Overview
- The British Beer and Pub Association gathered operators in central London to press for pub‑specific relief or a pause to rate increases after warning many sites cannot see a viable future.
- Government policy will lift alcohol duty in line with RPI on 1 February 2026 and overhaul business rates from April 2026, with a £4.3 billion Transitional Relief package to cap sharp bill increases.
- A British Institute of Innkeeping survey reports 90% of landlords plan to raise drink prices, 71% expect to increase food prices, and fewer than one in ten foresee remaining profitable once changes take effect.
- UKHospitality estimates an average pub will pay about £12,900 more in business rates over three years, a 76% rise, while the BBPA projects around £150 million in extra costs across the sector next year.
- Operators describe mixed pricing decisions locally, but examples include a Kent chain weighing a 5% pint increase after a £62,000 rates jump, and dozens of venues displaying "No Labour MPs" signs in protest.