Government announces support package for British pubs

This week, the Government has announced a comprehensive package aimed at supporting British pubs. The Tourism Alliance has compiled a roundup of key measures included in the package, which are as follows: 

• Business rates relief for pubs (and grassroots live music venues): a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April, then a two-year real-terms freeze.
• Valuation review (business rates): Government will review how pubs are valued for business rates, with any changes intended to feed into the 2029 revaluation. 
• High Streets Strategy: a cross-government High Streets Strategy will be published later in 2026, aimed at helping retail, leisure and hospitality thrive. 
• Planning flexibilities (consultation): in spring 2026, Government will consult on loosening planning rules for pubs, including enabling guest rooms or expanding internal space without local planning applications (and says it will consider flexibilities for other RHL premises). 
• Hospitality Support Fund: £10m over 3 years (up from £1.5m for one year) to help 1,000+ pubs add community services (cafés, village stores, play areas) and support routes into hospitality jobs. 
• Licensing reforms/extended opening hours: pubs and other licensed venues can open later for UK home nations’ games in the later stages of the Men’s FIFA World Cup this summer (with specific late-opening limits set out), plus a consultation to allow late opening for other major events (e.g., Eurovision) and legislation to increase temporary events. 
• Hotels also flagged: Government says it is reviewing how hotels are valued for business rates following stakeholder concerns. 
• England-only on business rates: business rates are devolved; this new relief applies to England, with Barnett consequentials for devolved administrations to allocate as they choose. 

You can find the full details of the package here.