05 Apr 2025
Campaign group Save St Albans Pubs has said the Government is squeezing businesses dry, and is calling on local residents to pledge their support for vital changes to keep them afloat.
The trading positions of pubs across St Albans remains stressed with major inflationary issues still a huge concern for pubs in the district. Food inflation remains stubbornly high and does not seem to be shifting which is having a profound effect on pricing. Breweries and wholesalers are adding to this stress by passing on all increases direct to publicans which is creating difficult trading conditions and price increases at the hand pump.
SSAP chair Sean Hughes said hostelries are having to adapt their opening times and lay off staff to find reductions in costs in response to the Government’s decision to increase employers’ National Insurance Contributions, minimum wage and business rates on pubs.
“Many pubs across the district will now close on certain days or at lunchtimes in order to save money. Pubs have been so affected by COVID debts and wholesale increases that they simply do not have any room to absorb any increases to trading costs. VAT is still at 20% which we believe to be far too high for our industry and business rates are still unfairly charged at seriously inflated levels. Pubs in the central area of St Albans pay almost double business rates to that of restaurants due to the way the Government rates pubs specifically. Pubs are rated on turnover (unlike other businesses) and with huge increases in costs turnover increases, thus pubs rates increase.T
“he problem is that increased turnover does not equal increased profits and so this is a hugely unfair way to rate our pubs and we continue to fight to get fundamental reform on the rates system for pubs specifically.
The Government doesn’t appear to be listening to the industry – but what more does he think can be done to put ptressure on them for changes in business rates?
“Please write to your local MP and ask for support for the Government to finally have a fundamental reform on business rates. Also email to show your support in lower VAT for hospitality – lower VAT will help our industry invest in workers and will help with investment into our industry. Our industry is struggling with the highest taxation ever implemented on us and this only results in one thing – your pint gets more and more expensive… Our local MP, Daisy Cooper has been very supportive with our pubs.
“All of the pubs of St Albans need their neighbours and visitors to continue to support their local pub. We would all like to thank you all for being incredible by supporting your local pubs.”
