Budget response - Nick Mackenzie, Greene King CEO

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, said: “The Prime Minister previously said the cavalry was coming for pubs, and today was the chance to prove that.“While the Chancellor has offered vital extra breathing space for the smallest pubs and brewers, today is a missed opportunity to back the entire industry for long-term growth. The accumulation of rising employment costs and a beer duty rise will more than outweigh any benefit from the 20% business rates relief.

“Pubs are the beating heart of communities up and down the country, and the Government has rightly recognised their value to the nation. We want to play our part by creating jobs, investing in the places we serve and helping local economies thrive. But only long-term reform of business rates, or a cut to VAT, will ease the relentless cocktail of costs we continue to face.”

Contact: Eleanor Heathcott EHeathcott@headlandconsultancy.com

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