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FOUR TRADE BODIES HAVE COME TOGETHER TODAY TO WARN HOSPITALITY IS “UNDER THREAT” DUE TO APRIL’S NATIONAL INSURANCE RISES AND BUSINESS RATES SHAKE-UP. 07:35, 02 Jun 2025 New rules for pubs in
England are putting boozers at risk. Pubs and restaurants are "under threat" after the Labour Party government's tax hike, with pub punters warned about the pressure drinking
spots are currently under. Four trade bodies have come together today to warn hospitality is “under threat” due to April’s National Insurance rises and Business Rates shake-up. UK
Hospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster have issued the warning. In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “The
Government seems to be setting itself up to miss its own targets with these most recent cost hikes for the hospitality sector. READ MORE SMART MOTORWAYS COULD BE SCRAPPED FROM ENGLAND
ENTIRELY “Hospitality is vital to the UK economy but is under threat from ongoing costs rises, which the April increases have only exacerbated. Jobs are being lost, livelihoods under threat,
communities set to lose precious assets, and consumers are experiencing price rises when wallets are already feeling the pinch. Article continues below The statement continued: “The
Government must act urgently to mitigate for the changes to Employer NICs and also deliver on its promise of root and brand Business Rates reform. "The overall tax burden on our sector
must be reduced, including consideration of the long-standing ask of a VAT cut for the sector, so the hospitality industry can return to investment, job creation, and growth in communities
the length and breadth of the country.” Six in 10 businesses reported having to cut jobs, while 63% have reduced the hours available to staff. The average price of a pint has already soared
to £5.17 in Britain, too. Article continues below The survey, which was undertaken in May, also found over half of operators have been forced to cancel investment. And 76 per cent of
hospitality operators reported that they have had to pass on costs to consumers, by increasing prices. Operators are calling on the Labour Party government to reverse Employer NIC changes,
introduce a VAT reduction for hospitality, and expedite delivery of lower business rate multipliers.