Pub business rates comment - CEO of St Austell Brewery, Kevin Georgel

Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery: “We welcome today’s intervention by the government which will mitigate the impact of business rates increases that were scheduled for April. We are pleased that the government has engaged with our trade bodies and heard the voice of the British public who so clearly recognise and value the enormous economic, social and cultural contribution of our pubs.

“It has been heartening to see the support of the public play out so clearly across the media in recent weeks and this public support has rightly influenced the government to reconsider their proposed changes to business rates that would have seen an acceleration in pub closures.

“We hope that this intervention is a recognition that we need a full review of the fiscal and regulatory landscape that has placed an unfair and unsustainable burden on the Great British pub. We now need to continue working with the government to permanently overhaul the outdated business rates system. Over time, we must create the conditions in which pubs can not only survive, but once again thrive at the heart of their communities - providing valuable employment, fostering social connection and cohesion, and acting as engines of economic growth across the length and breadth of the country."

ENDS

About St Austell Brewery

Independent, family-owned St Austell Brewery was established in Cornwall in 1851. 

Fast forward 174 years, and the company’s range of award-winning beers - including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager - are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.  

Hot on the heels of the rebrand of its much-loved Proper Job IPA in March 2024 and the launch of its first ever no/low beer in Proper Job 0.5% in October 2024, St Austell Brewery took another huge step in reimagining its identity and values for generations to come. 

In June 2025, the business revealed its evolved brand story - a new brand identity, values, and an evolved sustainability plan - taking pride in its rich history whilst embracing a commitment to its ambitions for the future. 

The business owns over 160 pubs and inns across the West Country - including managed houses and tenancies. 

It also operates two breweries, in St Austell and Warmley, near Bath (Hare Brewery), having acquired fellow West Country brewer, Bath Ales in 2016, as well as holding a minority share in Harbour Brewing Company. 

With a network of six distribution centres across the West Country - from St Columb to Wimborne - the company is the leading drinks wholesale company in the South West.

For more information, see  https://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/ or contact:

Communications team

comms@staustellbrewery.co.uk

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