The UK hospitality sector is calling for greater consistency in business rates policy, as recent government measures deliver mixed outcomes across venues, according to legal experts.
The comments follow the Treasury’s announcement that pubs and music venues in England will receive a 15% discount on business rates from April, alongside a two-year freeze on increases. The government says the three-year support package will be worth around £1,650 for the average pub in 2026–27, and that three in four pubs will see their bills fall or remain stable.
However, industry stakeholders have warned that the wider picture remains challenging. Despite adjustments to business rates multipliers, many hospitality businesses (particularly restaurants, hotels and event venues) are still expected to face rising costs following the next revaluation.
At the same time, pandemic-era relief measures are being phased out. Discounts for small retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, which had already reduced from 75% to 40% in November, will end entirely from April, adding further financial pressure.
Richard Saxton (pictured, above), partner in the commercial property team at Clarke Willmott, said the targeted support for pubs is welcome but highlights a lack of broader strategic alignment.
“This change will benefit some parts of the hospitality sector and not others,” he said. “The government has focused on pubs as community hubs, but this overlooks the pressures facing other parts of the sector, including hotels, restaurants and venues.”
For event management professionals, the implications are significant. Rising overheads across hospitality venues, including those used for conferences, exhibitions and corporate events, could continue to impact venue pricing, availability and contract negotiations in the months ahead.
Saxton added that operators are dealing with increasing cost pressures across energy, staffing and supply chains, making long-term planning more difficult.
“Above all, operators are craving some consistency from the government,” he said.
Alongside the business rates changes, the government has also announced plans to allow pubs and licensed venues to extend opening hours during major sporting events, including this summer’s World Cup, in an effort to support footfall.
For organisers and venue buyers, the evolving landscape reinforces the importance of early planning, flexible contracting and close collaboration with venue partners as cost pressures continue to shape the hospitality market.