2,000 more pubs set to reopen

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has said the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions means that more than 2,000 pubs will be able to reopen, having been forced to stay shut because they couldn’t operate under social distancing and table service-only enforcements. 

After nearly 18 months of closure or operating with heavy restrictions, the trade association has warned that the lifting of restrictions would mark only the beginning of the British beer and pub sector’s recovery from the pandemic. 

This is why the BBPA is urging the government to invest in the sector by reforming VAT, beer duty and business rates to reduce the tax burden pubs and breweries face. 

“The lifting of all remaining restrictions on pubs in England, if the government sticks to its roadmap, is hugely welcome for our sector," says Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. "A pint of beer on 19 July is going to taste all the sweeter.   

“Having been one of the worst hit sectors by lockdown, our pubs and brewers now need the government to invest in them by reforming VAT, beer duty and business rates to reduce the unfair tax burden they face and aid their recovery.
 
“The brewing and pub sector have a vital role to play in building back better in communities across the country. Investment in our sector will help drive the economic bounce back and aid the government with its levelling up agenda. We also urge the devolved administrations to now follow suit by removing restrictions and ensuring the recovery of the great British pub can start nationwide.”

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