Publicans enforce mass ban of Labour MPs

Pub operators around the UK are banning Labour MPs from visiting their venues, as the backlash from the most recent Budget continues. 

The campaign was said to be started by Andy Lennox, who runs the Old Thatch pub in Dorset. After a week of activation, around 50 venues had pledged to take part, with the numbers going up each day.

At the heart of the anger is the lack of support being offered from government as taxes and costs continue to go up. Despite Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget cutting business rates, relief on the tax is due to come to an end in April 2026, meaning a sharp rise for the majority of businesses.

Banning MPs from visiting a pub is no new thing, but this most recent movement seems to be gathering momentum faster than previous efforts, showcasing just how serious the current trading situation is for many operators.

Tipping point

Along with many other operators, Joe Buckley of National Pub & Bar Awards winner The Tollemache Arms has taken to social media to explain his position.

"We’ve reached a tipping point in hospitality," he says. "Following last week’s Budget announcement, we are taking a stand: effective immediately, we are banning ALL Labour MPs from visiting our pub!

"It’s become painfully clear that they are out of touch with the realities of running a pub in today's environment. We’ve been sounding the alarm about the pressures on our industry - rising energy costs, unfair VAT rates compared to our European neighbours, payroll increases, and now a sneaky hike in business rates that many local busibesses are completely unaware of!

"We’ve held on through the challenges brought by Covid, but this latest blow is just too much. We are being taxed out of existence! Growth is not feasible, and we simply cannot incentivise recruitment or training when the costs keep piling up. 

"Until our concerns are taken seriously, we welcome none of them into our venue. It’s time to make our voices heard! This isn’t about politics or promoting another party, it’s about expressing my feelings about the people currently running our country. Let’s keep the conversation going!"

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