The discount for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will start next April and will be funded by reviewing tax reliefs for businesses said not to contribute to local communities, “such as vape shops”
It is the first major move in the new prime minister’s goal of reviving the British high street. The policy is expected to cost £100m.
Many pubs took part in a strong bout of campaigning against the government of Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, with hundreds banning Labour MPs in protest against taxation of the sector.
“For too long, the pubs, social clubs, and live music venues that form the backbone of local high streets have been replaced by boarded-up windows and for sale signs,” the government said.
“Today’s announcement forms part of the government’s wider plan to drive good growth in every postcode by reducing the burden on local businesses, boosting investment on high streets and helping communities to thrive.”
As well as businesses like vape shops, the government said that businesses that sell through online marketplaces “but do not comply with their tax obligations” will face a crackdown.
No comparable discount for high street retailers formed part of the announcement. However, the statement announcing the policy said that revenue raised from the online marketplace crackdown “will be reinvested in improvements to the business rates system.”
“For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that,” said Burnham.
“This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
The very largest live music venues in the country will not have access to the discount.
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