commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), reveals that the business rates burden on pubs has become politically contentious. Over half the electorate (55 per cent) say they would vote for a party that promises to ease the tax pressure on pubs. Support climbs to seventy-three per cent among 25 to 34-year-olds.

These findings land as the BBPA warns that without meaningful business rates reform, Britain’s pubs and breweries will struggle to survive and continue to close at a rate of one pub per day. 

The cut from a 75% rate relief to eligible pubs, down to just 40% was estimated to cost the pub sector £98m. On top of this, publicans now keep just 12 pence on every pint sold, squeezed not only by unfair tax but also by rising energy bills, staffing costs and regulatory pressures. 

The BBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign argues that the next Budget is the best chance in a generation to secure permanent, meaningful reform of business rates and to embed fairer beer duty. 

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:“This data is crystal clear that many see pubs as a lifeline instead of a luxury. However, too many pubs are finding it impossible to keep the doors open when they’re up against so many punishing rates and regulations.

“When a pub closes it not only takes away the heart and soul of the community, but hurts working people and their families who rely on those wages.

“The government can turn this around by delivering meaningful business rates reforms that will ultimately boost jobs, high streets, and the economy.” 

The findings show the public agrees that pubs are central to communities, as 55 per cent of respondents say that a good local ranks in their three most important neighbourhood amenities - ahead of schools, places of worship and gyms. And 58 per cent say they have attended or organised an activity such as a playgroup, darts night or book club in a pub during the past year. 

Despite this role, pubs still pay significantly more in business rates than comparable community spaces. That disparity helps explain why 76 per cent of the public believes pubs that host community services deserve a reduced tax burden, the British Beer and Pub Association said.

Paul Frost of The Langton in Bristol said, "Pubs like ours are seen as the heart of the community by everyone, except the taxman. We host choirs, toddler groups, charity events, and even a wellness hub, but business rates haven't caught up with reality. The support just isn’t there, even though we’re doing more than ever to bring people together.” 

Kate Davidson, The Old Ivy House in London said, "We knew it would be tough, but it’s become relentless. We're growing, but the profits don’t reflect that proportionally. The pub isn’t just about pints; it’s about lonely people finding connection, students bonding with retirees, and parents feeling welcome. That’s the value the current rates system completely ignores.”

The BBPA is urging supporters to join Long Live the Local and email their MP before the Budget, calling for an overhaul of business rates, a duty cut in line with European averages and action on spiralling regulatory costs. 

You can find more details at https://www.longlivethelocal.pub.

Notes to editors

Methodology 

The online survey of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+ was conducted by Savanta between the 25th and 28th of July and weighted by gender, age, region and socio-economic group.

Media enquiries

For interviews with any spokespeople or additional information on the data set, please contact:

Yiannis Baboulias - yiannis@89up.org, +447862793392

Carmen Ghazi - carmen@89up.org, +447305479379

About the BBPA

Established in 1904, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is the UK’s leading trade association that represents almost half of the UK’s pubs and breweries, with its members brewing over 90% of British beer and owning over 20,000 pubs. 

BBPA’s mission is to support its members - from family-run regional brewers to international pub companies - helping them to thrive and serve their communities across the country by providing jobs, community wellbeing, pride of place, investment and economic value.

The Association is responsible for a number of notable campaigns, including its ‘Challenge 25’ campaign, which was rolled out across the country to prevent underage drinking. 

About Long Live the Local

The BBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign seeks to raise awareness of the social and economic benefits of pubs and breweries across the UK and the challenges they are currently facing. 

Long Live The Local is demanding that the government recognises the contribution that pubs make to this country and has three simple asks to reduce the soaring cost of doing business: 

• Swift delivery of permanent and meaningful business rate reforms 

• Reduce beer duty to the European average

• Take steps to mitigate huge regulatory cost increases currently facing pubs and brewers 

For interviews with any spokespeople or additional information on the data set, please contact:

Yiannis Baboulias - yiannis@89up.org, +447862793392

Carmen Ghazi - carmen@89up.org, +447305479379

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