AN urgent plea for support for UK pubs, publicans and their families has been issued by a national grassroots campaign group.

The Campaign for Pubs says that the situation for pubs as we enter a third national lockdown is “truly dire” and that the current level of support is wholly inadequate.

“Pubs have already lost their trade for many months of last year, including the all-important December trade in many areas.

“Many publicans are already in considerable debt and already some pubs have closed,” said a spokesperson.

“The current level of grant support isn’t enough to cover ongoing costs, especially rent, never mind support publicans and their families, so urgent action is needed to avoid mass pub closures and hardship. There also needs to be support for small brewers and other suppliers whose businesses are threatened due to pubs being closed.”

The campaign group says it is unfair that during this current lockdown, the takeaway of alcohol from pubs has been banned, although supermarkets and shops can continue to sell alcohol as normal. It’s asking the government to reverse this position.

With the support of ‘The Pub Landlord‘ Al Murray, the Campaign for Pubs is calling for an urgent package of support including:

1. Closure grants increased to at least £1000 a week to cover costs, avoid business failure and prevent hardship.

2. A statutory rent code including the right to a rent review, to stop unreasonable rents that don’t reflect trading conditions & a presumption of no commercial rent during forced closures.

3. A business rates holiday in 2021/22

4. VAT of 5% on all pub/hospitality sales, including on all drinks, to support ALL pubs (not just places that sell food)

5. A tailored package of support, including business rates relief for small brewers & other suppliers, whose businesses are threatened by pubs being closed