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The Government has announced an additional 20 per cent reduction in business rates bills for eligible pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from 2027/28.
Nearly 32,000 venues are expected to benefit. The Government estimates that the measure will save a typical pub around £1,100 next financial year.
Further relief for venues
The new reduction follows the 15 per cent business rates relief already in place for 2026/27.
Business rates bills for eligible venues will also be frozen in real terms for a further two years. The Government says the overall package will be worth approximately £100 million a year.
The very largest live music venues will not qualify for the additional reduction. Full eligibility details are expected to be announced at the Budget.
How the measures will be funded
The Government says the package will be funded through a review of reliefs available to businesses such as vape shops, alongside proposed changes intended to improve tax compliance among online marketplaces.
A wider review of Small Business Rates Relief is also expected at the Budget.
Booze.co.uk welcomes the announcement
Business rates and their effect on pubs are among the industry issues Booze.co.uk follows particularly closely.
“This is very positive news for pubs and the wider hospitality industry. An estimated saving of £1,100 for a typical pub will be welcome, particularly alongside the existing relief and the real-terms freeze that follows.
“Business rates have a direct effect on pubs, clubs and live venues across England. We welcome the direction of this announcement and look forward to seeing the detailed eligibility rules at the Budget.”
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the GOV.UK announcement published on 23 July 2026. It represents an initial industry response and does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Final eligibility, implementation details and individual savings should be checked against official guidance when published.
